Effortless Kitchen Hacks for Quick and Easy Cooking After a Long Day

By the end of a long and tiring day, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking. However, the good news is, that there are numerous kitchen hacks that you could use to make cooking much easier and faster without feeling like you aren’t able to create a few good dishes. We compiled the best shortcuts that will help you speed up your cooking process without sacrificing quality, which means you can take more quick meals (or, if you eat at home, don an apron) with the family table.

And, nowadays, quite a few of us appear to be crediting the time investment in the kitchen room. In light of everything happening, making something delicious that our people can enjoy can be a nice distraction. But, let’s face it, it can also kind of feel like pulling teeth if you are trying to eat healthy meals at home (and facing the meals that you need to serve) while having kids passing through the kitchen all day. The good news is that you have nothing to be overwhelmed by!

Now to save you some time in the kitchen and make it a little less painful, let’s get into some tips for you. Whether you are a veteran chef or fresh to the scene, these hacks will make things faster and perhaps even a little more fun on the kitchen countertops. Let’s get started!

Store Tomatoes Stem End Down

Did you know that storing tomatoes with their stems side down and placed on a table will help them last longer? A little trick that many human beings miss! Storing them out of the fridge for longer freshness and flavor. So, it is definitely worth trying – if you like freshly eaten tomatoes, this is for you! The next time you buy a bunch, try this out and see if you can tell a difference.

Panini maker omelets

Have you ever thought about it, though? Believe it or not, you can even make an omelet without flipping it! That’s a really easy way to do it. This new method chops it in half so that you can cook the whole thing at once instead of methodically flipping it over. It is so easy and just ideal for your busy mornings when you want to do a first bite grab and go.

This technique doesn’t lend itself to the best panini, but it does offer a delightful assortment of breakfast ideas. Can you imagine making an airy omelet without all the pressure of flipping it and possibly ruining your clean kitchen? This is a total boon for breakfast lovers who want something easy. And so the next time you feel like making an omelet, try out this no-flip approach. You may just find it to be as uncomplicated as it gets!

Grate Cold Butter

And you know when you crack an egg and you get all those little sharp bits of shell that seem to find their way into your bowl? It can be so annoying! But here is a little quick tip — instead of trying to dig them out with your finger just use the eggshell itself. It’s actually kind of genius! The shell serves as a small shovel, so it is significantly easier to grab those lost pieces. Not only that, but it saves your hands from getting dirty — always a nice side effect. The next time you are cracking some eggs then try this method out. This little change can improve how you cook a lot!

Repurpose A Ketchup Bottle

For those of you who have attempted to pour pancake batter into the pan using a spoon or ladle, you may have realized it is not often perfectly shaped. One clever workaround: use an empty ketchup bottle instead. That may sound a touch odd, but the squeeze bottle supplied way better control of how much batter came out.

Making beautifully round pancakes (or other wacky shapes!) without the mess. I mean, this changes the game for breakfast, am I right? And anyway, it’s a nice little hack to show off to family or friends. Next time you whip up a batch of pancakes, give this a try—it may take your pancakes to a whole new level!

Cut Your Fruit Last

So it is advisable to cut the fruits right before you are about to serve, to keep them fresh and from turning brown. So that you can appreciate the colors and flavors!

However, if you are preparing in advance, here is a nicer solution: treat the chopped fruit in a solution of one part honey to three parts water. Not only does this assist in preventing the fruit from oxidizing, but it also provides a nice sweet taste. Just a simple little trick that goes a long way in goodness and looks. Be it for a fruit salad or snacking, these hacks will help keep your fruit fresh and tasty!

Room Temperature Eggs

Ever been in a situation where your recipe asks for room-temperature eggs and you forgot to take them out of the fridge beforehand? No worries! There’s a quick fix.

Simply set the eggs in a bowl of warm water for three minutes, and they’ll be ready. This way is pretty convenient so that you don’t have to stress waiting until the eggs come to room temperature either. And, it is a classic, so your goodies are bound to turn out just as they should. Anyway, next time you are in a hurry remember this and it will save you seconds for last-minute cooking!

Protect Your Pie Crust

For the times you do worry that your pie crust is burning in the oven, well here is a tip to help with that. If you want to add a little weight without investing in actual weights, take an aluminum pie dish, poke some holes in the bottom, and put it on top of your crust before baking.

It lets the steam out while still acting as a sacrificial barrier to help keep your crust from over-browning. The better alternative to ensure you get a nice golden crust without the crust burning and overbaking. Next time you find yourself baking a pie, try this out — it may just be the trick that saves your dessert!

Guac Hack

Well, if you are failing to mash your avocado properly using a fork then here is an amazing life hack that can make your work easier; simply use a potato masher. This is such an easy switch though — it speeds up the whole process.

You’ll have a nice, creamy texture in seconds with a potato masher and it’s perfect for mashing multiple avocados for guacamole or a spread. And you don’t have to pick bits off a fork. So the next time you have a couple of avocados, take out that potato masher and relish in the simplicity!

Easy Bacon

Does this answer your way to make bacon, and do you want that crunchy bacon texture going? Can’t eat waffles without that crispy top & bottom, you know? So here’s a fun tip: use a waffle maker or panini press instead of the standard frying covering.

It gives you the perfect crispy bacon you desire, cooks everything evenly, and it leaves your stovetop open for other wonderful foods to be made. This saves time and makes breakfast so much more seamless to prepare. But it’s also a playful alternative in the bacon-cooking game, one you may soon find yourself doing all the time. Next time you find yourself with a big batch of leftover bacon, try cooking it in the waffle maker—you might just find the results irresistible!

