44 Professional Kitchen Cooking Tips

Are you looking to enhance your culinary prowess? Whether you're a passionate home cook or a seasoned professional, we've got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, we present 45 invaluable cooking tips to elevate your skills in the kitchen, from time-saving techniques to flavor-enhancing secrets.

The following cooking tips come from our social media friends.

⬇️ Table of Contents

• Clean Up as You Go for a Stress-Free Cooking Experience
• Cook with Real Butter
• Make Homemade Butter
• Always Have a Staple Food
• Recipes Are Suggestions
• Use Self-Rising Flour
• Rotisserie Chicken Is Versatile
• Never be Afraid to Experiment
• Seasonings Are Crucial
• Invest In Improving Your Knife Skills
• Use Broth Instead of Water for Added Flavor
• Cooking Bacon in the Oven
• Save Vegetable Scraps and Chicken Bones for Bone Broth
• Season Your Meat Before Cooking It
• Use the Pasta Water to Add Flavor to Homemade Pasta Sauce
• Don't Cook Everything on High Heat
• Prepping Meals Ahead of Time Enhances Flavors
• Buy Meat in Bulk and Consider Investing in a Vacuum Sealer
• Baking Soda Can Tenderize Meats
• Use a Sharp Knife for Quick Chopping and Easy Cooking Preparation
• Get Your Kids Involved in Cooking
• Don't Forget the Power of Leftovers
• Adding Vinegar to Sweet Milk as a Buttermilk Substitute
• Time Saving Tips
• Use a Pressure Cooker for Faster Cooking, Including Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Utilize Pre-Cooked Food, like Roasted Chicken, to Save Time
• Prepare Your Ingredients Early in the Day for a Smoother Cooking Process
• Rest Your Steak for 10 Minutes after Cooking for a More Tender Result
• Use Kitchen Shears to Cut Waffles and Pancakes for Kids
• Freeze All Vegetable Trimmings to Make Stock
• Shred Chicken with a Hand Mixer
• Favor Enhancing Tips
• Cook with Wine for Extra Flavor
• Use a Cheese Grater to Add Extra Texture and Flavor to Your Dishes
• Add a Little Salt When Frying Potatoes to Prevent Them from Sticking to the Pan
• Refrigerate Onions Before Cutting to Reduce Tears
• Use Fresh Herbs in Your Cooking
• Boil Whole Cloves of Peeled Garlic with Your Potatoes and Mash Them Together
• Cooking Techniques
• Utilize Crockpot Liners for Easy Cleanup
• Use an Air Fryer for Healthier and Quicker Cooking
• Cook Meat Slowly over Low Heat for More Tender and Flavorful Results
• Use a Wooden Spoon Across a Boiling Pot to Prevent It from Boiling Over
• Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup of Cookie Sheets and Pyrex Dishes
• Use Cast Iron for Cooking

Clean Up as You Go for a Stress-Free Cooking Experience

Cleaning up as you go is a valuable practice that promotes a stress-free cooking experience.

By tidying up along the way, you maintain a clean and organized cooking environment, making it easier to navigate and reducing the amount of cleanup required after the meal.

This simple habit can make cooking more enjoyable and eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed by a cluttered kitchen.

Plus, you'll appreciate the clean and inviting space when it's time to sit down and enjoy your meal.

Cook with Real Butter

Cooking with real butter can enhance the flavor of the food. Unlike margarine or other substitutes, real butter adds a rich and creamy taste to dishes.

Its natural fats and flavors can bring out the best in various recipes, such as sautéed vegetables, baked goods, and sauces.

However, it's essential to use moderation when incorporating butter into your diet, as it is high in saturated fats.

Make Homemade Butter

Making homemade butter is a rewarding and delicious process that allows you to enjoy the rich and creamy taste of butter made from scratch.

With just a few simple steps, you can create your own homemade butter right in your kitchen.

Always Have a Staple Food

It's beneficial to have a staple food, like spaghetti and sauce in your cupboard for an easy meal. These pantry essentials can come to your rescue when you're short on time or don't have many fresh ingredients on hand.

Stocking up on non-perishable items ensures that you always have a quick and convenient meal option available. Spaghetti and sauce, for example, can be easily cooked and combined with various toppings or ingredients to create a satisfying and effortless dish.

Recipes Are Suggestions

Recipes are suggestions; don't be afraid to adjust them to your own taste. While recipes provide guidance on ingredients and instructions, they shouldn't restrict your creativity in the kitchen.

