Cooking Hacks Every Home Chef Should Know
Cooking can be both an art and a science, and while mastering the basics is important, knowing a few clever cooking hacks can take your kitchen game to the next level. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, these tips and tricks will save you time, reduce waste, and help you cook like a pro. Here are some essential cooking hacks every home chef should know.
1. Keep Your Herbs Fresh Longer
Extend the Life of Your Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil can wilt quickly. To keep them fresh for longer, treat them like flowers: trim the stems and place them in a glass of water. Loosely cover them with a plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator. For basil, leave it at room temperature instead. This simple hack can extend their freshness for up to a week!
2. Peel Garlic in Seconds
An Effortless Method for Peeling Garlic Quickly.
Peeling garlic can be a time-consuming task, but there’s an easy trick to speed it up. Place the garlic cloves in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for 15-20 seconds. Once you take them out, the skins will slip right off. Alternatively, crush the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife and the peel will loosen easily.
3. Revive Stale Bread
Bring Your Bread Back to Life
If your bread is stale, there’s no need to toss it! You can easily bring it back to life with a simple trick. You can easily revive it by sprinkling the crust with a bit of water and placing it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. The moisture will refresh the bread, making it soft on the inside and crispy on the outside again.
4. Make Perfectly Crispy Bacon
Avoid Soggy or Burnt Bacon with This Simple Trick
For evenly cooked, crispy bacon every time, bake it in the oven instead of frying it in a pan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and lay the bacon strips flat without overlapping. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time based on how crispy you want it. No flipping required!
5. Prevent Boiling Over
Stop Pots from Overflowing
To prevent your pot from overflowing, lay a wooden spoon across the top. The spoon will pop the bubbles and prevent the liquid from spilling over, saving you the mess of cleaning up the stove.
6. Freeze Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil
Preserve Herbs for Later Use
If you have fresh herbs about to go bad, chop them up and freeze them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. These herb cubes are perfect for cooking—just pop one into your pan when you need to sauté or flavor a dish. This hack reduces waste and gives you fresh herbs ready to use anytime.
7. Grate Frozen Butter for Baking
Get Soft Butter in Minutes
Forgot to take butter out of the fridge for your baking needs? No worries, here’s a quick solution! Grate the frozen butter with a cheese grater, and it will soften quickly, perfect for incorporating into your recipe without waiting.
8. Easily Separate Egg Yolks
A Simple Way to Separate Eggs
If you’re struggling to separate egg yolks from whites, try using a plastic water bottle. Crack the egg into a bowl, squeeze the water bottle slightly, and use it to “suck up” the yolk. This hack works like a charm and reduces the risk of breaking the yolk.
9. Keep Potatoes from Turning Brown
Prevent Oxidation in Sliced Potatoes
If you’re prepping potatoes ahead of time, you’ve likely noticed how quickly they turn brown. To prevent this, place the peeled or cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to cook them. This trick stops the oxidation process, keeping the potatoes fresh and white.
10. Juice Citrus Fruits with Ease
Extract More Juice from Your Lemons and Limes with This Simple Trick.
To get the most juice out of citrus fruits like lemons and limes, microwave them for 10-15 seconds before cutting. This warms up the fruit, making it easier to squeeze. You can also roll the fruit on the counter with the palm of your hand to loosen up the juice inside.
11. Chill Wine Quickly
Speed Up the Cooling Process
Need to chill a bottle of wine fast? Fill a large bowl with ice, water, and a handful of salt, then submerge the bottle. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, helping your wine chill in as little as 15 minutes.
12. Cook Fish on Lemon Slices
Prevent Fish from Sticking
When grilling or baking fish, place a layer of lemon slices underneath it. Not only does this prevent the fish from sticking to the grill or pan, but it also infuses the fish with a fresh citrus flavor. A win-win!
13. Use a Damp Towel to Stabilize Cutting Boards
Safety First
If your cutting board slides around while you’re chopping, simply place a damp paper towel or dishcloth underneath it. This creates friction and keeps the board in place, making it safer and easier to chop ingredients.
14. De-seed a Pomegranate Without the Mess
Get Pomegranate Seeds Quickly
Cut your pomegranate in half, hold one half over a bowl, and tap the back of it with a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall out easily, saving you time and keeping your hands mess-free.
Conclusion
Mastering these cooking hacks will not only save you time and effort but will also improve your overall kitchen experience. Whether you’re peeling garlic, reviving stale bread, or getting the most juice out of citrus fruits, these tricks will help you cook smarter, not harder. Start incorporating these simple hacks into your cooking routine and watch your kitchen skills soar!
Written by: Mubbara Ashfaq