In my quest for culinary simplicity, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of kitchen hacks that require minimal effort, saving precious time. If you’re also on the lookout for effortless cooking, you’ve come to the right place! Below is a curated list of clever tricks that can be accomplished with everyday items already at your disposal – no fancy gadgets needed. Whether you’re well-stocked or in need of a few additions, this collection of hacks has something for everyone.
And, as always, we’d love to hear from you if you put any of these tips into practice.
Open a Stubborn Jar with a Rubber Band
Say goodbye to the frustration of stubborn jar lids! A simple trick can make all the difference. Place a rubber band around the lid and twist. This hack has been a game-changer for me – I no longer struggle with stuck caps. When you’re finished using the jar, consider giving it new life by upcycling it into scented candles.
Use Plastic Wrap to Cover Cell Phone When Cooking
When cooking, it’s common to find myself amidst a flurry of activity in the kitchen, with utensils and ingredients scattered about. The task becomes even more challenging when consulting a recipe on my phone. To avoid the risk of damage or accidental splashes, I take a simple yet effective precaution: wrapping my phone in plastic wrap before embarking on a culinary adventure. This small step has saved me from numerous messy mishaps!
Keep Cut Fruit from Browning
When working with bananas for cooking or baking, it’s common for them to take on an unappealing texture and appearance before they’re ready to be used. To extend their shelf life and maintain their vibrant color, try sprinkling a thin layer of lemon juice evenly over the fruit. The acidity in the lemon helps to slow down the natural process of browning that occurs in fruit, allowing you to enjoy your bananas for a longer period.
Remove Eggshell Pieces
While cracking open eggs can be a delicate task, we’ve all been there – accidentally breaking off a piece or two. Don’t worry, though; it’s an easy mistake to make! To save time and frustration in your cooking routine, try using the broken shell to gather up stray egg bits. It’s almost like magic: simply scoop up the broken pieces with half of the shell and voilà – you’ll have a tidy mess without having to rummage through your ingredients. The attraction is quite astonishing, isn’t it?
Prevent Food From Drying Out When Microwaving
To revive a microwaved leftover, incorporate a cup of water into the reheating process. This simple trick addresses an often-overlooked issue: the microwave’s natural tendency to leech moisture from food during warming. By adding water, you can counterbalance this effect and restore your meal to its original texture and consistency.
Get Extra Grip on Jars with Plastic Wrap
To successfully open stubborn jars, consider employing an unconventional yet effective method: using plastic wrap. Simply estimate the required amount of wrap for the jar’s lid, place it over the cap, and twist. The resulting friction created by the plastic’s interaction with the lid will provide a much-needed boost in grip, making it easier to loosen the jar.
Prevent Spilling from Glass
When you’re in a pinch and need to contain your beverage without worrying about spills, consider using an unconventional solution: plastic wrap. Yes, you read that right – plastic wrap! According to my friend, this hack has saved the day on multiple occasions when all her lids were dirty or unavailable. Simply place some plastic wrap over the top of the container, create a small hole for a straw by poking a tiny opening, and voila!
You’ve got a makeshift lid that’ll keep your drink contained (mostly) and allow you to enjoy it without worrying about spills.
Make Cheese Grating Easier with Freezing
When it comes to grating cheese, many people overlook a simple yet effective trick: freezing the cheese before grating. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but trust us, it makes all the difference. Simply place your block of cheese in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches a firm consistency. Once frozen, remove the cheese and grate away! With this technique, you’ll find that the cheese has less give when being grated, making the process much smoother overall.
Deep Clean Chopping Boards
Transforming your grimy cutting boards is a breeze. Simply gather a few simple ingredients: lemons, table salt, and the cutting board itself. Start by sprinkling a layer of salt evenly across the surface. Next, squeeze lemon juice over the salted area to create a potent cleaning solution. Allow this mixture to sit for a brief moment before using the lemon half as a scrubber. Employing a circular motion, gently scrub the trouble areas of the board, working the salt and lemon juice into the grime.
Once finished, rinse the board thoroughly and wash it normally with soap and water. With these easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a sparkling clean cutting board in no time.
Freeze an Onion to Keep the Tears Away
When confronted with the dreaded onion tears, we’ve all experienced the frustration of having our culinary joy disrupted. To avoid this unpleasantness, storing your onions in the fridge is a great strategy, as it effectively minimizes the likelihood of tear-inducing reactions. Another lesser-known trick is to freeze your onions, where the cold temperature locks away the volatile compounds responsible for that pungent aroma.
Simply place an onion in the freezer when you’re preparing dinner and, once ready to use, remove it and slice it according to your needs. By doing so, you’ll be spared the discomfort of onion-induced tears – at least, for the smaller tasks.
