Cooking can often seem daunting, but with a few simple tricks, the kitchen can become a more welcoming and enjoyable space. From innovative techniques to quirky tools, there are countless ways to streamline your culinary process. This guide presents a blend of different methods and unexpected hacks that can transform how you approach cooking, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these 14 simple tricks will help make cooking a nicer.
1. Freeze Leftover Herbs in Oil
Instead of letting herbs wilt in the fridge, freeze them in olive oil using ice cube trays. This method preserves the flavor and can be directly added to soups or stews. Chop your favorite herbs and mix them with olive oil in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage. This keeps the herbs fresh and adds a rich flavor to any dish. Use them as needed, straight from the freezer, to enhance your cooking without the hassle of chopping fresh herbs each time.
2. Use a Spoon to Peel Ginger
Peeling ginger with a spoon instead of a peeler or knife is a simple yet effective hack. This method minimizes waste and prevents the risk of cutting yourself. Hold a spoon firmly and scrape the edge against the ginger’s skin. The skin will come off easily, revealing the fresh ginger beneath. This technique is particularly useful for reaching the knobby parts of ginger that are difficult to peel with a knife. It’s an efficient way to prepare ginger for cooking without losing too much of the root.
3. Cook Pasta in Minimal Water
Cooking pasta in minimal water is a trick that saves time and energy. Instead of using a large pot of water, use just enough to cover the pasta. This allows the pasta to cook faster and results in a starchy water that can be used to thicken sauces. By reducing the volume of water, the heat is concentrated, cooking the pasta more quickly. Additionally, the starchy water can be added to sauces, giving them a creamy texture without the need for cream. This method simplifies pasta cooking while enhancing flavor.
4. Grate Butter for Easy Mixing
Grating butter into flour is an unexpected yet brilliant method to improve the mixing process for pastries. When butter is frozen, it’s easier to grate, allowing it to be evenly distributed throughout the flour. This ensures a flakier crust. Use a box grater to grate the butter directly into your dry ingredients. This technique is particularly useful for making biscuits or pie crusts, where even butter distribution is key. It minimizes mixing time and improves the texture of your baked treats.
5. Microwave Citrus for More Juice
To extract more juice from citrus fruits, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders. Place the fruit in the microwave for about 15 seconds before juicing. The heat loosens the fibers, allowing more juice to be released with less effort. This trick works well with lemons, limes, and oranges. Not only will you get more juice, but it will also be easier to squeeze. This method is excellent for when you need a lot of juice in a hurry, and it maximizes the yield from each fruit.
6. Use a Straw to Hull Strawberries
Hulling strawberries can be a tedious task, but a simple straw can make it easier. Push a straw through the bottom of the strawberry and up through the top to remove the hull in one swift motion. This method is quick, leaving the rest of the berry intact. It’s especially useful when preparing large quantities of strawberries for desserts or salads. The straw technique is not only faster but also reduces waste, as it removes only the inedible part of the fruit. An efficient way to prepare strawberries without fuss.
7. Poach Eggs in a Strainer
Poaching eggs can be tricky, but using a mesh strainer simplifies the process. Crack an egg into the strainer over a bowl to remove excess watery whites, then gently slide it into simmering water. The strainer helps shape the egg, preventing it from spreading too much. This method results in formed poached eggs every time. It’s a way to improve your breakfast or add a gourmet touch to dishes. The strainer technique ensures consistency and reduces the stress of poaching eggs.
8. Use a Muffin Tin for Taco Shells
Making taco shells in a muffin tin is an inventive way to enjoy homemade tacos. Flip the muffin tin upside down and place soft tortillas between the cups to form shell shapes. Bake until crispy for a excellent taco shell. This trick ensures uniformity and makes it easy to prepare multiple shells at once. The result is a delightful, crispy taco shell that’s ready to be filled with your favorite toppings. This method is not only efficient but also decorative.
9. Soften Brown Sugar with Bread
If your brown sugar has hardened, a slice of bread is the solution. Place the sugar in an airtight container with a slice of bread overnight. The moisture from the bread will soften the sugar without altering its taste. This method is effective and avoids the need for more drastic measures like microwaving. It’s a gentle way to restore the sugar’s soft texture, making it easier to measure and use in recipes. The bread trick is a handy solution for any baking enthusiast dealing with hardened sugar.
10. Use a Potato to Desalt Soups
A common issue in cooking is oversalting, but a potato can rescue your soup. Simply peel a potato and add it to the pot. As it cooks, the potato absorbs some of the salt, balancing the flavors. This trick is particularly useful for soups and stews. After cooking for a while, remove the potato and taste the dish. The potato will have absorbed some of the excess salt, reducing the need for additional liquid or ingredients. It’s a simple and effective way to salvage an over-seasoned dish.
11. Keep Greens Fresh with Paper Towels
To prolong the freshness of leafy greens, store them with paper towels. Line your storage container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This prevents the greens from wilting quickly and keeps them crisp for longer. Change the towels as needed to maintain dryness. This trick is especially beneficial for those who buy in bulk or like to prepare salads in advance. The paper towel method is simple and reduces food waste by extending the shelf life of your produce. It’s an easy way to keep your greens ready for use.
12. Use a Rolling Pin for Garlic
Crushing garlic with a rolling pin is an unconventional yet effective method. Place garlic cloves under a rolling pin and apply pressure to crush them flat. This releases the flavors more efficiently than chopping. It’s a quick way to prepare garlic for cooking without a press or knife. The rolling pin technique is particularly useful for those who want to maximize the garlic’s aroma and taste without spending much time. This method is simple and adds a robust flavor to any dish requiring garlic.
13. Seal Bags with Chopsticks
Using chopsticks to seal bags is a clever storage hack. Roll the top of a bag tightly, slide a chopstick along the fold, and secure it with a rubber band. This keeps contents fresh and prevents spills. It’s a reusable and environmentally friendly alternative to clips. The chopstick method is not only practical but also adds a fun twist to kitchen organization. It’s a versatile trick that works for snacks, veggies, or any bagged item in your pantry. This method is a simple way to keep your food fresh.
14. Chill Dough with a Cold Countertop
Chilling dough on a cold surface is a baker’s secret. If you don’t have time to refrigerate dough, use a cold countertop like marble or granite. The cold surface chills the dough quickly, making it easier to work with. This method is particularly useful for cookies and pie crusts. It helps prevent dough from sticking and keeps it from becoming too soft while working. The cold countertop trick offers an efficient way to handle dough, ensuring a better baking experience. This approach saves time and improves the texture.