Have you ever felt that piercing hunger pang demanding you to quickly whip up something in the kitchen? We've been there, too, and understand that one may not do things by the book in that situation. But even when we're not cooking in a rush, we often need to learn we're doing it right.
Not correctly cooking your food can mean you don't get all the benefits it should provide or the best taste, but this article will change that. Here are the common mistakes everyone makes.
Your Bacon Doesn’t Need a Preheated Frypan
Before frying any meal, it is often recommended to grease a pan and add a little oil to preheat it. But one shouldn't cook bacon while working with this same idea. Doing the opposite is needed to get the best bacon, and you should cook it without preheating the pan.
Start by placing your bacon strips in a cold pan so they cook slowly and steadily. That will help the bacon fat to render slowly, giving you an evenly cooked bacon strip.
Wrong Bread for French Toast
Culinary experts believe you can't make good french toast with every type of bread. And it's better to use something other than thin-cut bread if you want the best results. The ideal choice is bread with some resistance, like Brioche, which is thick, fluffy, and buttery. It is the most commonly used bread for French toast.
But in addition to that, another great practice for making French toast is to use slightly stale bread. It is believed to be best because it absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
Who Ever Said the Temperature of Your Raw Eggs Doesn’t Matter?
We commonly believe that the egg's temperature does not matter when frying it, but that might not be the case. While you can still make a good scramble using eggs from the refrigerator, it is recommended to let it sit at room temperature for four to five minutes before frying.
If you fry eggs cold, they can become a runny scramble, and the eggs may cook poorly. And it is more likely that you will overcook the yolk to ensure the white sets.
You’re Missing Out by Not Twisting Your Bacon
Adding some twist to your bacon menu is easy with the twisted bacon hack. We watch hundreds of videos on the internet where chefs garnish jagged pieces that taste better than the steaks you're used to. So if you like pork and have yet to try this hack, you're missing out.
The bacon is softer and crispier because of the twisted shape, and this cooking method is not difficult to follow. All you need are your baking sheet, aluminum foil, and the bacon.
Cracking Egg With the Edge of the Bowl
We can't imagine being more guilty than we are of this specific mistake. In many cases, we just hit an egg against the edge of a mixing bowl to break it without considering that bits of eggshell could fall into our mixture, ruining the recipe. So how and where should you crack the egg to avoid this?
Culinary experts believe it is best to crack the egg on a flat surface because it reduces the chances of eggshells in the mixture or a broken yolk inside the egg.
Not Steaming Your Raw Sausages Before Frying
Keeping the sausages from being deformed is essential to present them perfectly. First, you should bring them to room temperature, fill a steamer pot with about 2 cm of water, cover it, and let it boil. Your sausage is juicier this way because it preserves more of its moisture.
After the water begins to form bubbles on top, you can use it to steam your sausages for 15 minutes. Afterward, you can now sauté them until they are brown in an oil-coated pan or grill.
Not Whisking Eggs Adequately
It is possible to prepare a restaurant-style scramble if the eggs are whisked thoroughly and evenly before being fried. Whisking them well lets as much air as possible into the mixture, creating a fluffy and soft texture. If you don't whisk adequately, the yolk won't blend properly with the white, and your scramble will be uneven.
A good whisk helps to enhance the egg's exquisite appearance, thanks to the air bubbles trapped inside. And one can achieve this by whisking the eggs one at a time.
Using a Regular Pan Instead of a Nonstick One
As a staple food, eggs are prepared in a multitude of ways. However, minor cooking mistakes can ruin their best flavor and shape. One of the best practices when preparing the eggs is to cook in a nonstick pan because it makes it easier to flip them and keeps the yolks intact.
With nonstick, you minimize the risk of egg burn, as eggs are prone to searing, which can cause them to dry out or char. And no one likes to eat charred eggs.
Not Using Enough Fat To Cook Eggs
The consensus is that fats are unhealthy because they can make you gain weight. But not all fats are bad, and they still constitute an essential part of our diet. For example, when cooking eggs in nonstick pans, butter is necessary to lubricate the pan if you want the best eggs.
Additionally, butter has a creamy texture and unique taste that make eggs turn out great. Although fats have been implicated in increasing the risk of heart disease, butter is believed not to produce that effect.
Placing Leftover Bacon in the Refrigerator Instead of the Freezer
If you've had bacon, you know it's so delicious that there are rarely any leftovers. But if somehow there are leftovers, you should avoid storing them in the refrigerator, especially for long-term storage, because they need colder temperatures than that. Instead, to increase the shelf life of bacon, you should store it in a freezer.
