10 Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks for the Home Chef

Some handy tips to help you save time, effort, and money in the kitchen.

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Keep Your Lettuce Fresher for Longer

Lettuce and leafy greens deteriorate quickly, and moisture can cause leaves to spoil, even when stored in the refrigerator. However, by wrapping a paper towel around the leaves, you can absorb excess moisture, helping to keep your greens fresh for longer.

Remove Grease with Flour or a Lemon Slice

In addition to hot water, grease stains can be challenging to remove. Try using flour or lemon to tackle them. Before washing, sprinkle a small amount of flour into the bowl; it will absorb the grease and fat. Then, wash as usual. Alternatively, add a slice of lemon to your dishwashing liquid; it will effectively remove grease from dishes and cutlery while reducing the amount of detergent needed.

Prevent Drain Pipes from Clogging

Remember to pour boiling water down your drain pipes occasionally to prevent clogs. The hot water will melt away any built-up grease, saving you time and money on costly plumbing issues.

Clean Your Wooden Cutting Board

To eliminate unpleasant odors and food residue from your wooden cutting board, scrub it with coarse salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, wipe it clean with half a lemon and dry it off. This kitchen tip will help remove stubborn odors from your cutting board.

Easily Slice Meat and Fish

For easier slicing, place your meat or fish in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will partially freeze the food, making it firmer and easier to handle.

Quick and Safe Defrosting of Frozen Foods

Meat and fish frozen for extended periods can take a long time to defrost. If you’re short on time, submerge the food in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 hours. Adding a pinch of salt or sugar will expedite the process while preserving the food’s freshness and ensuring safe handling.

Clean Your Frying Pan

To make your frying pan look brand new, pour a small amount of vinegar into it and bring it to a boil. This will clean the inside of the pan. Then, pour out the vinegar and rinse with cold water. While the pan is still warm, scrub it with baking soda, both inside and out, and finally, wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Fry Leftover Rice to Perfection

If you have leftover rice from the previous day, store it in the refrigerator overnight before frying. This will separate the grains, making them firmer and more delicious. Additionally, if you’ve just cooked the rice and want to fry it immediately, add 5g of oil and mix well before frying as usual.

Remove Onion and Garlic Odors from Your Hands

The smell of onions and garlic on your hands after cooking is a common concern, especially for those who don’t enjoy these ingredients. To eliminate the odor, simply rub some salt or lemon on your hands for 2-4 minutes, and then wash with water. Alternatively, use coffee grounds to neutralize the smell and leave your hands feeling soft and smooth.

Rescue an Oversalted Soup

If you’ve added too much salt to your soup, drop in a potato; it will absorb the excess salt, saving your dish.

 

Source: Giadinhvietnam

Frequently asked questions

There are several tricks to save time in the kitchen, such as using a microwave to quickly soften butter or harden sugar, boiling water in the kettle for pasta instead of waiting for it to boil on the stove, and utilizing a citrus fruit to clean the microwave.

Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Microwave for 10-second intervals until softened.

Place the sugar in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the amount. It will harden as it cools.

Use an electric kettle to boil water. It’s faster and more energy-efficient than boiling water on the stove.

Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and a sliced lemon, lime, or orange inside. Microwave for a few minutes, allowing the steam to build up. Then wipe down the interior with a cloth.

For tough, stuck-on food, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the area, and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

Chill the onion in the freezer for 15 minutes before chopping, or cut it near an open flame to burn off the gases that cause tears.

Place the garlic clove in a container with a tight lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The skin will come right off.

Wash and dry the herbs, then chop them and place them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. Freeze, and add the cubes directly to dishes when needed.

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water when boiling. This will make the eggs easier to peel once they’re cooked.
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