Feel free to modify recipes according to your preferences, dietary restrictions, or the ingredients available to you. Experimenting with different flavors and techniques can lead to unique and personalized dishes that suit your taste buds perfectly.

Use Self-Rising Flour

Using self-rising flour can simplify the baking process. This type of flour is a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, which are pre-mixed in precise proportions.

By using self-rising flour, you eliminate the need to measure and mix these ingredients separately when preparing baked goods like cakes, biscuits, or pancakes.

It saves time and ensures consistent results in your baking endeavors.

Rotisserie Chicken Is Versatile

Rotisserie chicken is versatile and a great time-saver. This fully cooked, ready-to-eat chicken can be easily purchased from grocery stores or delis. It can serve as a convenient base for numerous dishes, including salads, sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, and soups.

Its flavorful and tender meat can be shredded, chopped, or used as is, providing a delicious protein source that can be incorporated into various recipes without the need for extensive cooking or preparation time.

Never be Afraid to Experiment

Never be afraid to experiment and try new foods. Enjoying what you eat is an essential aspect of cooking and dining. Trying new ingredients, flavors, and cuisines can expand your palate and introduce you to exciting culinary experiences.

Embracing experimentation allows you to discover unique combinations, develop your cooking skills, and create dishes that reflect your personal style and preferences.

Seasonings Are Crucial

Seasonings, especially salt, pepper, and garlic, are crucial to most dishes. These basic seasonings play a fundamental role in enhancing the taste and depth of flavors in various recipes.

Salt brings out the natural flavors of ingredients, while pepper adds a hint of spiciness and complexity. Garlic, with its aromatic and savory qualities, provides a distinct and versatile taste. By mastering the art of seasoning, you can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Invest In Improving Your Knife Skills

Investing in improving your knife skills can greatly enhance your cooking experience. A sharp and well-handled knife is an essential tool in the kitchen. By honing your knife skills, you can increase your efficiency and precision while preparing ingredients.

Proper techniques for slicing, dicing, and chopping not only make your cooking tasks easier but also ensure consistent and professional-looking results.

Take the time to learn different cutting techniques and practice them regularly to become more proficient with your knives.

Use Broth Instead of Water for Added Flavor

Using broth instead of water can significantly enhance the flavor of your dishes. Whether you're making soups, stews, or cooking grains like rice or quinoa, substituting water with broth adds depth and complexity to the final outcome.

Broth, especially when homemade or of high quality, is packed with savory flavors and nutrients that infuse into the ingredients, creating a more delicious and well-rounded taste.

Experiment with different types of broths, such as chicken, vegetable, or beef, to elevate your recipes to new levels of deliciousness.

Cooking Bacon in the Oven

Cooking bacon in the oven instead of frying it can be a game-changer. This method offers several advantages.

First, it eliminates the need for constant flipping and monitoring of the bacon on the stovetop.

Secondly, it allows the bacon to cook more evenly, resulting in crispy and delicious slices. To cook bacon in the oven, lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake at a moderate temperature until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.

The oven method saves time, reduces mess, and produces consistently excellent bacon.

Save Vegetable Scraps and Chicken Bones for Bone Broth

Save vegetable scraps and chicken bones to make a nutritious bone broth. Instead of discarding onion peels, carrot tops, celery leaves, and other vegetable trimmings, collect them in a freezer bag or container.

Similarly, after enjoying a roast chicken or deboning chicken pieces, keep the bones for making broth. When you have a sufficient amount of scraps and bones, simmer them with water, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and nourishing bone broth.

Bone broth is rich in minerals, collagen, and nutrients, making it a fantastic base for soups, sauces, and other dishes while minimizing food waste.

Season Your Meat Before Cooking It

Seasoning your meat before cooking is crucial for enhancing its flavor. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or pan-frying, applying a blend of herbs, spices, and salt to your meat before cooking helps to infuse it with delicious flavors.

The seasoning can penetrate the meat, adding depth and enhancing its natural taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to create a unique and savory profile that suits your preferences.

Use the Pasta Water to Add Flavor to Homemade Pasta Sauce

When cooking pasta, don't forget to save some of the pasta water before draining it. The starchy water left behind after boiling pasta can be a valuable ingredient in homemade pasta sauce.

Adding a small amount of pasta water to your sauce helps to create a smooth and cohesive texture while enhancing the overall flavor.

The starch in the water acts as a natural thickener, binding the sauce ingredients together and creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Don't Cook Everything on High Heat

While high heat can be useful for certain cooking techniques, it's important to remember that not everything should be cooked at the highest temperature.

