While some think of cooking as a chore and thus take all the fun out of it, for others, cooking represents a pleasure – they’re the ones who can’t wait to cook all the exciting new recipes, try out some innovative cooking techniques, and discover another way to satisfy their taste buds. Some enjoy cooking so much that they look at it as a hobby, while others turn their passion for cooking into a full-time job. Whether you’re a professional cook, a home cook, or an amateur foodie, we can all agree that there’s always room for improvement. For all the food enthusiasts out there, we’ve gathered a couple of tips we think you should master if you want to become a better cook. Check them out!
Make your cooking space work for you
Optimizing your kitchen space for cooking is key to preparing your meals more quickly and efficiently. First things first, make sure your cooking area is clear and well-lit – attach under cabinet lighting to illuminate your workspace and be sure to declutter so that nothing comes in your way while preparing food. Place cutting boards, knives, and bowls of different sizes on your countertops, and make sure the ingredients are readily available. Also, you’ll need to dispose of all the food scraps, so be sure to keep your compost bin nearby. Prepping your kitchen workspace beforehand will help you do things much faster because everything you need will be within arm’s reach.
Make sure you have the right equipment
Every foodie knows how important it is to have the necessary kitchen equipment for preparing their favorite meals. Aside from all the pots, skillets, woks, and saucepans, you should also make sure you’ve got a slow cooker and a casserole dish. When the nicer weather arrives, the barbecue season starts, so be sure to order your bbq accessories online to complement your charcoal smoker and help you grill the most delicious barbecue. Of course, you’ll also need to equip your kitchen with different cutting boards for different types of foods so that the tastes don’t mix. Also, make sure you get all the measuring tools such as cups, spoons, timer, thermometer, and a scale.
Plan out your weekly meals in advance
Another important tip for foodies is to always plan the weekly meals. The majority of people don’t have the time to hit the supermarket every other day, which is why it’s best to always prepare a shopping list beforehand. Simply jot down all the foods, spices, and ingredients you’ll need for your meals and then shop for the whole week in advance. If you always go to the same store, it’ll be easier for you to navigate the aisles. Try to organize your list the same way and shop by category (dairy, bakery, deli, etc.). Bringing a shopping list with you will save you so much time and probably some money too because you’ll be less tempted to make an impulse purchase if you have a shopping list and/or budget to stick to.
Stock up on pantry essentials
A well-stocked pantry is a must for anyone looking to become a better cook. Whenever you’re making your weekly grocery list, be sure to check if there are any foods, spices, or ingredients that need to be replaced or refilled. Although this requires some extra effort, it’s worth your while because it ensures you always have everything you need readily available. When preparing dinner for your guests, the last thing you want is to open your pantry and find out you’re missing a key ingredient, so be sure to always stock up on pantry essentials. Keep your pantry full of staples such as olive oil, rice, pasta, and vinegar to ensure you can whip up a meal at any given time, sans stress.
Rely on herbs and spices to cook mouth-watering dishes
Last but not least, the best way to spice up your recipes is to use a combination of fresh herbs and spices. It’s an excellent way to add flavor and color to the food. While dried herbs are added during the meal, fresh ones are added near the end of cooking. Aside from making dishes tastier and more appealing, herbs and spices bring many benefits health-wise, and they’re good alternatives to salt, sugar, fat, and butter. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are great for replacing sugar, while savory spices and herbs like curry powder, cumin, and garlic powder are excellent salt alternatives.
Whether you cook for your family, for your soul, for living, or just for fun, there’s always a new technique to be learned and a delicious recipe to be tried out. Add these tips to your cooking repertoire and make cooking a snap!
