Greetings, fellow foodies! Cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of kitchen hacks to help make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient. From organizing your pantry to cooking with leftovers, these tips and tricks are sure to change the way you approach cooking.
- Organizing Your Pantry
- Cooking with Leftovers
- Cutting and Chopping Like a Pro
- Storing Food Properly
- Cleaning Up in a Snap
- Utilizing Kitchen Tools
Organizing Your Pantry
One of the keys to a successful cooking experience is having an organized pantry. Here are some tips to keep your pantry tidy:
Use clear containers for dry goods like flour sugar and rice to keep them fresh and easily visible
Clear containers not only keep your pantry looking neat, but they also help you keep track of what you have and what you need to restock. Plus, they make it easy to measure out ingredients without having to dig through bags or boxes.
Label everything
Labeling your containers and shelves will save you time and frustration. No more wondering if that jar is salt or sugar!
Organize by category
Group like items together – baking supplies in one area, snacks in another, and so on. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents you from buying duplicates.
Use risers or lazy susans
If you have deep shelves, risers or lazy susans can help you make the most of your space. You’ll be able to see everything at a glance and won’t have to dig through items to find what you need.
Keep a running list of items to restock
One of the most frustrating things is reaching for an ingredient only to find it’s empty. Keep a list on your fridge or phone of items you need to restock so you never run out of your essentials.
Cooking with Leftovers
Don’t let your leftovers go to waste! There are plenty of ways to repurpose them into delicious new meals. Here are some ideas:
Make a frittata
Leftover veggies and meats make a great addition to a frittata. Simply whisk some eggs, add your leftovers, and bake until set.
Create a stir-fry
Leftover rice and veggies can be transformed into a stir-fry with the addition of some protein and Asian-inspired sauces.
Make a soup or stew
Leftover meats and vegetables can be added to a pot with some broth and spices to create a hearty soup or stew. Perfect for cold winter nights!
Create a sandwich or wrap
Leftover meats and veggies can be used to create a delicious sandwich or wrap. Add some cheese, avocado, or hummus for extra flavor.
Make a pizza
Leftover meats and veggies can be used as toppings for a homemade pizza. Add some cheese and sauce, and bake until crispy.
Cutting and Chopping Like a Pro
Cutting and chopping can be time-consuming and frustrating. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
Invest in a good cutting board
A sturdy cutting board makes all the difference. Look for one that’s large enough to accommodate your needs and won’t slide around on your countertop.
Use a sharp knife
A dull knife is not only frustrating to use, but it’s also dangerous. Invest in a good set of knives and keep them sharp with a honing steel.
Practice your technique
Learn how to properly hold your knife and create a rocking motion with your wrist. This will make chopping and dicing much quicker and easier.
Use a mandoline
If you’re slicing a lot of vegetables at once, a mandoline can save you time and create uniform slices.
Freeze your meat slightly before cutting
Meat that’s partially frozen is easier to slice and dice. Plus, it’s safer than trying to cut through a slippery, unfrozen piece of meat.
Storing Food Properly
Properly storing your food can help it last longer and stay fresh. Here are some tips:
Use a vacuum sealer
A vacuum sealer is a great investment if you want to keep your food fresh for longer. It removes all the air from the bag, preventing freezer burn and spoilage.
Store herbs in a glass of water
Herbs like parsley and cilantro can wilt quickly in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in a glass of water in the fridge.
Store onions and potatoes separately
Onions and potatoes can release gases that cause each other to spoil faster. Keep them in separate areas of your pantry or fridge to prevent this.
Wrap cheese in parchment paper
Cheese needs to breathe, so avoid wrapping it in plastic wrap. Instead, wrap it in parchment paper and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Store bread in the freezer
If you’re not going to eat bread within a few days, store it in the freezer. It will stay fresh for several months.
Cleaning Up in a Snap
Cleaning up after cooking can be a daunting task, but these tips can make it go much smoother:
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper
This makes cleanup a breeze – just toss the parchment paper in the trash and your baking sheet is clean!
Use a slow cooker liner
If you’re using a slow cooker, a liner can save you time and effort. Simply toss the liner in the trash and your slow cooker is clean.
Use a garbage bowl
Instead of walking back and forth to the trash can, use a garbage bowl to collect scraps and packaging. It will save you time and prevent a mess.
Wash as you go
If you have a few extra minutes while something is cooking, wash some dishes or wipe down your counters. This will make cleanup much easier when you’re done.
Use a dish rack
If you don’t have a dishwasher, a dish rack can make drying dishes much easier. Plus, it keeps them organized and prevents water spots.
Utilizing Kitchen Tools
There are countless kitchen tools available, but here are some that can really make a difference:
Instant Pot
An Instant Pot can cook meals in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove or in the oven. Plus, it can be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, and more.
Immersion blender
An immersion blender is great for pureeing soups and sauces right in the pot. It’s also easier to clean than a traditional blender.
Crock-Pot
A Crock-Pot is perfect for slow-cooking meals while you’re at work or out running errands. Just set it and forget it!
Cast iron skillet
A cast iron skillet is versatile and durable. It can go from stovetop to oven and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.
Food processor
A food processor can make chopping, pureeing, and shredding a breeze. Plus, it can be used for everything from hummus to pie crust.
FAQs
- Q: Can I freeze fresh herbs?
- Q: How can I prevent my cutting board from sliding
A: Yes! Simply chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little bit of water or oil.
