For some of us, the kitchen is the heart of our homes. But for others, it can be a daunting place. No matter where you stand on the kitchen love spectrum, we all have to cook.
And with a few simple tricks, you can make your time in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. So, let’s dive into some pro tips that will make you feel like a master chef!
1. Keep Butter at Room Temperature
If you have salted butter, you don’t need to keep it in the fridge. You can safely leave small portions of butter at room temperature for a couple of days. That way, it’s always ready to spread on your toast or add a delicious creamy touch to your cooking.
2. Easy Roasted Corn
Roasting corn is a delicious treat, but husking it can be a hassle. Here’s a time-saving trick: place the corn, still in its husks, in a preheated 350˚F oven for 30 minutes. To prevent it from burning, soak the corn in water for about 20 minutes beforehand. You’ll have perfectly roasted corn without the fuss!
3. Enhance Your Food with Citrus Zing
If your dish contains fatty or salty elements, try splashing it with some lemon or lime juice. The acidity will bring a fresh and vibrant flavor to your food, taking it to the next level of deliciousness.
4. No More Sauce Splatters in the Microwave
Microwaving pasta with sauce can be messy, with sauce splattering all over the walls. To avoid this, pour the sauce onto the bottom of the plate and place the pasta on top. This way, the pasta will heat up faster, and the sauce will stay in place.
5. Add a Pinch of Salt for Extra Chocolate Flavor
If you’re melting chocolate for a recipe, add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor even more. The salt will elevate the taste and make your chocolate creations truly irresistible.
6. Balance Acidity with Baking Soda
If your tomato sauce tastes too acidic, don’t worry. Simply add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to the sauce while cooking. The baking soda will help balance the acidity and create a smooth and well-rounded flavor.
7. Non-Stick Pan for Sticky Dough
When your dough sticks to the sides of the mixing bowl, try kneading it in a non-stick pan instead. The dough will be easier to work with, and cleanup will be a breeze.
8. Stop Your Cutting Board from Sliding
Wrestling with a sliding cutting board can be frustrating and even dangerous. To keep your board in place, place rubberized shelf liners underneath it. This simple trick will make your chopping and slicing tasks much safer and more enjoyable.
9. Repurpose Orange Nets for Easy Cleanup
Don’t throw away the plastic netting that oranges (and other fruits) come in. You can use it to remove dough residue from your tableware or table. This way, you won’t dirty your sponge with sticky dough, and you can simply toss the netting away when you’re done.
10. Quick Pineapple Marinade
If you want to marinate meat with pineapple, be careful not to leave it in for too long. The acids in the pineapple can actually make the meat turn mushy if left for more than 20-30 minutes. So, keep an eye on the clock and enjoy tender and flavorful marinated meat.
11. Sprinkle Black Pepper at the End
To elevate the taste of black pepper, add it to your dish when it’s almost cooked. The heat will release the aromatic oils of the pepper, intensifying its flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
12. Dairy-Free Cheesy Twist
If you love the taste of cheese but can’t have dairy products, try adding nutritional yeast to your meals. This cheesy substitute can be sprinkled on salads, soups, scrambled eggs, and even sandwiches. It has a distinctive aroma and flavor that will satisfy your cheese cravings.
13. Reuse Sriracha Bottles as Oil Dispensers
Those empty Sriracha containers can be repurposed into twist-top cooking oil dispensers. They are perfect for measuring small amounts of oil, especially when you only need a little. Just remember to keep transparent containers in a dark place if you store olive oil in them to preserve its freshness.
14. Heat the Pan Before Adding Oil
When cooking with stainless steel pans, make sure to heat them first before adding oil. To check if the pan is hot enough, drop a little water on its surface. If the water droplets “roll” across the surface, it’s ready for your ingredients. This technique will ensure even heat distribution and prevent food from sticking.
15. Sprinkle Powdered Sugar with a Tea Infuser
Creating a beautiful powdered sugar finish on your desserts can be challenging. But fear not! A tea infuser ball works wonders for even and precise sprinkling. Just fill it with powdered sugar and gently tap it over your sweet treats for a delicate dusting.
16. Use Bread Knives for Soft Fruits and Vegetables
When cutting fruits and vegetables with soft pulp and lots of juice, reach for a bread knife. Its serrated edge will slice through these delicate ingredients without crushing or bruising them. Say goodbye to messy fruit slices and hello to beautifully cut produce.
17. Crack Eggs on a Flat Surface
To avoid eggshell fragments getting into your food, crack eggs on a flat surface instead of an edge. This way, you’ll have better control over the cracking process and minimize the risk of shell pieces sneaking into your dish.
With these 17 kitchen tricks up your sleeve, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to enjoyable cooking experiences. Have fun experimenting with these tips and discover the joy of cooking!