Different ingredients and cooking methods require varying levels of heat to achieve the best results. For delicate foods like fish or eggs, using lower heat helps to preserve their tenderness and prevent overcooking.

On the other hand, tougher cuts of meat may benefit from slow and low cooking to break down the connective tissues and achieve a tender result.

Understanding and controlling heat levels is key to mastering various cooking techniques and producing delicious meals.

Prepping Meals Ahead of Time Enhances Flavors

Prepping meals ahead of time, like meatloaf, can enhance the flavors. Allowing ingredients to marinate and mingle together over time intensifies the taste of the final dish.

When making meatloaf, for example, combining the ingredients and refrigerating the mixture for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop and meld.

This results in a more flavorful and cohesive meatloaf when it's cooked. Planning ahead and giving your ingredients time to mingle can take your dishes to the next level of taste and satisfaction.

Buy Meat in Bulk and Consider Investing in a Vacuum Sealer

Buying meat in bulk and considering investing in a vacuum sealer can extend its shelf life.

Purchasing meat in larger quantities often comes at a lower cost per pound and provides you with a convenient supply for multiple meals.

To preserve the quality and prevent freezer burn, using a vacuum sealer can remove excess air and tightly seal the meat, maintaining its freshness for an extended period.

This allows you to take advantage of discounts, reduces food waste, and ensures that you always have high-quality meat on hand whenever you need it.

Baking Soda Can Tenderize Meats

Baking soda can be used to tenderize meats. When mixed with a small amount of water and applied to tougher cuts of meat, baking soda helps to break down the proteins and connective tissues, resulting in a more tender texture.

This technique is particularly useful for cuts like beef or pork that require tenderizing before cooking.

However, it's important to note that baking soda should be used sparingly and for a specific duration, as excessive use can negatively affect the taste and texture of the meat.

Use a Sharp Knife for Quick Chopping and Easy Cooking Preparation

Using a sharp knife is essential for quick chopping and easy cooking preparation. A dull knife can be frustrating to work with and can result in uneven cuts or slips that may lead to accidents.

Investing in a high-quality sharp knife makes tasks like slicing vegetables, deboning meat, or chopping herbs much easier and more efficient.

It provides better control and precision, which reduces the likelihood of injuries. Regularly sharpen for safety.

Get Your Kids Involved in Cooking

Getting your kids involved in cooking is a great way to spend time together and teach them essential life skills. Cooking with children can be a fun and educational experience.

It helps them develop an appreciation for food, learn about different ingredients and techniques, and build confidence in the kitchen.

Start by assigning age-appropriate tasks like stirring, measuring ingredients, or assembling simple dishes.

As they grow, gradually introduce more complex cooking techniques and recipes. Cooking together creates lasting memories and instills a love for cooking and good nutrition in your children.

Don't Forget the Power of Leftovers

Don't underestimate the power of leftovers. Cooking in bulk and freezing meals can save you time and provide convenient options for future meals.

Instead of discarding excess food, store it in airtight containers and freeze it for later use.

Leftovers can be a lifesaver on busy days when you don't have time to cook from scratch. They also allow flavors to develop further over time, often resulting in even tastier meals upon reheating.

Label and organize your leftovers in the freezer to easily keep track of what you have and enjoy the benefits of ready-to-eat meals when needed.

Adding Vinegar to Sweet Milk as a Buttermilk Substitute

Adding a bit of vinegar to sweet milk can serve as a buttermilk substitute when needed. If a recipe calls for buttermilk, but you don't have any on hand, simply combine regular sweet milk (whole or low-fat) with a small amount of vinegar.

The acid in the vinegar helps to simulate the tangy flavor and acidity of buttermilk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the milk to curdle slightly before using it in your recipe.

This homemade buttermilk substitute works well in various baked goods and other recipes that require the unique characteristics of buttermilk.

Time Saving Tips

Use a Pressure Cooker for Faster Cooking, Including Hard-Boiled Eggs

Using a pressure cooker can significantly speed up cooking times for a wide range of dishes, and it's particularly good for preparing hard-boiled eggs.

The high-pressure environment in a pressure cooker allows for faster heat transfer, resulting in shorter cooking times compared to traditional methods.

When it comes to hard-boiled eggs, pressure cooking not only reduces the cooking time but also helps in achieving consistently perfect results.

The rapid pressure buildup and release create an environment that makes peeling the eggs easier and yields tender, fully cooked eggs every time.

Whether you're making stews, soups, or even rice, the pressure cooker is a valuable tool for efficient cooking.

