The kitchen tips is the heart of every home. It’s where delicious meals are cooked, memories are made, and sometimes, where messes happen! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just beginning your culinary journey, knowing some simple kitchen tips can save you time, effort, and even money. In this post, we’ll explore 10 of the best kitchen tips and tricks that every home cook should know. These hacks will make your cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
1. Keep Your Herbs Fresh Longer
Nothing is worse than buying fresh herbs only to watch them wilt in a day or two. Here’s an easy fix:
Trim the stems of herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil, and place them in a glass of water like a bouquet of flowers. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator (except basil, which stays on the counter). This will keep your herbs fresh for up to two weeks!
2. Prevent Tears While Chopping Onions
Onions can be tricky and often cause watery eyes while cutting. To avoid this, chill the onion in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping. This slows down the release of the chemical compounds that irritate your eyes. Alternatively, you can cut onions under running water or near a fan to blow the fumes away.
3. Easily Peel Garlic
Peeling garlic can be tedious and sticky. To make it easier, place the garlic clove under the flat side of a knife and give it a quick, firm press. The skin will loosen immediately, making it much easier to peel. You can also put several cloves in a jar, shake vigorously for 30 seconds, and watch the skins come right off.
4. Prevent Boiling Over
Tired of pots boiling over and making a mess? Simply place a wooden spoon across the top of your pot while boiling water or soup. The wooden spoon will pop the bubbles and prevent them from spilling over. It’s a simple, yet effective kitchen tips and trick!
5. Revive Stale Bread
Don’t throw away that stale bread! Simply wet the crust with some water (lightly, don’t soak it), then place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. The steam inside will help soften the bread, while the oven crisps up the outside again.
6. Ripen Fruits Faster
If you need to ripen fruits like avocados, bananas, or peaches quickly, place them in a paper bag along with an apple. Apples release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. In just a day or two, you’ll have perfectly ripe fruit!
7. Keep Brown Sugar Soft
Brown sugar tends to harden quickly once exposed to air. To keep it soft, store it with a slice of bread, apple, or a dampened terra cotta disk. These items help maintain moisture inside the container, keeping your sugar soft and scoopable for weeks.
8. Use Ice Cubes for Perfect Sauces
Have a sauce that’s too greasy? Drop an ice cube into the pan and then quickly scoop it out with a spoon. The fat will cling to the ice cube, making it easier to remove excess oil or fat from the surface of your sauce or soup. This kitchen tips and trick works great for gravies too!
9. Test Egg Freshness
Wondering whether your eggs are still good? Place them in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lie flat, while older eggs will stand upright or float. Floating eggs should be discarded, as this is a sign they’ve gone bad.
10. Sharpen Dull Knives Using a Mug
If your knife is dull and you don’t have a sharpening stone, use a ceramic mug! Flip the mug upside down and run the knife’s blade along the rough, unglazed bottom of the mug at a slight angle. A few swipes on each side will sharpen it enough to slice smoothly again.
Final Thoughts
With these 10 simple kitchen tips and tricks, cooking will not only become easier but also more fun and efficient. From keeping herbs fresh to reviving stale bread and sharpening your knives in a pinch, these hacks are perfect for anyone who spends time in the kitchen tips.
Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be stressful! A little preparation and a few clever tricks can go a long way in making your kitchen experience smoother.
If you found these kitchen tips helpful, feel free to share this post with your fellow food lovers. And if you have your own kitchen tips secrets, drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!