Not everyone is born with a chef’s hat, but with a few kitchen tricks up your sleeve, you can master the art of cooking in no time! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these handy tips will make your life so much easier and more fun.
From effortlessly separating egg whites and yolks to whipping up your own homemade whipped cream, these tips will have you rushing to the kitchen to try them out. Ready to take your cooking game to the next level? Let’s dive in and start experimenting!
Strawberry Trick
We all know that when it comes to strawberries, the leaves can be a little tricky to remove. Many of us just cut off the top, but this method often wastes a bit of the delicious fruit. Luckily, there’s a simple trick to get rid of the leaves without losing any of the berry itself!
Take a straw and insert it through the bottom of the strawberry, pushing it all the way to the top. The leaves will pop right off, leaving the rest of the strawberry intact. This hack is perfect for smoothies, desserts, or just enjoying fresh berries!
Quick Potato Hack
Craving baked potatoes but don’t want to wait forever for the oven to heat up? The microwave can speed up the process! To get a more even cook, try suspending your potato on three or four toothpicks, creating “legs” to lift it off the plate.
This allows the heat waves to surround the potato evenly, giving it a more uniform texture. Microwave it for a few minutes, checking for softness, and you’ve got a quick, easy potato without the long baking time. It’s a great trick when you’re in a rush but still want that classic baked potato flavor!
Quick Garlic Peeling Trick
Peeling garlic cloves individually can be a hassle and leave your hands smelling pungent. But there’s a simple solution to speed up the process! First, separate the bulb into individual cloves using a chef’s knife.
Then, place all the cloves into a mason jar or any glass jar with a tight lid. Shake the jar vigorously for 30 seconds, and watch as the skins fall right off! Once done, pour the cloves onto a plate and pick out your perfectly peeled garlic pieces. It’s fast, easy, and will save you a ton of time in the kitchen!
Master the Egg Yolk Separation
Separating egg whites from yolks doesn’t have to be messy or difficult. Here’s a simple trick to get the job done quickly! First, crack the egg into a bowl. Then, grab an empty water bottle and gently squeeze it to create suction.
Place the bottle over the yolk and release the pressure to suck it up into the bottle. Transfer the yolk to a separate bowl, and you’re done! This method keeps things clean and efficient, making it perfect for all your baking or cooking needs. Try it next time, and enjoy flawless separation every time!
Perfect French Fry Wedges
Making homemade French fries can be tricky, especially when it comes to slicing them evenly. But here’s a pro tip: use an apple slicer! Simply chop off one end of the potato, place the flat side down on your cutting surface, and position the apple slicer on top.
Push down gently, and voilà – perfectly sliced potato wedges! This quick method ensures all your fries are uniform in size, making them cook evenly and giving you that perfect crispy texture. It’s an easy hack that makes preparing French fries a breeze!
Whipped Cream in Minutes
Making homemade whipped cream without a mixer is easier than you think! All you need is a mason jar and some heavy cream. Pour the cream into the jar, seal it tightly, and then shake it vigorously, just like an old-time bartender mixing a cocktail.
After just a few minutes of shaking, you’ll have freshly whipped cream that’s perfect for topping off pies, coffee, or any dessert. This quick and fun trick works without the need for any fancy equipment, giving you light, fluffy whipped cream in no time!
Gravity’s Helper
Opening a jar of peanut butter can be frustrating, especially when you’re met with a layer of oil on top. But here’s a neat trick to make it easier: store your peanut butter jar upside down!
By doing so, gravity will work in your favor, allowing the oil to settle at the bottom (which is now the top when flipped). This way, when you open the jar, you’ll scoop up the creamy peanut butter without having to deal with that oily mess. It’s a simple hack that saves you time and keeps your peanut butter perfectly blended!
Poaching Made Easy
Poaching eggs can be tricky, but this simple hack makes it a breeze! Start by lining a small cup or ramekin with plastic wrap, then lightly coat it with non-stick spray or oil. Crack your egg gently into the ramekin, then tie off the plastic wrap, sealing the egg inside.
Carefully drop the wrapped egg into boiling water and cook for about 3 minutes. Once done, remove the egg from the water and cut away the plastic wrap to reveal a perfectly poached egg, cooked to perfection without the hassle of traditional poaching methods!
Ripen Faster
If you have unripe fruit but need it ready quickly, try the paper bag trick! Place your unripe fruit, like bananas or avocados, into a dark paper bag. Fold over the top to seal in the air, trapping the natural ethylene gas that the fruit gives off.
This gas speeds up the ripening process, helping the fruit mature faster. It’s a simple, natural solution for making sure your fruit is ready when you need it. Just be cautious and check it daily, as leaving it in the bag too long can cause it to spoil instead of ripen.