Utilize Pre-Cooked Food, like Roasted Chicken, to Save Time

Utilizing pre-cooked foods, such as roasted chicken, can save you time when preparing dishes like salads, casseroles, or enchiladas. Pre-cooked foods offer a convenient and flavorful option for quick meals.

For example, using pre-cooked, shredded roasted chicken can significantly reduce the cooking and preparation time for dishes that require cooked chicken as an ingredient.

It eliminates the need to cook chicken from scratch and allows you to focus on assembling and seasoning your dish, saving valuable time in the kitchen. By having pre-cooked ingredients on hand, you can whip up delicious meals without the hassle of extensive cooking.

Prepare Your Ingredients Early in the Day for a Smoother Cooking Process

Preparing your ingredients early in the day can make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Take some time in the morning or during meal prepping sessions to chop vegetables, measure out spices, and organize other necessary ingredients for your recipes.

By doing so, you streamline the cooking process later in the day when you're ready to start cooking.

Having everything prepped and readily available allows you to focus on cooking techniques and ensures that you don't miss any crucial steps or ingredients during the rush of meal preparation. This practice promotes efficiency and helps you stay organized in the kitchen.

Rest Your Steak for 10 Minutes after Cooking for a More Tender Result

Resting your steak for 10 minutes after cooking is essential for achieving a more tender result.

When steak is cooked, the heat causes the juices to move toward the center. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more evenly cooked and flavorful piece of meat.

The resting time also helps to relax the muscle fibers, leading to a more tender texture. Cover the steak loosely with foil during the resting period to retain heat while allowing excess steam to escape.

By allowing your steak to rest, you'll be rewarded with a juicy and tender steak that is sure to impress.

Use Kitchen Shears to Cut Waffles and Pancakes for Kids

Using kitchen shears to cut waffles and pancakes is a practical technique, especially when serving kids.

Instead of struggling with a knife and risking uneven cuts or accidents, kitchen shears provide a consistent result.

Freeze All Vegetable Trimmings to Make Stock

To reduce food waste and maximize flavor, freeze all vegetable trimmings to make stock. Instead of discarding scraps like carrot tops, onion peels, or celery ends, collect them in a freezer bag or container.

Once you've accumulated enough, simmer the frozen vegetable trimmings with water to make a flavorful vegetable stock. The frozen trimmings contain a wealth of nutrients and flavors, which infuse into the stock during the cooking process.

This homemade vegetable stock can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, adding depth and richness to your dishes while minimizing food waste.

Shred Chicken with a Hand Mixer

Shredding chicken can be a time-consuming task, but using a hand mixer can make it quick and effortless. After cooking your chicken, let it cool slightly and transfer it to a large bowl. Insert the beaters of a hand mixer into the bowl and turn it on low speed.

Move the beaters around the chicken, and within a few moments, the chicken will shred into perfectly tender strands. This method is particularly useful when you need shredded chicken for recipes like tacos, sandwiches, or salads.

It saves you from the tedious process of manually shredding the chicken and makes meal preparation faster and more convenient.

With the help of a hand mixer, you can achieve perfectly shredded chicken in no time.

Favor Enhancing Tips

Cook with Wine for Extra Flavor

Cooking with wine can add depth and complexity to your dishes, providing an extra layer of flavor.

Whether you're preparing sauces, stews, or braises, incorporating wine can enhance the taste profile of your recipes.

The alcohol in wine helps to extract and intensify the flavors of other ingredients, creating a more well-rounded and robust dish. Additionally, wine adds acidity, which can help balance flavors and tenderize meats.

Choose a wine that complements the flavors of your dish, and remember that the alcohol mostly evaporates during cooking, leaving behind the rich flavors of the wine.

Use a Cheese Grater to Add Extra Texture and Flavor to Your Dishes

Using a cheese grater is a versatile tool that can add both texture and flavor to your dishes. Beyond grating cheese, you can utilize a cheese grater to add various ingredients such as citrus zest, ginger, garlic, or hard spices like nutmeg to your recipes.

By grating these ingredients, you create finer particles that distribute more evenly throughout the dish, resulting in enhanced flavor and aroma.

Additionally, grating hard vegetables like carrots or zucchini can add interesting textures and help them blend seamlessly into your dishes.

Add a Little Salt When Frying Potatoes to Prevent Them from Sticking to the Pan

When frying potatoes, adding a little salt to the cooking process can prevent them from sticking to the pan.

The salt draws out some of the moisture from the surface of the potatoes, creating a barrier that helps to reduce sticking. Additionally, salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.

