Keep your knives sharp: Sharp knives make cooking easier and safer. Invest in a good knife sharpener or get your knives professionally sharpened regularly.
Use different chopping boards: Use separate chopping boards for meats, vegetables, and other food items to avoid cross-contamination.
Taste as you go: Always taste your food as you cook, and adjust seasoning accordingly. It's easier to fix the flavor as you progress rather than at the end.
Prep before you start cooking: Measure and chop all your ingredients before starting to cook. This makes the cooking process smoother and prevents burning or overcooking while you're busy preparing the next ingredient.
Save vegetable scraps for stock: Instead of throwing away vegetable peels and scraps, store them in a bag in the freezer to make homemade vegetable stock later.
Rescue oversalted dishes: If a dish becomes too salty, add a sliced potato, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Use citrus for freshness: Lemon or lime juice can brighten up the flavors of a dish. Add a squeeze of citrus at the end to enhance the taste.
Cook with the right oil: Use oils with high smoke points for high-heat cooking (e.g., vegetable oil, grapeseed oil) and save delicate oils like extra-virgin olive oil for dressings or low-heat applications.
Cook eggs on low heat: Whether you're frying or scrambling eggs, cooking them over low heat helps to keep them tender and prevents overcooking.
Baking soda for crispy roasted veggies: Add a pinch of baking soda to your roasted vegetables to help them become crispier.
Grate cold butter: When a recipe calls for cold butter, grate it with a cheese grater for easier incorporation.
Freeze fresh herbs in oil: Chop fresh herbs and pack them into an ice cube tray, then fill each section with olive oil and freeze. Pop out a cube when you need to add flavor to your cooking.
Use a wine cork to steady pots: Place a wine cork under a wobbly pot or pan handle to stabilize it.
Sear meat for better flavor: Searing meat before slow-cooking or roasting helps to lock in the flavors and juices.
Make use of leftovers: Transform leftovers into new dishes like stir-fries, omelets, or sandwiches to minimize food waste.
Let meat rest after cooking: Allow meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Keep your spices fresh: Store spices away from heat and sunlight, and replace them every 6 to 12 months for optimal flavor.
Cook grains in broth: Cook rice, quinoa, or couscous in broth instead of water to add more depth and flavor to your dishes.
Use an ice cream scoop for cookies: Use an ice cream scoop to portion cookie dough for even-sized cookies that bake consistently.
Clean as you go: To keep your kitchen tidy and organized, clean utensils and dishes while you wait for something to cook or bake.
These tips and hacks should make your cooking experience more enjoyable and help you create delicious meals with ease!