Check for Ripeness
To tell if an avocado is ripe and ready to eat, start by inspecting the stem. Gently pull it off – if it comes off easily and reveals a brown underside, the avocado is likely overripe and may have brown spots inside.
On the other hand, if the stem comes off with ease and exposes a bright green color underneath, your avocado is ripe and ready to eat. This simple stem trick can save you from having to cut into an unripe or spoiled avocado and help ensure you’re enjoying it at its best.
Preheating Matters
Preheating your oven or pan is more important than you might think. If you start cooking before everything is heated, it can lead to uneven cooking and affect the final texture of your food.
For example, if you place your food in an unheated oven, the cooking time will be inconsistent, and the food might not cook evenly. By preheating, you ensure that your cooking temperature stays consistent right from the start, allowing your ingredients to cook properly and evenly. This simple step helps to achieve the best results and is especially crucial for baking and certain delicate dishes.
Mess-Free Pancakes
Making pancakes can be a fun breakfast activity, but the mess often gets in the way. Here’s a simple hack to keep things neat: after preparing your pancake batter, pour it into a plastic Ziploc bag. Cut off one corner of the bag to create a small hole, turning it into a DIY piping bag.
This allows you to pour the batter with precision, making perfectly shaped pancakes without any spills or drips. Not only does this method keep your counter clean, but it also helps you achieve those cute, uniform pancake shapes every time!
Peel Potatoes Easily
Peeling potatoes doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Instead of struggling with a peeler, try this clever trick! Start by boiling a pot of water. While the water heats up, wash your potatoes and cut a shallow line around the middle of each one.
Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes and let them simmer for about 15 minutes. Afterward, transfer the potatoes into ice water to cool them down. The heat loosens the peel, making it slide off effortlessly. This method saves time and keeps your hands clean, making peeling potatoes a breeze!
Maximize Juice Yield
Getting the most juice out of a lemon or lime can be tricky, but this simple trick will help you squeeze every drop. Start by microwaving the whole fruit for about 7-10 seconds.
This warms it up and softens it, making it easier to extract juice. After heating, place the lemon or lime on a flat surface and roll it back and forth with some pressure from your palm. Once you’ve softened it, cut the fruit in half and squeeze out the juice. This method ensures you get more juice with less effort!
Stable Prep Surfaces
Cooking can get messy when your cutting board or mixing bowl keeps slipping around, but here’s a simple fix to keep everything in place. Before you start, place a damp dish towel or paper towel on your kitchen counter.
Then, set your cutting board or mixing bowl on top. The moisture creates friction, preventing your tools from sliding around while you chop veggies or mix ingredients. This little trick will make your food prep safer and easier, giving you more control over your work and preventing accidents.
Perfectly Thawed Peas
Thawing frozen peas can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid them turning mushy. Here’s a simple hack: place the peas in a colander or sieve over a bowl, then pour hot water gently over them. Allow the peas to thaw in the colander without directly cooking them.
This method preserves their texture and taste, keeping them firm and fresh. Once thawed, simply drain any excess water, and they’re ready to use! It’s a quick, easy way to thaw peas without losing their quality.
Why Use a Slotted Spoon?
Slotted spoons are a kitchen staple for a good reason. Unlike regular spoons, the slots allow liquids like soups and sauces to flow through while keeping larger pieces, such as vegetables or meats, in the spoon.
This design makes it perfect for stirring, draining, and serving ingredients without losing the liquid. The slotted spoon also helps evenly combine ingredients, as it can mix without adding too much liquid to the dish. So, the next time you’re cooking, reach for the slotted spoon to get better control and more even results in your meal prep.
Freeze for Later
Instead of wasting leftover wine, broth, or sauce, why not freeze it for future use? Simply pour your leftover liquids into an ice cube tray and freeze them. Once frozen, you can pop out the cubes and store them in a sealed bag or container in the freezer.
This method is perfect for adding a quick burst of flavor to future dishes. Whether it’s a splash of wine for cooking, a cube of broth for soups, or a flavorful sauce for stir-fries, you’ll have a ready-to-use ingredient waiting for you next time you cook.
Easy Shredding
Shredding cabbage for coleslaw doesn’t have to be a chore. Simply quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and slide it down the large holes of a box grater. This method produces perfectly shredded cabbage for a great texture in your coleslaw.
While it might get a little messy, it’s a more controlled approach compared to using a food processor. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a trusty box grater. This quick and easy trick makes meal prep for coleslaw a breeze, saving you time and effort while still delivering great results!
Perfect Egg Flip
Flipping a fried egg without breaking the yolk can be tricky, but grandma’s kitchen hack makes it easy. The secret is using a fish spatula. Its thin, angled edge slides smoothly under the egg, allowing for a gentle flip without damaging the yolk.