To prevent excess saltiness, it's recommended to lightly sprinkle salt over the potatoes instead of heavily salting them. This simple technique ensures that your fried potatoes are cooked evenly and have a crispy exterior without sticking to the pan.

Refrigerate Onions Before Cutting to Reduce Tears

Refrigerating onions before cutting them can help reduce tears caused by releasing volatile compounds. When onions are chilled, the cold temperature slows down the chemical reactions that lead to the release of irritants, thereby reducing their potency.

Place the onions in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting to allow them to cool. Additionally, cutting onions under running water or wearing goggles can further minimize eye irritation.

By using this method, you can make onion preparation a more comfortable and tear-free experience.

Use Fresh Herbs in Your Cooking

Using fresh herbs in your cooking can elevate the flavors and aromas of your dishes.

Fresh herbs provide vibrant and distinct tastes that cannot be replicated by dried herbs. Whether you're using basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, or thyme, adding freshly chopped herbs to your recipes enhances the overall freshness and complexity of the dish.

To maximize their flavor, add delicate herbs towards the end of cooking or use them as a garnish. Growing your own herb garden or sourcing fresh herbs from local markets ensures you always have access to these aromatic ingredients.

Boil Whole Cloves of Peeled Garlic with Your Potatoes and Mash Them Together

Boiling whole cloves of peeled garlic with your potatoes and mashing them together can infuse the mashed potatoes with a subtle garlic flavor.

By boiling the garlic cloves along with the potatoes, their pungent flavor softens and mellows out, resulting in a mild and delicious garlic taste.

After boiling, mash the potatoes and garlic cloves together until smooth and well combined. The garlic-infused mashed potatoes make a flavorful side dish that pairs well with various main courses.

Adjust the number of garlic cloves based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Utilize Crockpot Liners for Easy Cleanup

When using a crockpot for slow cooking, utilizing crockpot liners can make cleanup a breeze. These disposable liners are designed to fit the shape of the crockpot and provide a non-stick surface.

Simply place a liner inside the crockpot before adding your ingredients, and once you're done cooking, carefully remove the liner along with any leftover food. This not only saves you time and effort in cleaning the crockpot but also helps to maintain its longevity.

Crockpot liners are readily available in most grocery stores and can significantly simplify the cleanup process.

Use an Air Fryer for Healthier and Quicker Cooking

An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in healthier and quicker cooking.

It requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. The circulating hot air crisps up the food, giving it a satisfying crunch without the need for excessive oil.

Additionally, air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, reducing overall cooking time. From crispy fries to tender chicken wings, an air fryer can help you achieve delicious results with less oil and in less time.

Cook Meat Slowly over Low Heat for More Tender and Flavorful Results

For more tender and flavorful meat, consider cooking it slowly over low heat. Slow cooking allows the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and enhanced flavors.

This method is particularly effective for tougher cuts of meat that benefit from longer cooking times.

By using methods like braising, stewing, or using a slow cooker, you can achieve tender and succulent meat that is packed with delicious flavors. Patience is key when it comes to slow cooking, as the gradual cooking process yields remarkable results.

Use a Wooden Spoon Across a Boiling Pot to Prevent It from Boiling Over

To prevent a pot from boiling over and making a mess on your stovetop, place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot.

The wooden spoon disrupts the surface tension of the boiling liquid, preventing it from spilling over the edges. This simple trick acts as a barrier and helps to control the boiling process.

It's important to note that using a wooden spoon is recommended, as metal spoons can conduct heat and become hot to the touch. Keep a close eye on your pot to ensure the contents are simmering at an appropriate level.

Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup of Cookie Sheets and Pyrex Dishes

To simplify cleanup when baking or roasting, use parchment paper on your cookie sheets and Pyrex dishes.

Parchment paper provides a non-stick surface, preventing food from sticking to the pan and making cleanup a breeze.

Simply line your baking sheets or Pyrex dishes with parchment paper before placing your food on top. Not only does it prevent the need for excessive greasing, but it also ensures that your baked goods or roasted foods come off the pan easily.

Afterward, you can simply discard the parchment paper, leaving you with minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creations.

Use Cast Iron for Cooking

Cooking with cast iron cookware offers numerous benefits. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for even cooking and heat distribution.

It can withstand high temperatures and is versatile enough to be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or over a campfire.

Cast iron cookware develops a natural non-stick surface over time, making it ideal for searing, frying, and baking.

Additionally, cooking with cast iron can increase the iron content of your food, which can be beneficial for individuals with iron deficiencies. Proper seasoning and care are essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of cast iron cookware, but the results are well worth it.