Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you have a few clever tricks up your sleeve. These kitchen hacks will save you time, minimize waste, and help you make the most of your ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these tips can transform the way you prepare meals and keep your kitchen running smoothly. From better ways to store food to easy cleaning tricks, these ideas are here to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
1. Keep Herbs Fresh Longer
To extend the freshness of herbs like parsley and cilantro, trim their stems and place them in a glass of water. Cover the glass with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain their vitality for up to two weeks.
2. Peel Garlic Effortlessly
Place garlic cloves in a jar, close the lid, and shake vigorously for a few seconds. The skins will loosen, making it easy to remove them. This hack saves time and keeps your hands from smelling like garlic.
3. Use Ice Cubes to Save Fresh Herbs
Chop your herbs and place them in an ice cube tray with a little olive oil or water. Freeze and pop out cubes as needed for soups, stews, or sautés. This prevents waste and gives you fresh flavor year-round.
4. Ripen Bananas Quickly
If you need ripe bananas for baking or snacking, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple. The ethylene gas released by the apple will speed up the ripening process, making the bananas soft and sweet in no time.
5. Keep Cookies Soft with Bread
To keep cookies from going stale, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The bread will release moisture, helping the cookies stay soft and chewy for longer.
6. Prevent Potatoes from Sprouting
Store potatoes with an apple to delay sprouting. The apple emits ethylene gas, which helps keep potatoes fresh. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dark place for best results.
7. Make Fluffy Rice Every Time
For light and fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Use the right water-to-rice ratio and let the rice rest with the lid on for a few minutes after cooking to allow steam to finish the job.
8. Soften Butter Quickly
Forgot to take butter out of the fridge? Grate it using a cheese grater to soften it quickly for baking or spreading. Alternatively, place the butter between parchment paper and gently flatten it with a rolling pin.
9. Prevent Fruit from Browning
To keep cut fruits like apples and pears from turning brown, toss them with a little lemon or lime juice. The citric acid helps preserve their color and keeps them looking fresh.
10. Clean Cast Iron Pans Easily
Instead of soap, use coarse salt and a damp cloth to scrub your cast iron pan. This method removes residue without stripping the seasoning, keeping your pan ready for your next meal.
11. Make Homemade Buttermilk Substitute
If a recipe calls for buttermilk and you don’t have any, mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes, and you’ll have a tangy substitute ready to use.
12. Separate Eggs Without the Mess
Crack the egg into a bowl, then use an empty water bottle to gently suck up the yolk. This simple trick makes separating eggs easy and avoids messy spills.
13. Cool Drinks Quickly
Wrap your drink bottle or can in a wet paper towel and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. The damp towel speeds up the cooling process, giving you a chilled beverage in no time.