The flexible design helps you lift the egg effortlessly, ensuring a clean flip every time. Whether you’re cooking breakfast for one or a family, this simple trick guarantees flawless fried eggs. So next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for that fish spatula and enjoy perfect eggs without the mess!
Crispy Fries Hack
There’s nothing worse than soggy McDonald’s fries, but here’s a simple way to revive them. TikTok user Danny Kim shared his kitchen hack for crisping up limp fries. All you need is a pan, a little oil, and a pinch of salt.
Heat the fries in the pan, tossing them until they’re golden and crispy again. If you’re feeling adventurous, Danny went the extra mile by adding garlic, bay leaves, milk, and cream to turn them into mashed potatoes, making a gourmet twist on a fast-food favorite. Either way, you’ll never have to settle for soggy fries again!
Egg Shell Rescue
Cracking an egg can sometimes be messy, especially when the shell decides to fall into the bowl. Rather than fighting with forks or spoons to fish it out, here’s a simple trick.
Wet your finger under cold water, and without drying it off, gently scoop out the shell. The moisture on your finger makes it much easier to grab the shell, saving you time and frustration. It’s a little hack that makes all the difference when you’re cooking, and you’ll never look at egg shells the same way again!
Herb Cutting Hack
Want to quickly chop fresh herbs without the mess? Skip the knife and grab a pizza cutter! This kitchen tool is perfect for effortlessly slicing through basil, parsley, and other fresh herbs.
The pizza cutter’s smooth, rolling action makes it a fast, efficient way to cut herbs into even pieces, saving you time and effort. Plus, it’s way cleaner than using a knife, as it doesn’t bruise or squish your herbs. Next time you’re prepping for a meal, reach for that pizza cutter and let it work its magic on your herbs!
No Garlic Smell
Mincing garlic doesn’t have to leave you with that pungent smell on your hands. Instead of using a knife, try using a mortar and pestle. Start by chopping the garlic cloves into smaller pieces, then use the pestle to grind them into a paste.
This method not only keeps your hands clean but also releases the full flavor of the garlic without the mess. It’s a great way to avoid that lingering garlic scent and ensures that your garlic is perfectly minced for any dish. Plus, you get the added bonus of a more flavorful, aromatic result!
Ice-Free Sips
Say goodbye to watered-down coffee with this clever hack. Instead of using regular ice cubes, freeze your coffee into cubes ahead of time and add them to your cup. This way, you can keep your beverage cold without sacrificing flavor.
The cubes melt slowly, preserving the rich taste of your coffee from the first sip to the last. It’s a simple, yet effective way to maintain that perfect brew temperature and enjoy a refreshing cup without any dilution. Plus, you can easily experiment with flavored coffee cubes for an extra twist in your iced drinks!
Waffle Hash Browns
Transform your regular hash browns into something extraordinary by using a waffle maker. Simply take your hash brown mix and cook it in the waffle iron for a crispy, perfectly shaped result. The waffle maker adds a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
This trick not only makes your hash browns look more appetizing but also elevates the texture, giving them an extra crispy edge. Serve them up with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a breakfast treat that’s both delicious and visually appealing!
Egg Freshness Test
Wondering if your eggs are still good? The floating egg test is an easy way to check! Fill a bowl or glass with cold water, then gently drop your eggs into it. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s fresh and ready to use.
If it stands upright or floats, that’s a sign the egg is bad and should be discarded. This simple test works because as eggs age, air enters through the shell, causing them to float. It’s a quick and reliable way to ensure your eggs are still safe to eat.
Fun Pancake Shapes
Tired of basic round pancakes? Spice up breakfast with creative pancake shapes using a simple trick! Start by making a DIY pancake piping bag. This will help you pour the batter precisely, so your pancakes turn out just the right size.
Then, grab your favorite cookie cutters and place them on the griddle before pouring in the batter. The cookie cutters will keep the batter contained, creating fun shapes like hearts, stars, or animals. It’s a great way to make breakfast more exciting for kids (and adults too!). Plus, you’ll have perfectly shaped pancakes without the mess.
DIY Milk Foam
No fancy equipment needed to make frothy milk for your morning coffee! Simply grab a small microwave-safe jar and pour in your desired amount of milk. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously to aerate the milk and create foam.
Once you’ve shaken it up, pop the jar in the microwave for up to 30 seconds (depending on the amount of milk) to heat it up. The result? A rich, frothy milk topping for your coffee, lattes, or cappuccinos without needing an expensive frother. Enjoy the creamy texture with every sip!
Quick Pizza Dough
Craving pizza but short on time? You can make your own dough with just two ingredients in under 10 minutes! Mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1 ½ cups of flour (any kind you prefer—white, wheat, or self-rising). Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding a little flour if it’s too sticky.
