To be a great chef, there are some things you need to know. This article will let you know the ins and outs, along with the secrets of what it takes to be a good cook. Follow the tips provided in the article and you will know exactly what things you need to do to be the best cook that you can possibly be.
Use cooking oil to help prevent sticky messes. Prior to measuring, coat the spoon in the oil, like canola, so that the substance can slide off easier without waste and making a mess. This works well for peanut butter and honey, as well as other sticky foods.
It may be tempting to cook something new and fancy for a guest, though it is best to stick with what you already know you are good at. You don’t want to risk a culinary disaster in front of people you hope to impress. Guarantee success by preparing something you could cook with your eyes closed.
When sauteing food, don’t put too much oil in the pan. The extra moisture creates steaming which will prevent the food from attaining the crispy texture that sauteing is known for. Be sure that you do this when the temperature is low too.
Do not use a random amount of cooking oil. Measuring amounts into a cup when cooking instead of pouring guess amounts straight from the bottle lowers the fat you put into your dish. Measuring your oil is the only way to control the impact it has on the flavor and fat content of your dish.
You can use the last of your vegetables and meat by making them into a stir-fry or adding them to fried rice. Cold rice that was prepared the day before works especially well, but if none is available, just prepare fresh rice with half the water you would normally use so that the final product is drier. First, use a small amount of oil to fry the meat and vegetables. Next, add the rice to the mixture and use soy sauce, ginger and garlic according to your taste preferences.
If your family regularly sits down to dinners with a standard side dish of frozen corn off the cob, now might be a good time to make a change. Take a page from Thai cuisine by mixing coconut flakes with your cooked corn.
To remove the odors of fish, garlic, onions or other strong ingredients from your hands, rub them on stainless steel for a minute before washing them. You can keep your hands free from odors no matter the source, by using stainless steel rubbed onto your hands. Try the side of the sink or a spoon.
Liven up your old recipes by simply changing the sauces or spices that go in it. When you add a new spice, or marinate in a new sauce, you will wind up with different tastes. You can easily find exotic spices and sauces at your local ethnic store.
Your cutting board retains the odors of certain herbs and vegetables despite repeated scrubbings. This can save you from eating garlic strawberries.
Think about how you are going to layer a salad that will be taken to a potluck or severed several hours later. Make sure that the ingredients that are the most moist are on the bottom. On the top you should place the ingredients that get too soggy or will wilt.
As previously mentioned, all good cooks have a few secret tips and tricks up their sleeves. Some people are naturally great cooks. Other people need a lot of guidance and advice to cook just about anything. Let this article inspire you to improve your own kitchen efforts.