It is advisable to wrap the cooked strips separately in a paper towel and place them in a zip-lock bag once they have cooled down to keep them fresh for up to six weeks.
Making Pound Cakes With Overbeat Eggs
It would help to consider a few factors when preparing pound cakes for any occasion. An overbeaten egg mixture will reduce the cake's fluffiness because the batter may overflow in the pan. That will make the crusts fragile and cause them to fall apart quickly as the pound cake cools.
If you want your mixture to have the optimal consistency, use medium speed and only mix the ingredients for a short time. Only mix them until they are white and soft.
Adding Milk to Scrambled Eggs
The general belief is that scrambled eggs can be made creamier by adding milk or fluffier by adding a little water, but all that is unnecessary. Milk, in particular, will not make your eggs softer or creamier. Instead, they dilute the flavor of the eggs, which is undesirable.
It's also possible that milk would turn the egg rubbery and colorless because you might overcook the eggs while trying to dry out the extra liquid. And cooks might find it challenging to handle a rubbery egg.
Cooking Chili Incorrectly
Chili is a great meal to serve at a party, and there are a lot of toppings available to choose from, so everyone will be satisfied. This dish is easy to prepare at home, and its ingredients are cheap. You can add cocoa powder to make it sweeter or fresh sliced jalapeños to make it spicy.
Several ingredients typically go into Texas red chili, including onion, pepper, garlic, tomato, and many spices. The key to avoiding a runny chili is seasoning it early and throughout simmering.
Making Homemade French Fries Without Soaking the Potatoes
To make homemade french fries, you should soak your sliced and rinsed potatoes overnight in water. By doing so, you will be able to remove any excess starch that may have formed on the surface of the potato. That will prevent the fries from getting stuck together and is vital to achieving the best crispiness.
Nevertheless, some say potatoes are best when partially cooked the night before making french fries. Others believe they should be poached in boiling water briefly before being placed in hot oil.
Inadequately Seasoning Pasta Sauce
Ready-made pasta sauces that already include garlic, bell peppers, onions, basil, and oregano are preferred by most people. That's why they would instead buy those sold in retail stores since they are already spiced and would save them the hassle of cooking. However, they don't make the sauce at home due to a spicing problem.
To fix this, spice your homemade sauce with fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are an easy way to improve the taste, but people often choose dried herbs that have been stored too long.
Making Hash Browns With Too Much Oil
If you want crispier potato skins, use clarified butter, and spread it evenly across the surface as much as possible. We commonly add a lot of oil to hash browns to make them crispier, but if we add too much, we get a soggy result.
The best way to avoid this is to have a standard measurement of oil in mind. For example, Simply Recipes suggests you heat three tablespoons of oil on medium heat for best results. Another key is to press out extra moisture.
Thinking That Bacon Has No Place in the Microwave
If you're cooking small amounts of bacon, consider doing so in the microwave, so there's a lesser mess. Most people don't think microwaves could be used to cook delicious bacon, but it is one of the most preferred cooking methods because it is easy and mostly hands-off.
You can make a piece of crispy bacon in three to six minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave. But this is only good for four to six slices. The oven is best for larger groups.
Eating Eggs That Aren’t Very Fresh
The many valuable elements in raw eggs are antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Eggs are packed with many nutritional components that do us a lot of good, including keeping our eyes and heart healthy and preventing several diseases. But all these benefits will only matter if the eggs you eat are fresh.
It has been found that storing eggs for a long time can result in a decline in their quality. That is because bacteria may be able to penetrate the shell after some time, and the eggs become inedible.
Not Making Omelets in a Nonstick Pan
Your next omelet might be scrambled rather than crispy if you don't choose the right pan. You could avoid this mishap by choosing nonstick utensils that allow you to flip the eggs easily. The general rule among chefs is to wait until the batter has settled and hardened before flipping it.
You can then fold the other side once or twice once all the liquid has been cooked. Although some people still use stainless pans, the risk of messing up the omelet is high.
Using a Spoon To Make Pancakes
It is best to avoid using a spoon when making pancakes, according to Blue Apron's vice president of culinary, John Adler. The ladle not only distorts the pancakes' sides but also creates uneven surfaces, which can make the presentation seem strange. Using utensils that won't cause side drips or cups caked with batter is better.
The best way to shift the batter onto the pan is to use a squeeze bottle, and you can do this by rotating your hands, giving your pancakes a perfect shape.