Get More Juice Out of a Lemon
For optimal use of lemons, eliminate any uncertainty about seeds contaminating your dish by employing a simple yet effective technique: manual juicing. Squeeze every last drop of juice from the lemon into a cup, then strain out any remaining seeds and pulp. The resulting seedless lemon juice can be seamlessly integrated into your preferred recipe.
Freeze Your Herbs for Future Cooking
Say goodbye to wilted greens by batch-freezing your fresh herbs. This simple trick allows you to prep as little or as much as you need without the fear of them spoiling before you can use them all. All you’ll need is an ice cube tray, your chosen herb, and a liquid base (water, oil, or any other suitable solvent). First, chop the herbs into the desired size and fill ¾ of the ice cube tray with your chosen liquid. Add any additional seasonings to each compartment, then freeze until solid.
Once frozen, simply use as needed – either let them thaw first or toss them straight into a pan for immediate use.
Speed Up Fruit Ripening
When a piece of fruit is not quite ripe to your liking, consider storing it in a paper bag instead of letting it go to waste. This simple trick can work wonders for avocados, bananas, and other types of fruit that need a little extra time to ripen. The enclosed environment of the paper bag creates a concentrated space where the fruit can breathe freely and continue to develop its natural sweetness and texture.
Keep Your Fridge Smelling Good
Eradicate unpleasant odors from your fridge using the simplicity of essential oils. To achieve this, store a few cotton balls in an accessible container at the back of your refrigerator and add a few drops of your preferred essential oil as needed. The aromatic properties of the oil will work to neutralize any lingering scents. When the cotton balls become saturated, replace them with fresh ones to maintain the odor-absorbing effect.
Tap a Jar on a Hard Surface to Open It
When faced with a stubborn jar lid, a quick tap on a hard surface can be just the solution – no plastic wrap or rubber bands needed! Just be mindful not to apply too much force, as overzealous tapping has been known to lead to broken containers. Instead, aim for a gentle yet firm rhythm: tap against the counter and rotate with each strike. One rotation might do the trick; if not, a second pass should suffice.
Use Frozen Grapes to Cool Your Wine
Elevate your wine-drinking experience with an unexpected twist: using frozen grapes as a substitute for ice cubes. This hack not only keeps your wine refreshingly cold but also provides a sweet and satisfying snack. The best part? It’s the perfect solution when you’ve forgotten to chill a bottle of wine before serving. As you enjoy your chilled glass, savor the added bonus of having a delicious and healthy little treat on hand.
And once you’re done with the empty bottle, don’t toss it out just yet – consider getting creative with these wine bottle crafts for a unique and eco-friendly way to repurpose it.
Separate the Egg Yolk from White with a Bottle
Separating egg yolks from whites can be a delicate process. However, one simple technique makes it easy: using an empty plastic water bottle and an egg. Start by cracking the egg onto a flat surface. Next, position the bottle’s opening over the egg and gently squeeze the container. The pressure will cause the white to separate from the yolk, allowing you to effortlessly proceed with your recipe.
For those who value cleanliness in the kitchen, consider learning how to craft an apron for a seamless cooking experience.
Don’t Waste the Wine
When sipping on a nice bottle of wine, it’s not uncommon for there to be remnants left over. Rather than letting them go to waste or feeling obligated to consume them the following day, consider freezing them instead.
To do this, simply scoop your leftover wine into an ice cube tray and fill each cell. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled wine whenever you want without worrying about it going bad.
Flavor Up Your Grains with Tea Bags
Infusing your rice, quinoa, or barley with a used tea bag might seem unconventional at first, but it’s a simple trick to elevate the flavor of these staples. Start by dropping the tea bag into the pot as you bring the water to a boil. You can use one or multiple bags, depending on your desired level of tea flavor. Once the grain is ready to be added, simply lift out the tea bags and discard them.
The resulting dish will have a subtle depth that might just fool your taste buds into thinking it’s something you’d find at a high-end restaurant.
Use Sheet Pan as a Tray
When cooking or working in the kitchen, it’s not uncommon for chaos to ensue quickly. To maintain control and avoid kitchen mayhem, consider utilizing sheet pans as trays. This simple yet effective solution can save you time and reduce stress, whether you’re preparing a meal at home or transporting ingredients to another location. The best part? Sheet trays are widely available and incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize your organizational system to suit your needs.
For added inspiration, explore our collection of upcycling ideas!
Organize Lunchbox with Cupcake Liners
Packing lunch boxes can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to cleaning and repacking them daily. But what if you could simplify the process and reduce stress? It’s all about finding creative solutions to make meal prep more efficient. One game-changing hack is using cupcake liners to separate different food components. This not only saves time but also reduces waste and makes cleanup a breeze.
Another eco-friendly option is switching to silicone muffin liners, which can be reused multiple times. By implementing these clever hacks, you’ll not only save time but also reduce your environmental impact. For more innovative kitchen tricks, explore the world of aluminum foil hacks.