Check Egg Freshness Easily

Are you worried, if your eggs are safe to eat and are they fresh? No need to stress! The good thing is that you can easily check them with a water test. Simply take a glass, fill it with water and drop it into the egg.

If it sinks and lays flat on the bottom, it is still fresh. If it remains upright when placed on its bottom, the fruit is still edible, but not as fresh. And should it rise to the surface, best to get rid of it. So save yourself from any kitchen trouble, and soothe your mind while cooking, by conducting this quick test. So the next time you are on the fence about your eggs simply take a glass of water and put it to the test!

How To Peel A Mandarin Orange The Right Way

Sure, everyone knows how to peel a mandarin orange but are you right 100% of the time? Better to be careful, always! A short guide that just might make you feel very proud.

For the first step, lightly roll the mandarin against the countertop to help the skin loosen. Next, take a small knife and cut the top of the chili a bit to give it a place to start. Then all you have to do is pull off the skin in strips! This process not only simplifies the process but also preserves the fruit well and keeps juicy. Next time you eat a mandarin, I encourage you to try it. This you may learn a different and better way to eat this delicious fruit. Who knew that peeling could be so darn satisfying?

Peel Garlic Easily

Here’s one simple hack if you want an effortless way to peel garlic. First, separate the cloves from the bulb. After that, you will want to take the handle of a knife or spoon and hit each clove. This will help the skin loosen and make it very easy to pop.

This is a time-saving, hassle-free technique to follow especially if you deal with lots of garlic. So when you are next in the kitchen with garlic, I encourage you to try this method—you will likely wonder how it had eluded you before.

Easy Dumplings

How to make your bamboo steamer at home? It’s simpler than you might realize! You can even fashion a makeshift steamer with an aluminum pie plate.

You do this by taking the pie plate and putting a few holes in the bottom to release steam. Next, place it on top of a simmering water pot, and ensure that the water touches the plate from below. Simply put your food on top, cover it with a lid or another plate, and the steam will work its magic! This quick and easy technique is equal parts brilliant and delightful, requires no special steamer to prep veggies, dumplings, or fish (Read: You got it.), in you steam up with these things pass-perfect! So the next time you want to enjoy some steamed treats, try this DIY steamer!

Easily Peel Eggs

Looking for an effortless hack to peel hard-boiled eggs? Here’s a fun trick! Once you have boiled your eggs, put them in a container that has a lid. Then give the jar a shake.

As you can see, the shells crack as they break apart, and are extremely easy to peel! Not only is this much quicker, but it also allows the eggs to stay well intact. Perfect for batch preparing, if you are making some for a salad or snack then this is a time-saver. So when you boil them next, give this shaking method a try — it just might surprise you!

Freeze Leftover Sauce

Don´t discard the leftover sauce if any, after a meal. You can freeze it and store it away for next time. That way, you can go ahead and whip it out when needed, which should make meal prep a lot easier since you won’t have to remake the whole thing again.

Another benefit is that you can save leftover sauce by just freezing it and cutting down on any food waste It’s a win-win! Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container or freezer bag, date the bag, and freeze. The next time you find yourself cooking up a full meal, you can rest assured that this amazing sauce will already be prepared and it will make the complications of mealtime easier and more enjoyable!

Cookie Cutters Have Many Uses

I guess cookie cutters are not just for cookies? In reality, they have many more applications! You can also use them to make interesting shapes for cakes, too. Simply set the cookie cutter on top of your cake and fill it with sprinkles, or powdered sugar for decorative patterns.

Certainly a great way to up your cake but an easy presentation. If you want to make a celebration feel more festive or just want to elevate an ordinary day, put cookie cutters to play. So next time you bake, remember to break out of your cookie cutter!

Lace For Decoration

Fun Fact: Lace in place of cookie cutters? It’s true! Just place a piece of lace over your cake and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

You will end up with a stunning lace design on your cake when you gently peel off the lace. When applied, it takes the sophistication level higher and surely will amaze your guests. Without special tools, it is a fun and easy way to take your cake-decorating game up a notch. And so next time you want to give your cake a little something special, do this lace trick — the results will be gorgeous!

Better Sangria

If you marinate fruit in some wine and the fruit keeps floating out (like a painful, boozy dead fish) then just put ice on top of the fruit! The frozen part gives weight to keep the fruit under liquid.

Then this will not only guarantee all the fruit is evenly marinated but can also allow flavors to absorb. That is a quick hack that has the potential to change your fruit marination game. The next time you are making a mouth-watering fruit dish made with wine, try this technique to make it perfectly marinated!

Corn Hack

Corn kernels are tricky to remove, but here is a simple trick: put the corn cob upright in the middle of a bundt pan! That way, as you cut down the sides to remove the kernels, they will fall straight into the pan and not on all sides.

Not only does this keep your work area clean, but it stops the cob from sliding about on you whilst you are cutting. Little hack whomever loves fresh corn — Therefore when you pull out the corn on the cob next time, try this bundt pan tip!

Fresh Cookies For Longer

A warm, need I say more? lll have a cookie straight out of the oven! Place the cookies in an airtight container to ensure they stay fresh for days. One neat little trick, though: throw a slice of bread in the container too.

Because the bread retains moisture, this helps keep your cookies moist and prevents them from going stale quickly. A quick and straightforward approach to savor that homemade goodness for a tad longer. So bake another batch of cookies but this time, do not forget to stick a slice of bread with them for maximum freshness and taste.

Smart shortcuts and tricks will help you cook faster, chop veggies in half the time — redo pantries, and use kitchen items in ways you never thought possible. Using these tips, you might be able to make cooking a bit faster, and less stressful, leaving you more time to relax of the evening. Well, say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to simple, fun, enjoyable cooking!