Cooking is an essential skill that everyone should know. But sometimes, it can be challenging, especially for the younger generation. Often, people prefer convenience in this busy era with fast foods and instant meals, but these easy fixes can jeopardize health.
That’s why it’s time to head into the kitchen and practice your cooking skills. Cooking hot and delicious meals for you and your loved ones feels great, knowing you did your best for them.
10 tips for better cooking
1. Use tongs for versatile cooking
If you have ever struggled with spatulas, tongs might be for you. They are nimble, less awkward, and can handle almost anything. Opt for tongs with nylon tips if you have non-stick cookware. The 12-inchers are your best allies in the kitchen.
2. Store everything in Tupperware
Trimming herbs, putting them in a vase, and wrapping them in a damp paper towel for week-long freshness can be so much work for some. If you’re like that, then you need Tupperware in your kitchen. It keeps your food fresh longer, including berries and salad greens, and it’s also a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
3. Don’t bother with a garlic press
Peeling and pressing garlic can be a tedious task. Save time using the flat side of a big knife to smash the garlic on a cutting board. The skin peels off effortlessly, and you can quickly mince it. There is no need for fancy gadgets when a chef’s knife does the job efficiently.
4. Separate cutting boards for different ingredients
Imagine cutting fruits only to find a subtle garlic undertone. To avoid flavor confusion, designate separate cutting boards for different tasks. Keep one for onions and garlic and another for fruits, cheeses, and other aromatically sensitive ingredients. It’s one minor change that improves taste.
5. Fresh herbs over dried ones
If herbs are supposed to be green, then let them be. Fresh herbs — parsley, basil, cilantro, thyme, tarragon, or chives — add vibrancy and flavor to your dishes. Dried versions may work in a pinch, but their delicate nature means they often lose their potency before you use them twice.
6. Beware of pre-filled spice racks
Spices lose their charm over time. A pre-filled spice rack might seem convenient, but it’s a shortcut to flavorless dishes. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, curry powder, cumin, and chili pepper should be bought as needed and in small quantities to ensure their freshness and potency.
7. Avoid overcooking
The cardinal sin of cooking is overcooking! It turns vegetables into mush, meat into leather, and grains into a soggy mess. Learn to take food off the heat just before it’s done and let it finish cooking at its internal temperature. You can cook it more, but rescuing overcooked food is nearly impossible.
8. Salt, vinegar, and olive oil
Salt is not the enemy; bland food is. Proper seasoning is important, so there’s no need to fear salt. If your dish tastes okay, but not great, it probably needs more salt. Or if something feels off, add a splash of vinegar or lemon for acidity.
For dry or sticky food, a touch of olive oil can help. These three simple ingredients can elevate a lackluster meal to culinary delight.
9. Choose shallots or leeks over regular onions
For everyday cooking, opt for milder onions like shallots or leeks. Pungent onions are fine, but milder ones bring out the best in your dish. By choosing the proper onions, you can make your cooking experiments more delicious.
Shallots are great in raw salads and vinaigrettes. Their mildness adds a lovely onion flavor without the pungency of raw onions. They’re ideal for those who desire raw onions’ crispness without the sharpness.
10. Proper fruit storage
Refrigerators can dull the taste of most produce. Keep fruits like apples, oranges, pears, and bananas out of the fridge unless you plan to eat them soon. Tomatoes, avocados, and peppers also fare better outside of the refrigerator.
But it’s a different topic if the climate is hot. The purpose of refrigerating fruits is to slow down the natural ripening process. However, this process can accelerate with hot temperatures, making the shelf life for fruits left outside shorter.
Small changes with significant effects
Remember that the joy of cooking extends beyond the practical aspects outlined here. Cooking is a way to express yourself and be artistic. It lets you try new things, develop new ideas, and enjoy the results of your hard work.
