Cooking is something we can all improve at. Even the best chefs can learn new ideas to make their dishes turn out better. Novice cooks especially need tips to help develop their blossoming cooking skills. This article is full of tips you will find helpful in getting you started as a cook.
When adding oil to cooking food, pour it on the sides of the pan. This way, it will already be heated by the time it reaches the food. This will help your food be more flavorful.
Frozen Meat
Freeze your meat slightly and you will find that it slices with ease. This provides ideally thin meat for Thai, Chinese, or other Asian recipes. The knife can cut the partly frozen meat with less damage than if it were thawed. This is because the partially frozen meat fibers are not as easily stretched or torn. Make sure to let the meat thaw before you cook it, frozen ice and hot oil do mix well together.
Lots of recipes for fresh basil? Place a fresh bunch of basil in a jar or glass. Pour water in the glass until the stems of the fresh basil are completely covered. Set the glass on the kitchen counter or windowsill to maintain its freshness for weeks. If you pay close attention and frequently change the water in the glass, you are likely to see basil roots starting to grow. Trim or cut the basil from time to time for additional growth. Now you can enjoy your fresh basil anytime!
A lot of preparatory work can be done ahead of time in order to speed up time spent cooking. Look through your recipes and determine whether or not certain steps can be completed beforehand. Many of the preparatory steps can be taken a day before cooking. You can turn a fancy meal into a fast, fun meal that can be cooked in a flash!
Use airtight containers for flour, sugar and baking mixes in the kitchen. These containers keep your food safe from pests and help your items stay fresh by sealing out the unwanted air. These containers are easily purchased online or at your local department or even grocery stores. Wherever you get them from, the freshness of any food you intend to store in them is well worth the investment.
Think big if you plan to make chicken stock. When you prepare stock, make a large amount, so it can be frozen for later use. This stock is a popular base that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to casseroles and much more. Allow the stock to cool, then split it up into heavy duty Ziploc freezer bags.
Even expert cooks can learn something new and interesting every once in a while. It is important to learn as much as possible when you are a new cook. After you try the tips that have been provided you may find that you truly love cooking and find it very enjoyable.