Imagine that you’re a fan of cooking reality shows. You’ve watched people make the most amazing dishes, all with their signature twists on tried-and-tested recipes. Naturally, you want to follow in their footsteps. But after a few meltdowns in the kitchen, you feel like your confidence has hit rock bottom. And you’re not sure what you’re doing wrong!
The chefs from the ‘Life Pro Tips’ online community shared some of their best pieces of advice for home cooking that include brilliant ways to up your gastronomic game. Scroll down for their best insights and a reminder to never give up on doing your best in the kitchen.
Bored Panda got in touch with the author of the viral thread, u/samgarita, and they were happy to share their thoughts on cooking with us. You'll find our full interview with the OP as you read on.
#21
Keep a “garbage bowl” with you at your prep station. I love just tossing scraps of veggies into the bowl instead of opening and closing and going to the garbage can every time I need to toss something.
Report
25points
#22
When cooking something for the first time, follow the recipe precisely. If it says add an ingredient to taste, start low and add more later. You can't unsalt a dish. When you get comfortable, you can make adjustments.
Report
24points
#23
Iceberg lettuce. Store in a Ziploc style bag. Place a lightly folded paper towel in the bag and remove as much of the air before sealing.
It'll last so much longer.
19points
#24
Cooking on high will not get the food done quicker it will just burn the food.
Report
18points
#25
Do not buy chicken broth!!! Buy chicken bouillon and mix it with water. You’re paying extra at the store for water - that’s it.
Report
18points
#26
A good, weighted, stainless steel pan can be as useful as a cr***y nonstick. Slowly heat the pan, never start hot and make sure to add fat (cooking spray, butter, etc). Also, a good rule of thumb: salt, fat, acid and heat make nearly every dish better. If something you've cooked seems to be lacking, you may be missing one of these components.
Report
12points
#27
A lot of food prep is a science—especially baking. Accurate measuring tools are essential. Get some good measuring spoons & cups, an inexpensive digital scale, a meat thermometer, a candy thermometer. I also have an inexpensive IR gun to measure surface temperature of pans and equipment. Also, check your oven’s accuracy with an oven thermometer and the old “parchment on a baking sheet” test to find hot/cold spots.
Report
11points
#28
Umami boosters. Veggimite, Marmite, nutritional yeast, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, &c. Add to savory dishes, especially sauces and soups, adds a layer of flavor the taster usually can’t place, but makes the dish 10x better.
Report
11points
#29
Don't underestimate the importance of herbs and spices.
The finer you chop garlic the more garlic you'll taste in your food.
Fresh ginger is pretty much essential in Asian cuisine.
Watch YouTube videos on different ways to cut vegetables and fruits.
Cooking a dish with the top open will allow the water to evaporate from the food whereas keeping a lid on will contain the moisture in the pot. This can help you in your decision on how you want your dish.
Use dried herbs to cook with and fresh herbs to cook with and garnish for extra flavour.
Report
10points
#30
Don't buy cheap pots, pans, utensils, etc.
Get a GOOD chef's knife.
Read (I would suggest starting with Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain) books from lists like:
escoffier.edu/blog/world-food-drink/5-books-all-chefs-sbould-read
Buy and use recipe books
Explore different styles of food than you're used to eating.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! (which is much easier if you love to eat as much as I do)
Get a GOOD chef's knife.
Read (I would suggest starting with Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain) books from lists like:
escoffier.edu/blog/world-food-drink/5-books-all-chefs-sbould-read
Buy and use recipe books
Explore different styles of food than you're used to eating.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! (which is much easier if you love to eat as much as I do)
Report
10points