Cooking is as much about experimentation as it is about following recipes. Some of the best culinary tricks might sound strange initially, but they can improve your dishes. Let’s look at 15 seemingly weird cooking hacks that might surprise you.
Smoked Flour
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Smoking your flour can take your baked goods to a whole new level. Simply spread flour on a baking tray, place it in a smoker, and smoke it for about 15 minutes. The smoky flavor adds depth to savory bakes like scones and bread, making them taste extraordinary. You can even experiment with it in certain desserts for a unique twist.
Velveting Meats
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With the velveting technique, you can achieve ultra-tender chicken or pork. Coat thin slices of meat in a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch, and a splash of soy sauce, then briefly blanch them in hot water or oil before stir-frying. This process locks in moisture and creates a silky texture. It’s a game-changer for stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes.
Frozen Ginger
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Keep fresh ginger in your freezer and grate it directly from frozen without peeling. The peel naturally separates as you grate, leaving you with pure ginger ready to use. It also lasts much longer when stored this way, saving you frequent trips to the store. Frozen ginger is a lifesaver for recipes requiring that zingy kick.
Cook by the Book
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Invest in culinary school textbooks to expand your cooking knowledge. These books delve into the science, theory, and history behind cooking techniques. Understanding the “why” behind the methods helps you improvise when cooking. It’s like taking a crash course in professional cooking without leaving your home.
Grated Butter
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Use a box grater to grate frozen butter for perfectly flaky pie crusts or biscuits. This creates tiny, uniform bits of butter that are easy to incorporate into the flour. The result is consistent layers of fat that melt during baking, creating the ideal texture. It’s quicker and more efficient than cutting butter into cubes.
Cooling Melted Butter
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Cool it down strategically to prevent melted butter from clumping when added to cold ingredients. Add a small amount of the cold liquid from your recipe to the butter, mix it, and then incorporate it into the rest of the wet ingredients. This ensures smooth mixing without solidifying the butter prematurely. It’s a simple hack for better batters.
Fancy Brownies
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Upgrade boxed brownie mix with a teaspoon of powdered malt and instant coffee. These additions enhance the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more complex. Use a high-quality mix like Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate for the best results. Your brownies will taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
Save Cheese for Better Mac
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Keep a “fromage box” in your freezer to collect leftover bits of cheese. Make a decadent mac and cheese with the assortment when it’s full. The variety of cheeses adds layers of flavor and creaminess to the dish. It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste while creating something delicious.
Subbing Pickles
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For a fun twist on sandwiches, use relish instead of sliced pickles. The smaller pieces of pickle distribute evenly, ensuring you get some in every bite. It also adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Relish works especially well in burgers, deli sandwiches, and wraps.
Add a Little Crunch
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Add apples, Asian pears, or water chestnuts to make chicken or tuna salad even tastier. These crunchy additions provide a refreshing texture contrast to the creamy base and a hint of sweetness, balancing out the flavors. Experiment with different fruits or veggies to find your favorite combination.
Improve Packet Gravy
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Brown store-bought gravy powder in a pan before adding liquid. This caramelizes the starches and deepens the flavor, making it taste more homemade. Use water or stock to complete the gravy, and you’ll have a richer, more satisfying sauce.
Saving the Plate
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When grilling meat, use foil to keep things clean and safe. Lay raw meat on a foil-covered plate, and once the meat is on the grill, discard the foil. This leaves you with a clean plate ready for the cooked meat, eliminating cross-contamination. It’s a simple but effective food safety tip.
Preheat for Roasting
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Always preheat your sheet pans before roasting vegetables. A hot pan gives the veggies a head start, producing better caramelization and crispiness. This method works wonders for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Say goodbye to soggy roasted veggies forever.
Paint the Crust
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Add an extra layer of flavor to your pie by “painting” the baked crust with high-quality vanilla extract. Use about two tablespoons, brushing it on evenly and letting it dry completely before adding the filling. The vanilla infuses the crust with a subtle sweetness and aroma. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Wow With Boxed Cake Mix
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You can make a box cake that tastes homemade by doubling the butter, adding an extra egg, and using milk instead of water. These adjustments improve the texture, richness, and flavor of the cake. The result is a moist and decadent dessert that will impress any guest. Nobody will guess it started with a mix.
15 Healthy Foods That Taste So Good They Have No Right Being Healthy
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Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Many nutritious foods are full of vitamins and minerals and taste absolutely delicious. Some of these foods might surprise you with how good they taste while still being a part of a healthy diet.
If you’re looking for guilt-free snacks or meals, check out this list of 15 healthy foods that taste so good they almost feel like a cheat.
15 Healthy Foods That Taste So Good They Have No Right Being Healthy
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