Cooking Hacks That You Won't Believe You Didn't Know About!

Cooking Hacks That You Won't Believe You Didn't Know About!

Cooking is an art that requires a lot of patience and effort. Sometimes, even the most experienced chefs face challenges in the kitchen, and the struggle is real. 

That's where cooking hacks come into play. Cooking hacks are simple yet effective tips and tricks that can make your life easier in the kitchen. From chopping onions to cleaning up, these hacks can save you time and effort.

Cooking Hacks That You Won't Believe You Didn't Know About!

If you're someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, you know that certain struggles come with cooking. For example, chopping vegetables can be a tedious task, and peeling garlic can be messy. Cleaning up the kitchen after cooking can also be a hassle, especially if you're dealing with stubborn stains and grease. 

These struggles can make cooking a daunting task, but with the right hacks, you can overcome them.

In this article, we'll share some cooking hacks that you won't believe you didn't know about. We'll cover a range of topics, from cutting and peeling to cleaning and storage. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, these hacks will come in handy in the kitchen. So, let's dive in and discover some amazing cooking hacks!

Hacks for Measuring and Cutting

Hack #1: Measuring ingredients without a scale

Not everyone has a kitchen scale, but that doesn't mean you can't measure ingredients accurately. 

A simple hack is to use measuring cups and spoons. 

But what if you don't have those either? No problem! You can use common objects to measure ingredients. 

For example, a tablespoon is roughly the size of a poker chip, while a teaspoon is about the size of a tic-tac. 

A cup of water is roughly the size of a tennis ball. By using these objects as a reference, you can measure ingredients accurately without a scale.

Hack #2: Cutting cherry tomatoes quickly and easily

Cutting cherry tomatoes can be a tedious task, but with this hack, it's a breeze. 

Simply place the cherry tomatoes between two plates, with the flat bottoms of the tomatoes facing down. 

Hold the top plate firmly and use a sharp knife to cut through the tomatoes, slicing them all at once. 

This hack not only saves time but also ensures that all the tomatoes are cut evenly.

Hack #3: Chopping an onion without tears

Chopping an onion can bring tears to your eyes, but with this hack, you can say goodbye to onion-induced tears. 
Start by cutting off the top of the onion and then slicing it in half. Peel off the outer layer of skin and make horizontal cuts along the onion, leaving the root intact. 
Then, make vertical cuts along the onion, being careful not to cut all the way through the root. Finally, make downward cuts, and you'll end up with perfectly chopped onions, with no tears in sight.

Hack #4: Peeling garlic in seconds

Peeling garlic can be a messy and time-consuming task, but with this hack, you can peel garlic in seconds. Simply separate the garlic cloves and place them in a metal bowl. 

Then, place another metal bowl of the same size upside down on top of the garlic. 

Hold the bowls tightly and shake vigorously for a few seconds. 

The motion will cause the garlic cloves to hit the sides of the bowl and loosen the skins, making them easy to peel. 

This hack not only saves time but also keeps your hands odor-free.

Hacks for Storing and Preserving Food

Hack #5: Keeping avocado from turning brown

Avocados are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal, but they tend to turn brown quickly once they're cut open. To prevent this, simply store the avocado with a slice of onion. 

The sulfur compounds in the onion help to slow down the oxidation process, which is what causes the avocado to turn brown. Just be sure to remove the onion slice before eating!

Hack #6: Using the freezer to preserve herbs

Fresh herbs can add a lot of flavor to your dishes, but they tend to wilt and spoil quickly. To preserve herbs, chop them up and place them in an ice cube tray. 

Fill the tray with water or olive oil and freeze. Once frozen, pop the herb cubes out of the tray and store them in a freezer bag. 

This hack allows you to have fresh herbs on hand all year round.

Hack #7: Reviving stale bread

Stale bread doesn't have to go to waste. With this hack, you can revive stale bread and make it taste fresh again. 

Simply run the bread underwater, making sure not to soak it completely. 

Then, place the bread in a 350-degree oven for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the bread. 

The water will create steam, which will help to soften the bread and make it taste fresh again.