That’s it! In no time, you’ll have the perfect base for your pizza. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal effort—ideal for when you’re in the mood for homemade pizza without the hassle. Enjoy your delicious creation in no time!
Softening Brown Sugar
If you’ve got rock-hard brown sugar and don’t have a bread slice or marshmallow handy, here’s an easy fix! Simply place the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave it for 20 seconds.
The moisture from the towel will help soften the sugar and break up the hard bits. If it’s still too tough, repeat the process for a few more seconds. This trick will save you time and frustration, letting you get back to baking in no time!
Poaching Multiple Eggs at Once
Want to poach several eggs at once without the hassle of boiling water? Here’s a simple method using a muffin tin! Start by spraying each muffin cup with cooking oil, then add about 1 tablespoon of water into each. Crack an egg into each cup.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the eggs for around 13 minutes, depending on how runny or well-done you prefer your yolks. For runnier eggs, check at 13 minutes; for firmer yolks, leave them in for an additional few minutes. This method is perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd!
How to Make Curly Fries
Craving curly fries? The secret is a spiralizer! This handy kitchen tool transforms potatoes (or even zucchini) into long, curly spirals. Start by spiralizing your potatoes, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Next, toss the spirals on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite spices (think garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne). Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. The result? Delicious, homemade curly fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Keeping Things Fresh with Half an Apple
Want to keep your baked goods fresh for longer? Here’s a simple trick: Place half an apple inside the air-tight container where you’re storing your pastries. The apple will release moisture, which helps prevent your baked treats from drying out too quickly.
Just make sure to check the apple daily and replace it if it starts to shrivel. This method works wonders for keeping cookies, cakes, or muffins soft and fresh—without the need for preservatives! It’s a simple, natural way to extend the shelf life of your delicious homemade (or store-bought) goodies.
No Knife? No Peeler? No Problem!
Peeling small food items like ginger can be tricky, especially without a knife or peeler. But here’s a simple and safe trick: use a spoon! The edge of a spoon is perfect for scraping away the skin of ginger root without wasting any of the precious flesh.
Just hold the ginger firmly and gently scrape the spoon along the skin. It’s quick, effective, and way less risky than trying to use a knife. This method also works great for garlic or other tough-skinned ingredients, making it an easy hack to add to your kitchen routine.
An Easy Way to Keep Your Prep Organized
If you’ve ever wondered how chefs stay so organized, here’s a hack that’ll save you time and space: use a muffin tin for your ingredient prep! Instead of cluttering your counter with a dozen bowls, simply separate your ingredients into the muffin tin’s individual cups.
This works especially well if you’re preparing multiple dishes at once, as you can keep portions neatly separated. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with fewer dishes to wash. Whether you’re chopping veggies, measuring spices, or prepping toppings, this simple trick keeps everything tidy and within reach! Genius, right?
A Better Way to Serve Burritos
We’re not saying this method is definitely better, but it sure makes eating burritos more convenient! Instead of trying to keep a giant burrito from falling apart and making a mess, try making mini burritos in a muffin tin.
Here’s the trick: layer small tortillas with your favorite fillings (like beans, rice, cheese, and meats), and roll them up snugly. Then, place each one in a muffin tin and bake until golden and crispy. Not only does this reduce mess, but it also gives you perfectly portioned mini burritos for everyone to enjoy!
What Happens When You Mix Marshmallows and Brown Sugar?
Ever wondered why brown sugar tends to harden into a solid lump while your white sugar stays soft? The trick to keeping it moist and scoopable is surprisingly simple: add mini marshmallows!
Toss a few into your sugar container or bag, and they’ll work their magic to keep the sugar from drying out. You can also use a slice of bread as an alternative, but marshmallows are especially fun (and sweet!) at preventing that rock-hard brown sugar nightmare. Who knew marshmallows could help with more than just s’mores?
Utilizing Your Waffle Iron for All Meals
Your waffle iron isn’t just for waffles—it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can help you make a variety of meals! From crispy pizza to quinoa fritters and even churros, the waffle iron can handle a lot more than you might think.
You can even cook spaghetti squash or whip up an omelet in it! While it might give everything that signature waffle shape, it only makes the dish look more appetizing. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, think outside the (waffle) box and experiment with your trusty iron for some fun, unexpected dishes!
A Cracklin’ Cookie
Baking is definitely a science, but sometimes it’s all about trusting your instincts. If you notice that the tops of your cookies are cracking, that’s usually a sign they’re done! Take them out of the oven and let them cool.
If you’re unsure, no worries—just pop them back in for a couple of minutes. The cracks are a good indicator that your cookies are on the right track, so embrace them as a sign of success! Plus, they’ll add a nice texture to each bite.
