Cooking is a skill that gets better the more you use it. Even seasoned cooks can benefit from learning new tips that will make them enjoy cooking more. Amateur cooks have to learn tips that make the cooking process more simple. Use this advice to learn more about cooking.
You should store your spices and herbs in a cool dry space out of direct sunlight to avoid flavor loss. Common kitchen conditions, such as heat, light, and humidity, will destroy the flavor of herbs and spices. Herbs and ground spices usually retain their flavor up to a year. Spices that come in the whole form will keep their flavor for around 3-5 years. Spices that are stored correctly remain fresher for longer.
When preparing stir-fry meals, cut the meat on the bias and keep it thin. This can take up much time and is also somewhat tricky. Remove the meat when it is firm (but not frozen) and slice at a 45 degree angle across the grain of the meat.
When trying to cut strips of meat, partially freeze it for a more firm cut. This is great to do when you need to slice meat thinly for Chinese or Thai meals. By marginally freezing meat, slicing it is made cleaner, as its fibers will not tear quite as easily. Allow the meat to thaw prior to cooking though, so that it can cook evenly.
When you are cooking an important dinner you want to whip up something you know how to cook well. Avoid trying out new recipes or new ingredients in such a situation. Avert a stressful experience and enjoy the occasion.
Cooking veggies improves the quality of them. If you slow cook vegetables they will lose nutritional value and taste. As an added benefit, these techniques tend to produce healthier vegetables in general. Cook your vegetables for the minimum amount of time for better results.
If you can recall the above ideas come time to cook, then you will arrive at a point where you will be creating a few new favorite dishes! Experiment with different sauces and spices. You may even discover you new favorite dish during your cooking! Use these hints and tips – and your discriminating palate – to become a proficient chef and whip up delectable and nutritious meals.
