Being an excellent chef can be simpler than you probably realize. The next time you’re cooking a meal, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. By using these techniques, you will learn how to be a better cook and give you the opportunity to experiment with new ideas. Follow the steps here to enhance your abilities in the kitchen.
If you are making stir-fry meals, you should slice the meat as thin as possible and cut it on the bias. Sometimes, however, this can be a little challenging and tedious. When the meat is partially frozen, slice it diagonally across the grain at a 45 degree angle.
When adding oil to a pan or skillet that already contains food, drizzle the oil down the side of the pan. The oil will heat as it flows toward the center. This helps to bring out the flavor in your food.
Cooking processes that take quite a bit of time, like boiling, may allow nutrients to leach from the vegetables. Quick cooking methods like steaming and sauteing will retail flavor and nutrients better. You can also enjoy vegetables in their raw state to get a boost of natural energy!
Fresh Basil
Do you cook with fresh basil? Try placing clumps of fresh basil into a clear, glass container. Pour water in the glass until the stems of the fresh basil are completely covered. Put it on the counter of your kitchen in order to maintain its freshness for many weeks. You can even grow new basil plants if you feel like changing the water every day or so. The stems will sprout roots; that’s the wonder of plant life. Occasionally trim the basil in order to promote more growth so that you can have fresh basil for a while.
Dried and frozen ingredients should never be used over fresh ingredients if you want to get the most out of your cooking. The more fresh ingredients you use in your cooking, the better your dishes will be. Fresh ingredients have more flavor, and are less costly than frozen and canned ingredients.
When preparing chicken stock, it is best to make a large batch. If you cook a big pot of stock, you can freeze it for later. You can use the stock as a base for all kinds of soups or even casseroles. To preserve your stock for future use, just simply make sure that it is stored in heavy duty freezer bags and frozen solid. This way the stock should keep for several months or so.
Apply these tips in your kitchen and watch yourself become much better at cooking. Try each idea more than once, until you get the hang of things. With practice, you will be able to incorporate these ideas into your cooking, improving your technique. You will be a much better chef in just a few days if you take these tips seriously.