Hack #8: Softening hardened brown sugar

If your brown sugar has hardened into a rock, don't throw it away just yet. 

1. 1 With this hack, you can soften brown sugar in minutes. 
2. Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. 
3. Microwave the sugar in 20-second intervals until it's soft again. 
4. The moisture from the paper towel will help to soften the sugar, making it easy to use.

Hacks for Cooking Techniques

Hack #9: Using a slow cooker for easy and flavorful meals

A slow cooker is a busy cook's best friend. With a slow cooker, you can make easy and flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, set it on low, and let it cook all day. 

By dinnertime, you'll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Slow cookers are great for soups, stews, and roasts, but you can also use them to make breakfast casseroles and even desserts.

Hack #10: Creating a perfect poached egg

Poached eggs are a delicious and healthy breakfast option, but they can be tricky to make. With this hack, you can create a perfect poached egg every time. Start by bringing a pot of water to a simmer. 

Add a splash of vinegar to the water, which will help the egg whites to set. Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin. Then, use a spoon to create a whirlpool in the water. 

Gently pour the egg into the center of the whirlpool. Let the egg cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the white is set but the yolk is still runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water and serve.

Hack #11: Making fluffy scrambled eggs every time

Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple, but they can be dry and rubbery if not cooked properly. 

With this hack, you can make fluffy scrambled eggs every time. Start by whisking your eggs in a bowl, adding a splash of milk or cream for extra fluffiness. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the eggs to the skillet.

Use a spatula to stir the eggs constantly, scraping the bottom of the skillet as you go. Once the eggs start to set, remove the skillet from the heat and continue stirring for another 30 seconds or so. This will ensure that the eggs are cooked through but still fluffy.

Hack #12: Cooking bacon without the mess

Bacon is a delicious addition to breakfast, but it can be messy to cook. With this hack, you can cook bacon without the mess. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon strips on the sheet, making sure not to overlap them. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. 

The parchment paper will absorb the bacon grease, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, baking bacon in the oven is a hands-off method that frees up your stovetop for other dishes.

Hacks for Cleaning and Maintenance

Hack #13: Removing stubborn stains from pots and pans

Pots and pans can be difficult to clean, especially if there are stubborn stains or burned-on food. 

But with this hack, you can easily remove even the toughest stains. Start by filling the pot or pan with hot water and adding a tablespoon of baking soda. 

Let the pot or pan soak for a few hours, or overnight if the stains are particularly stubborn. Then, use a scouring pad or a sponge to scrub the stains away. 

The baking soda will help to loosen the stains, making them easier to remove.

Hack #14: Cleaning a greasy stovetop

A greasy stovetop can be unsightly and difficult to clean, but with this hack, you can get your stovetop looking like new in no time. 

Start by sprinkling baking soda over the greasy areas. Then, spray the baking soda with white vinegar, which will cause the mixture to foam. 

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then use a sponge or a cloth to wipe away the grease and grime. Rinse the stove top with water and dry with a clean cloth.

Hack #15: Sharpening dull knives at home

Dull knives can be frustrating to work with and can even be dangerous, as they can slip and cause injury. But with this hack, you can sharpen your dull knives at home. 

Start by placing a folded towel on a countertop, then place a sharpening stone on top of the towel. 

Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle against the sharpening stone and draw the blade along the stone, moving from the base of the blade to the tip. 

Repeat this process on the other side of the blade, then flip the stone over and repeat on the other side. Finally, use a honing rod to realign the blade's edge. 

With just a few minutes of work, your dull knife will be sharp and ready to use.

Conclusion

In this article, we've covered a range of cooking hacks that can make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient. From measuring and cutting hacks to storing and preserving food, cooking techniques, and cleaning and maintenance tips, there's something for everyone to learn.

Encouragement to try these hacks

We encourage you to try out these hacks for yourself and see how they can simplify your cooking and cleaning routines. With a little practice and experimentation, you might even come up with your own hacks to add to the list!

Final thoughts and tips

Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – that's how you learn and grow as a cook. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and these hacks can help make it even better.