I’m not sure about you, but I love a kitchen hack! There are so many tips and tricks that can make things easier in the kitchen. The right kitchen hacks can save you both time and money!
I’ve got quick fixes for every part of your meal prep, from making lemon juice flow more easily to freezing herb cubes for later use. Ready to change your kitchen game? Keep reading.
Quick Prep Hacks
1. Soften butter quickly
Cutting butter into small pieces speeds up softening. Leave it out at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and you’ll have it ready. If you’re in a real rush, pop the butter in the microwave for just 10 seconds.
This method works great for recipes that call for softer textures, like cookies or cakes. It’s an easy way to get your ingredients just right without waiting too long or messing with the flavour by melting them entirely. It’s also good when you want to use butter on toast or sandwiches.
Just make sure to check it after those brief bursts in the microwave – nobody wants overheated butter!
2. Peel garlic in the microwave
Peeling garlic can be so annoying. Here’s a tip that will spare you time and inconvenience. Position a few cloves of garlic in your microwave for 20-30 seconds before attempting to peel them.
This clever manoeuvre loosens the skins, allowing them to easily slide off the cloves. Now, peeling garlic is easier to prepare lovely meals with fresh herbs and full-bodied flavours.
3. Use a straw to hull strawberries
You can hull strawberries easily without a knife. Just grab a drinking straw. Push it through the berry from the bottom to the top. This method removes the stem quickly and safely. It’s so safe, that even kids can help in the kitchen with this task. You can also use this hack to pit cherries.
This simple hack uses tools you already have at home.
Cooking Tricks
4. Prevent ice cream melting with bubble wrap
Wrapping your ice cream in bubble wrap keeps it from turning to soup. This trick works because the bubble wrap acts as a good insulator. So, next time you’re taking a tub of ice cream somewhere, grab some bubble wrap first.
It’ll stay firm and cold for much longer.
5. Microwave lemons for juicier results
Microwaving lemons for 7-10 seconds before squeezing them makes a big difference. This simple trick releases more juice with less effort. It’s perfect when you’re making salad dressings or adding a splash of vitamin C to your drinks.
This method isn’t just for lemons; limes benefit too, giving your dishes and beverages that extra zing without the struggle.
6. Use a skewer to juice lemons
Poking a hole in the non-stem end of a lemon with a skewer makes juicing simple. This trick lets you squeeze out every drop. It’s easy and mess-free, perfect for when you’re making salad dressings or adding a splash to your water.
You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets, just a common skewer. It’s an easy solution that saves time during prep work in the kitchen. Whether it’s for pancakes or seafood dishes, this hack ensures you get all the lemon juice you need without any seeds slipping into your food.
7. Turn wine into a cocktail
Turn a bottle of rosé into a cocktail. Just pour the wine over ice and add sparkling water to create a fizzy refreshment. Add extra flavour to the drink with fresh fruit as a garnish for an extra dash of visual appeal.
8. Use a cooling rack to dice hard-boiled eggs or avocado
Using a cooling rack to dice hard-boiled eggs or avocados is a clever and efficient kitchen hack. Here’s how it works:
- Place the cooling rack over a bowl or cutting board.
- Position the egg or avocado on top of the cooling rack.
- Press down gently but firmly, pushing the egg or avocado through the grid of the cooling rack.
The grid will cut the food into even, small pieces, making the process quick and easy. This method is particularly useful when you need to dice several eggs or avocados at once, as it saves time and ensures uniform pieces. Just make sure the cooling rack is clean and sturdy enough to handle the pressure.
9. How to cook perfect pasta
Always add salt and olive oil into boiling water before adding dried pasta – this prevents sticking together. Save some pasta water after cooking; its starchiness adds extra flavour when stir-frying or making mac ‘n’ cheese.
Baking Tips
10. Use butter wrappers for greasing pans
Save and flatten butter wrappers to easily grease pans, rather than discarding them. Store these flattened wrappers in a resealable plastic bag for easy access. This simple trick reduces waste and is an easy way to grease baking pans. Using these saved butter wrappers helps prevent food from sticking to your cookware.
