Easy TikTok Food Hacks
1. Ice Cube Trays for Easy Portioning
Ice cube trays aren't just for making ice! You can use them to freeze portions of sauces, broths, and even herbs. Simply pour your sauce or broth into the ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-lock bag. This way, you can easily grab a cube or two when you need a quick addition to your dishes.
2. Perfectly Cooked Bacon in the Oven
Forget the mess of frying bacon on the stovetop. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out your bacon strips. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method allows the bacon to cook evenly and lets the fat drip away, giving you perfectly crispy bacon with minimal cleanup.
3. Easy Peel Garlic
Peeling garlic can be a tedious task, but there's a simple trick to make it easier. Place the garlic cloves under the flat side of a knife blade and give them a quick smash. The skins will loosen, making it easy to peel them off. Alternatively, you can use a garlic peeler, a silicone tube that you roll the garlic in to remove the skins effortlessly.
4. Avocado Storage Hack
To keep your avocados fresh after cutting, store them with a slice of onion in an airtight container. The onion's sulfur compounds help to prevent the avocado from browning. Another method is to brush the cut surface of the avocado with lemon or lime juice before storing it in the refrigerator.
5. Fluffier Rice with a Rice Cooker
Using a rice cooker is a game-changer for perfect rice every time. For fluffier rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the rice cooker, which helps to keep the grains separate and adds flavor.
6. No-Mess Pancake Batter
Pouring pancake batter from a bowl can be messy. Instead, use a squeeze bottle to dispense the batter onto your griddle or pan. This method allows you to make perfectly round pancakes and reduces cleanup. Plus, you can easily store leftover batter in the fridge using the same bottle.
7. Quick Herb Chopping with Scissors
For finely chopped herbs without the hassle of a knife, use kitchen scissors. Simply snip the herbs directly over your dish or into a bowl. This method is fast and efficient, giving you finely chopped herbs in no time.
8. Reusable Zip-Lock Bag Ice Pack
Instead of buying ice packs, repurpose your zip-lock bags. Fill them with water and freeze them. You can use these homemade ice packs to keep your lunch cool or to provide relief for sore muscles. They are reusable and easy to store in the freezer.
9. Egg Shells for Easy Egg Separating
Separating egg yolks from whites can be tricky. Try using the egg shell itself to separate the yolk. Crack the egg and use the shell halves to transfer the yolk back and forth, letting the whites fall into a bowl. This method is surprisingly effective and keeps your hands clean.
10. Fresh Herbs Infused Oil
Elevate your dishes with fresh herb-infused oils. Simply add fresh herbs to a bottle of olive oil and let it sit for a week. The oil will absorb the flavors of the herbs and add a delicious touch to your salads, pasta, and more.
11. Easy Grated Cheese Storage
To keep your grated cheese from clumping together, add a small amount of cornstarch or flour before storing it. This prevents the cheese from sticking together and makes it easier to sprinkle over your dishes.
12. Prevent Boil Overs
Place a wooden spoon across the top of your pot to prevent pasta or other liquids from boiling over. The spoon will break the surface tension of the bubbles and keep the liquid from spilling over the sides.
13. Homemade Breadcrumbs from Old Bread
Don’t throw away stale bread—turn it into homemade breadcrumbs! Simply process the bread in a food processor until it becomes crumbs. You can then toast the breadcrumbs in the oven or skillet and store them for future use.
14. Quick Clean-Up with a Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn stains on your cookware, make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that helps lift stains without harsh chemicals.
15. Use a Toothpick to Test Cake Doneness
To check if your cake is done without cutting into it, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
16. Chill Wine Quickly with a Wet Towel
If you need to chill your wine quickly, wrap the bottle in a wet paper towel and place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. The wet towel helps to conduct heat away from the bottle, cooling it down faster than if it were left in the freezer alone.
17. Prevent Bananas from Ripening Too Quickly
To slow down the ripening process of bananas, wrap the stems in plastic wrap. This helps to prevent the release of ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening. You can also store bananas away from other fruits to keep them fresh longer.
18. Freeze Fresh Herbs in Oil
For an easy way to use fresh herbs, freeze them in oil. Chop the herbs and mix them with olive oil, then pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes can be added directly to your cooking for an instant flavor boost.
19. Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce
Combine canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and your favorite herbs in a blender for a quick and homemade pasta sauce. Blend until smooth, then heat the mixture in a saucepan for a fresh and delicious sauce that’s ready in minutes.
20. Keep Your Cookie Dough Fresh
If you have leftover cookie dough, store it in the freezer. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-lock bag. You can bake fresh cookies anytime by placing the frozen dough balls directly on the baking sheet.
By incorporating these easy TikTok food hacks into your kitchen routine, you'll find that cooking becomes more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, these tips can help streamline your food prep and make your kitchen adventures more fun.
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