In the busy world we live in, it’s always beneficial to find shortcuts and tricks that can make our time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these 10 game-changing cooking hacks are guaranteed to elevate your culinary game and help you create meals that will impress your family and friends.
- Grate frozen butter for perfect pastries
Achieving the perfect pastry dough can be quite challenging. The key is to keep the butter cold. Try grating frozen butter directly into your flour mixture. This will distribute the butter evenly and make it easier to incorporate, resulting in flakier and lighter pastries.
- Use a hot spoon to prevent boiling over
Tired of pots boiling over and making a mess on your stovetop? Place a wooden spoon or a heatproof silicone spatula across the top of the pot. This will break the surface tension and prevent the liquid from boiling over, keeping your stovetop clean and mess-free.
- Transform your baking with a pinch of salt
Adding a pinch of salt to your baked goods can enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness. It may seem counterintuitive, but this small addition can work wonders in cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
- Cook pasta in a frying pan for faster results
Instead of boiling pasta in a large pot of water, try cooking it in a frying pan with just enough water to cover the pasta. This method not only saves time and energy, but it also creates a starchy pasta water that can be used to create a silky sauce for your dish.
- The “fist test” for perfect steak
Cooking a perfect steak can be tricky, but with this simple trick, you’ll nail it every time. Touch your thumb to your index finger and press the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb. That’s what a rare steak should feel like. Repeat with your middle finger for medium-rare, ring finger for medium, and pinky for well-done.
- Peel garlic cloves with ease
Say goodbye to the frustration of peeling garlic! Place cloves inside a closed jar or container and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. The skin will separate from the cloves, making the peeling process a breeze.
- Use dental floss for precise cuts
Need to slice soft cheese, cake, or dough without squishing it? Use unscented dental floss for clean, precise cuts. Gently pull the floss through the food, and you’ll have perfectly sliced portions.
- Revive stale bread with water
Bring life back to stale bread by running it under a light stream of water, then placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 6-8 minutes. The steam will soften the bread, making it taste fresh and delicious again.
- Freeze leftover herbs in olive oil
Don’t let your fresh herbs go to waste! Chop them up, place them in an ice cube tray, and fill the compartments with olive oil. Freeze for later use, and you’ll have flavorful herb-infused oil cubes perfect for cooking and sautéing.
- Tenderize meat with baking soda
For a budget-friendly way to tenderize tough cuts of meat, sprinkle them with a small amount of baking soda, rub it in, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the meat thoroughly and pat it dry before cooking. The alkaline nature of baking soda will break down the proteins, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Conclusion
These 10 cooking hacks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes
