8 Chef Hacks to Help You Step up Your Dinner Game

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not easy being an ordinary person. Meaning I don’t have extra hands waiting to chauffer me through this chaotic life and fix all of my problems. Being ordinary forces me to constantly try and keep up with the latest trends and experts, and I’m currently feeling drained. Unfortunately, becoming an adult made it even harder to keep up, because now I’m expected to cook like a professional. Nobody, not even my dear grandma warned me about this expectation as a child. Ugh.

I didn’t take a cooking class in school, and I don’t have the money for any of these fancy kitchen gadgets. I would love to cook like a Master Chef, but I don’t have the time to learn or the money to buy the tools.

However, I am creative (cue the light bulb). After constant frustration with daily cooking complications, I found that if you really get to know your everyday kitchen essentials those complications will eliminate themselves. Guess what? Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated at all. All you need to do is be resourceful. These cooking hacks will help your everyday cooking immensely. Give them a try and prepare to be completely amazed.

Pan Searing Steak Hack

Tools:

• skillet
• steak
• paper towel
• salt & pepper

Instructions: 

1. Dab steak with the napkin to absorb water.
2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steak.
3. Heat skillet.
4. Place steak in the skillet once the skillet is hot.
5. Flip steak at the time desired.

Buttering Toast hack

Tools: 

• butter
• slice of toast
• butter slicer

Instructions:

1. Slice layer of butter with butter slicer
2. Place the slice of butter on toast and allow it to melt

Non-Stick Fish Grilling

Tools:

• mayonnaise
• brush
• tongs
• grill

Instructions:

1. Using the brush apply mayonnaise to both sides of fish.
2. Use tongs to place on grill.
3. Flip fish as desired without it sticking

Sturdy Cutting Board Hack

Tools:

• paper towel
• water
• cutting board

Instructions:

1. Place the paper towel on a surface.
2. Lightly dampen the paper towel with water.
3. Place the cutting board on top of the paper towel.

Cutting Protein Hack

Tools:

• protein
• plastic wrap
• metal pan
• knife
• cutting board

Instructions:

1. Place protein on the metal tray.
2. Cover tray with plastic wrap.
3. Place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes.
4. Slice protein.

Expired Baking Soda Hack

Tools:

• glass of water
• baking soda

Instructions:

1. Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into the glass of water.
2. Watch to see if baking soda falls to the bottom or floats.

Perfect Bacon Hack

Tools:

• metal pan
• parchment paper
• bacon strips

Instructions:

1. Place parchment paper on the metal pan.
2. Place bacon strips on top of the parchment paper.
3. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top of bacon and press down.
4. Place the metal pan into the oven to cook.
5. When done remove the top layer of parchment paper.

Sturdy Mixing Bowl hack

Tools:

• mixing bowl
• hand towel
• water

Instructions:

1. Dampen hand towel.
2. Fold hand towel to form the shape a circle.
3. Place bowl on top of the circular hand towel.