Simple Cooking Tips With a Big Impact
Simple Cooking Tips With a Big Impact
Easy Prep Tips to Save Time and Effort
Before you start cooking up a storm, it’s important that you have everything you need to hand. Here are some tips to help make cooking preparation a breeze.
Preheat Your Pans for Better Searing
When cooking proteins like meat or fish, make sure to preheat your pan before adding ingredients. A hot pan helps achieve that golden-brown crust by sealing in moisture and adding flavour. Just let the pan heat up over medium heat for a few minutes before adding oil or food. You’ll end up with beautifully browned food that tastes as great as it looks.
Mise en Place – Preparing Ingredients in Advance
“Mise en place” is a French term that means “everything in its place.” It’s a practice of preparing and organizing your ingredients before you start cooking. This small step can make your cooking experience smoother and less stressful, especially for recipes with many ingredients or quick cooking times. Chop your vegetables, measure out spices, and have everything ready to go. It’ll save you time and keep you focused.Keep Knives Sharp for Faster, Safer Chopping
A sharp knife is one of the best tools in any cook’s arsenal. Dull knives not only slow you down but can also make chopping dangerous. A sharp knife glides through ingredients with less force, making chopping faster and more efficient. Regularly sharpen your knives or use a honing rod to keep them in top shape. You’ll see an instant improvement in your chopping speed and precision!
Elevate flavours with 3 Simple Tricks
Now you’re ready to get started, here is our cooking advice for easy ways to really boost your meal’s flavour.
- Use Fresh Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavour and aroma to any dish. A handful of fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley can take a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. For best results, add fresh herbs at the end of cooking so their flavours remain vibrant. Dry herbs work well in longer-cooked dishes like stews, where their flavours have time to develop.
- Season at Every Step: Salt is a powerful tool that brings out the natural flavours in food. Instead of just salting at the end, try seasoning at every step – sprinkle a bit of salt on your vegetables as they cook or on meats before they hit the pan. This layering of flavours results in a more balanced, delicious dish. Just taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Experiment with Citrus or Vinegar: Acid is often the “secret ingredient” that makes flavours pop. A squeeze of lemon, a splash of vinegar, or a dash of lime can brighten up flavours, balance richness, and add a refreshing note to your dishes. Try adding a bit of acid at the end of cooking and taste the difference it makes!
Smart Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results
Prep? Check. Seasoning? Check. Now it’s time to learn some cooking shortcuts that’ll save you time and make for a delicious meal.
Use the Right Oil
Different oils have different smoke points, which can affect how they perform in high-heat cooking. For example, olive oil is best for sautéing over medium heat, while vegetable or canola oil is better for high-heat frying. Using the right oil for the right job can prevent burning and add a clean, fresh taste to your food.
Deglaze Your Pan for Easy Sauces
After you’ve cooked meat or veggies, don’t waste the flavourful bits stuck to the pan! Deglazing – adding liquid like broth, wine, or vinegar to a hot pan – helps lift these caramelized bits and turns them into a quick, flavourful sauce. Just let the liquid simmer down until it’s slightly thickened, then pour it over your finished dish for a delicious, restaurant-quality finish.Cook Low and Slow for Tender, Flavourful Meat
Cooking meats at lower temperatures over a longer time (such as braising or slow-cooking) can make them incredibly tender and flavourful. These methods are great for tougher cuts of meat like brisket or pork shoulder. Low-and-slow cooking breaks down tough fibres, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth textures. Perfect for hearty stews, roasts, and comfort foods!
Simple, Impactful Baking Tips
If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, our baking tips will help keep things simple and extra tasty.
Let Ingredients Come to Room Temperature
If you’ve ever baked with cold butter or eggs, you know it can be challenging to get a smooth batter. Many recipes work best when ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. Room-temperature ingredients blend better and produce a lighter texture. Plan ahead and let your ingredients sit out for a bit before you start baking.