Ricky Colstan Cooking at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home chef, knowing a few clever cooking hacks can save you time, enhance flavors, and make meal prep a breeze. Here are some of the best kitchen tricks every home cook should know!
1. Keep Herbs Fresh Longer
The Problem: Fresh herbs wilt and turn slimy too quickly.
The Hack:
Store soft herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil) in a glass of water like a bouquet, covering them loosely with a plastic bag.
Wrap hard herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) in a damp paper towel and place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze leftover herbs in an ice cube tray with olive oil for easy cooking later.
2. Prevent Over-Boiling
The Problem: Water boils over and makes a mess on the stove.
The Hack: Place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. Wood absorbs bubbles and prevents the water from overflowing.
3. Peel Garlic in Seconds
The Problem: Peeling garlic cloves takes too long.
The Hack:
Place the garlic cloves in a sealed jar and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. The skins will fall right off.
Alternatively, smash a clove with the flat side of a knife, and the skin will peel away easily.
4. Ripen Fruits Faster
The Problem: Waiting days for avocados or bananas to ripen.
The Hack:
Place unripe fruits in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.
To ripen an avocado instantly, wrap it in foil and bake it at 200°F (90°C) for 10-15 minutes.
5. Get the Most Juice Out of Citrus Fruits
The Problem: You’re not getting enough juice from lemons and limes.
The Hack:
Microwave citrus fruits for 10-15 seconds to soften them before juicing.
Roll them on the counter with your palm to break down the juice sacs inside.
6. Keep Brown Sugar Soft
The Problem: Brown sugar hardens into a rock.
The Hack:
Store brown sugar with a marshmallow, apple slice, or a piece of bread to keep it soft.
To soften hardened sugar, microwave it with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
7. Easily Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs
The Problem: The eggshell sticks and breaks into tiny pieces.
The Hack:
Add baking soda or vinegar to the boiling water to loosen the shell.
After boiling, transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling.
Shake the eggs in a sealed container with a little water to remove the shells quickly.
8. Make Perfectly Crispy Bacon
The Problem: Bacon curls up and cooks unevenly.
The Hack:
Bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
For extra crispiness, start with a cold pan and cook bacon slowly over low heat.
9. Revive Stale Bread
The Problem: Your bread has turned dry and tough.
The Hack:
Sprinkle a little water on the loaf and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness.
Wrap bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it.
10. Prevent Onion Tears
The Problem: Chopping onions makes your eyes water.
The Hack:
Chill the onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Cut under running water or next to a burning candle to reduce fumes.
11. Save Time with a Garbage Bowl
The Problem: Running back and forth to the trash while prepping.
The Hack: Keep a large bowl on the counter for food scraps as you cook, saving you multiple trips to the trash can.
12. Reheat Leftovers Evenly
The Problem: Microwave-heated food is hot outside but cold inside.
The Hack:
Arrange food in a ring shape (leave the center empty) for even heating.
Place a small glass of water in the microwave to prevent food from drying out.
13. Prevent Sticky Pasta
The Problem: Cooked pasta clumps together.
The Hack:
Don’t add oil to boiling water—it prevents sauce from sticking later.
Stir pasta immediately after adding it to water and again after draining.
14. Make Fluffier Pancakes
The Problem: Pancakes turn out flat instead of fluffy.
The Hack:
Don’t overmix the batter—small lumps are fine.
Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking to activate baking powder.
Add a little sparkling water or club soda for extra fluffiness.
15. Keep Ice Cream Soft
The Problem: Ice cream gets rock hard in the freezer.
The Hack:
Store ice cream in a ziplock bag before freezing to keep it scoopable.
Place the tub upside down to prevent ice crystals from forming.
16. Stop Wooden Spoons from Burning
The Problem: Wooden spoons darken and burn when used on high heat.
The Hack:
Soak them in water before cooking—this prevents burning and cracking.
17. Get Rid of Garlic & Onion Smell on Hands
The Problem: The smell lingers even after washing.
The Hack:
Rub hands on stainless steel (like a sink or spoon) under running water.
Wash hands with lemon juice or baking soda to remove the odor.
18. Slice Meat More Easily
The Problem: Slicing raw meat evenly is difficult.
The Hack:
Partially freeze meat for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for tender pieces.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple kitchen hacks will save you time, reduce frustration, and improve the way you cook.
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