I Cook Almost Every Single Day, And These Little Tips Actually Add Up To Make A Huge Difference For Me They're all low-effort — but they make a world of difference.
Maybe you cook at home all the time, or perhaps you're trying to cook more in the new year. Whatever the case, these simple small-but-mighty tips will make cooking more enjoyable, add flavor to all of your dishes, and make you more comfortable in the kitchen.
1.
Take the time to mise en place.
2.
Avoid cranking up your burner to high heat.
3.
Taste and season your food as you cook, not just at the end.
4.
Always wait until the pan is hot.
5.
Save your leftover pasta water.
6.
Cook any grains or starchy foods in chicken broth instead of water.
7.
Hands off! Don't mess with your food while it cooks.
8.
When cooking meat, use a thermometer.
9.
Think about the balance between salt, heat, fat, and acid.
10.
In the same vein, don't be afraid of using salt.
11.
Clean as you go! (Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough.)
12.
Add garlic toward the end of cooking.
13.
Fresh herbs can make a world of difference.
14.
Let meat come to room temperature before cooking.
15.
Pay attention to the type of oil you're cooking with.
16.
Don't overuse your non-stick pans.
17.
Roast vegetables for longer than you might expect to for a good char.
18.
Read the recipe thoroughly before beginning to cook.
19.
Let meat rest before cutting into it.
20.
Cook different cuts of meat accordingly.
21.
Don't forget to deglaze the pan.
22.
To achieve the best sear, pat down meat and fish with a paper towel.
23.
And brine basically any type of meat to bring out the best possible flavor.
What cooking tip has made a big difference for you in the kitchen? Tell us in the comments below.