100 Food Hacks I Learned In Restaurants read and implement food hacks in your kitchen.
- Use a Sharp Knife: Sharp knives make chopping faster and safer.
- Season as You Go: Layering flavors is key to restaurant-quality food.
- Preheat Your Pans: Always start cooking in a hot pan.
- Rest Meat After Cooking: This helps retain juices.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate any dish.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea.
- Finish Pasta in the Sauce: Allows the pasta to absorb flavors.
- Save Pasta Water: Use it to thicken and flavor sauces.
- Deglaze Pans: Use wine or broth to lift flavors from the pan.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Makes a big difference in taste.
- Blanch Vegetables: Helps retain color and nutrients.
- Dry Meat Before Cooking: Ensures a better sear.
- Marinate Meat: Enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Rest Dough: Improves texture in bread and pizza.
- Use a Microplane for Garlic: Faster and more efficient.
- Invest in Cast Iron Pans: Versatile and retains heat well.
- Cook in Batches: Prevents overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Use Acid: A splash of vinegar or citrus brightens flavors.
- Butter-Baste Meat: Adds richness and flavor.
- Make Compound Butter: Infused butter for steaks or veggies.
- Keep Herbs Fresh: Store in water or wrap in damp paper towels.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Brine Poultry: Keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Use a Scale for Baking: Ensures accuracy.
- Chill Your Dough: Helps with handling and texture.
- Use a Mandoline: For perfectly even slices.
- Zest Citrus Before Juicing: Adds extra flavor to dishes.
- Use a Bench Scraper: Makes dough handling easier.
- Toast Nuts and Spices: Enhances their flavors.
- Make Your Own Stock: Richer flavor than store-bought.
- Degrease Soups and Stews: Skim off excess fat for a cleaner taste.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even cooking and mixing.
- Cut Against the Grain: For more tender meat slices.
- Dry Brine Steaks: Salt steaks overnight for better flavor.
- Use a Pizza Stone: For crispy pizza crusts.
- Shock Vegetables in Ice Water: Sets color and stops cooking.
- Caramelize Onions: Adds depth of flavor to many dishes.
- Make Clarified Butter: Perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Use a Spider Strainer: For deep-frying or blanching.
- Peel Ginger with a Spoon: Removes skin without waste.
- Use a Tamis or Fine Sieve: For smooth sauces and purees.
- Roast Bones for Stock: Adds depth of flavor.
- Use a Mortar and Pestle: For grinding spices and making pastes.
- Salt Meat Before Cooking: Helps it retain moisture.
- Use a Potato Ricer: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
- Rest Batter: Allows gluten to relax for lighter pancakes.
- Temper Chocolate: For shiny, snap-able results.
- Use a Sizzle Plate: Keeps food hot when serving.
- Grate Cold Butter: Easier to incorporate into dough.
50 More Food Hacks I Learned In Restaurants
- Infuse Oils: For added flavor in cooking and salads.
- Make Your Own Vinaigrette: Fresh and customizable.
- Render Fat: For rich, flavorful cooking fats.
- Use Silicone Mats: Non-stick and reusable.
- Strain Sauces: For a smooth, professional finish.
- Roast Garlic: Adds a mellow, sweet flavor.
- Use an Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking times.
- Cook Low and Slow: For tender meats and rich flavors.
- Use a Sous Vide: Perfect temperature control for meats.
- Make Your Own Breadcrumbs: Fresh and customizable.
- Use a Blowtorch: For finishing touches like crème brûlée.
- Chill Bowls for Whipping Cream: Keeps it cold and stable.
- Grate Vegetables for Salads: Adds texture and interest.
- Use a Food Mill: For smooth purees and sauces.
- Flavor Salt: Add herbs or spices for custom seasoning.
- Rest Baked Goods: Allows flavors to develop.
- Use a Wok: For quick, high-heat cooking.
- Make Your Own Spice Blends: Fresh and tailored to your taste.
- Brush Pastry with Egg Wash: For a golden, shiny finish.
- Use a Chill Pad: To keep food cool while serving.
- Cook Fish on a Bed of Citrus: Adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Make Your Own Pasta: Fresh and delicious.
- Use an Immersion Blender: For soups and sauces.
- Butter the Pan for Eggs: Adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Use a Slotted Spoon: For poaching and frying.
- Cook with Wine: Adds depth and complexity.
- Use a Griddle: For even cooking of large batches.
- Season Your Cutting Board: With a rub of garlic and salt.
- Use a Kitchen Torch: For caramelizing and charring.
- Make Your Own Pickles: Fresh and customizable.
- Grill Fruit: For a caramelized, smoky flavor.
- Use a Cooling Rack: For crispy baked goods.
- Cook in a Dutch Oven: For even heat distribution.
- Use a Salt Block: For cooking and serving.
- Make Your Own Yogurt: Fresh and delicious.
- Use a Marble Slab: For rolling out dough.
- Dry Age Meat: For enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Use a Siphon: For whipped cream and foams.
- Make Your Own Ice Cream: Fresh and customizable.
- Ferment Vegetables: For tangy, probiotic-rich snacks.
- Use a Nut Milk Bag: For straining liquids.
- Make Your Own Ricotta: Fresh and creamy.
- Use a Tamarind Paste: For a tangy, sweet flavor.
- Make Your Own Granola: Fresh and customizable.
- Smoke Your Own Meats: For rich, smoky flavors.
- Use a Molcajete: For making salsas and guacamole.
- Make Your Own Tofu: Fresh and customizable.
- Use a Tagine: For slow-cooked Moroccan dishes.
- Make Your Own Pasta Sauce: Fresh and flavorful.
- Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry: Allows for quick, creative cooking.