11. Warm knives for easier dessert slicing
To achieve clean slices of cake or cheesecake, one essential kitchen hack involves warming the knife first. By dipping a sharp knife in hot water and then wiping it dry before cutting, you can get tidy and smooth slices for your dessert without any crumbling or sticking.
12. Make frozen rolls taste homemade with egg wash
Thaw frozen rolls until ready to bake. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash for a golden finish, giving them a homemade feel. You could even dip them in seasoning blends, seeds, or cheeses for added flavour and visual appeal before baking.
Storage Solutions
13. Store herbs to extend their life
To extend the freshness of herbs, place trimmed stems in a glass of water and cover them with a plastic bag. Then, store them either in the fridge or on the counter for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them fresh and stops wilting nad decay, so you can enjoy your fresh herbs for longer.
14. Label jars with rubber bands
Rubber bands are a helpful utensil in the kitchen for effortless identification of contents in jars. Simply attach a rubber band around each jar and note down the details of what’s inside, saving time and hassle when searching for specific ingredients.
They also give additional traction to aid with opening stubborn jars, making them a great addition to any kitchen storage solution.
15. Keep brown sugar soft with marshmallows
Storing brown sugar with marshmallows in a tightly sealed container is a popular trick to keep the brown sugar soft. The marshmallows release moisture, which helps prevent the brown sugar from drying out and hardening. This method is effective because the sugar absorbs the moisture from the marshmallows, keeping them soft and usable for a longer period of time. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent the sugar from drying out.
16. Keep cookies soft with white bread
Adding a slice of white bread to an airtight container with cookies is a great way to keep them soft. The moisture from the bread helps to prevent the cookies from becoming dry and hard. The bread will gradually release its moisture, which the cookies will absorb, keeping them soft and fresh for a longer period. Just make sure the container is airtight so the moisture stays inside. Over time, the bread may become hard as it loses moisture, but the cookies will stay soft.
17. Keep leafy greens fresh
For leafy greens, wrap them in a paper towel before storing them in a bag with a pinch of salt. The salt can help to draw out any additional moisture that might cause the greens to spoil quickly.
Organisation Hacks
18. Use an ironing board as a cooling rack
An ironing board makes an excellent makeshift cooling rack when you remove the cover, great if you need additional counter space. This clever hack can be especially useful in smaller kitchens where extra space is always a premium.
19. Create extra storage with hooks
Install affordable hooks inside kitchen cabinets to maximise your storage space if you don’t have a lot of space. By hanging items like potholders and measuring spoons on the inside of cabinet doors, you can free up valuable shelf space for other kitchen essentials. You can add rails and hooks under your shelves, which I think looks lovely. You can even use your cupboard door as new storage for items like measuring cups or a wooden spoon. Also, consider using stackable storage containers in your kitchen cupboards and make the most of your food processor to reduce clutter.
20. Organise snacks in cupcake liners
Organise snacks in lunchboxes using cupcake cases to prevent different items from mixing. These colourful cases not just add a fun touch but also help keep the snacks separate, making it easier for children to grab their favourites.
Clean-Up Shortcuts
21. Use a damp dish towel to keep bowls steady
Place a damp dish towel beneath mixing bowls or cutting boards to ensure stability while stirring or chopping. This kitchen tip prevents slips and spills, giving a secure surface for food preparation and cooking activities, enhancing safety in the kitchen.
22. Microplane ginger and garlic without mess
Microplaning ginger and garlic is an efficient method for preparing these ingredients without creating a mess. This kitchen tool, which is essential for simplifying the process of mincing ginger and garlic, allows for quick and precise grating to achieve finely minced results without leaving behind any chunks or pulpy residue.
23. Lift hot dishes with canning tongs
Use canning tongs or even normal tongs to safely lift hot dishes, ramekins, or jars from boiling water without the risk of splashes, thanks to their round, non-slip edges. They are useful for moving hot items in and out of water baths without any mishaps.
24. Regrow lettuce
Regrow your lettuce by cutting a few inches below the stub and placing in a few inches of water. Replace the water every 2-3 changes, and after 2 weeks, you’ll be able to use it again for a salad!
Hope you enjoy these kitchen and cooking hacks. It’s so fun trying new little tips and tricks. There are so many clever kitchen hacks out there, and these are just some of my favourites. The kitchen is the heart of the home, after all!