Cooking Pork Without Water
When cooking bacon in a pan, you often overlook the requirement to add a small amount of water to keep it hydrated since there is a general belief that it is unnecessary. However, according to chefs, this method often improves the flavor of the bacon and helps it become more succulent and juicy.
As an added benefit, this method prevents the meat from burning while keeping the kitchen less greasy. The meat retains its moisture and remains tender as the water renders the fat.
Cooking Eggs For Too Long
Most people consider well-cooked meals the best ones, but some foods require careful preparation to maximize flavor and freshness. For instance, eggs are easy to prepare, but if you want the best taste, you should only fry them for a short time. However, that doesn't mean you should also undercook them.
Frying the eggs for a long time will make them rubbery, but undercooking can get you possibly infected. To avoid either, remove the pan from the heat halfway through cooking and allow it to finish on its own.
Using Spoons or Measuring Cups When Making Pancakes
Attempting to make the perfect pancakes is not a scientific procedure, but you have to make them crispy and evenly shaped. When making them this way, use something other than measuring cups or spoons to shift the batter to the pan. If not, you won't get the perfect pancake shape.
Although people prefer to purchase special pancake batter dispensers, an ice cream scoop will do the job. Chefs also recommend using it for making biscuits, cookie dough, and side dishes.
Choosing Ready-To-Eat Foods Over Cooking
Our health can be negatively affected by ready-to-eat foods, even though they save us a great deal of time in the kitchen. That's because many packaged meals are heavily processed and contain a lot of sodium, sugar, and fat. These can have long-term detrimental health effects on people that consume them too frequently.
Occasionally eating these products is OK, but regularly taking them may increase the risks of many illnesses affecting the world today. The same goes for packaged food labeled as healthy.
Thinking All Fats Are Bad
It is common to believe that fat consumption is harmful when struggling with excess weight. But it is quite the contrary to unsaturated fats, which are liquids at room temperature. These fats are highly beneficial because they can reduce inflammation, control cholesterol, and stabilize heart rhythms. Consequently, it is wise to consume them.
Unsaturated fats from peanut, olive, and canola oils contribute to the body's ability to maintain healthy blood pressure. And not including these fats is equivalent to denying the body a balanced diet.
Forgetting That Variety in Breakfast Meals Is Important
A nutritious breakfast is critical for boosting energy levels and improving concentration. It is also essential to a successful start to the day in general. However, breakfast can become monotonous if you keep eating the same thing every day, and you may stop craving the most important meal of the day.
Including a variety of foods at breakfast is an invaluable part of overall health and reduces risk factors for diseases. It can also improve gut bacteria and assist with weight loss.
Not Leaving Bacon To Simmer Without Continuous Flipping
Most people believe that instead of simmering bacon on one side until it is fully cooked, you should flip it repeatedly. But that's not necessary at all. We understand that you want to get an even crisp, but you only need to flip it once to the other side after it has cooked for three to four minutes.
The bacon will cook evenly without the constant flipping and still produce the desired golden brown color. All you need to do is make sure you're cooking it on medium heat.
Not Eating Breakfast Because You’re Not Hungry
It's no secret that skipping breakfast can be dangerous for your health, but what do you do when you wake up and don't feel hungry? Some people say you should listen to your body and not force it, but according to Huffpost, nutritionists say eating breakfast even when not hungry has its benefits.
If you don't get hungry in the morning, start with fruits or an appetite booster, like coffee. In time, your body will get used to fueling up in the morning.
Overcooking Your Scrambled Eggs
Undoubtedly, everyone enjoys eating tasty foods containing eggs, but this delicious food can quickly become an overcooked rubber item if it is not made correctly. If you cook eggs at a high temperature, the egg white will harden faster than the yolk, and you will lose lots of nutrients.
A medium level of heat is best when making scrambled eggs because the egg does not take long to prepare. Therefore, there's no need to sacrifice their quality because of haste.
Not Grinding Your Coffee to Your Desired Taste
Johan's Joe owner, Laura Olsson, emphasizes the importance of grinding coffee beans properly to get the best outcome. It is essential to understand that the size of ground seeds will determine the taste of your coffee. The finer the beans are ground, the more of their components you can extract.
The best way to determine what degree of grinding will give you the desired flavor and aroma is to experiment. Of course, too fine grinding can make your coffee bitter, but that also depends on your coffee beans.
Immediately Peeling Egg Shells After Boiling
After eggs have boiled and are removed from the stove, they continue burning in their shells for some time. To stop them from burning, you should put them in ice water to cool for about five to ten minutes before peeling. Peeling eggs right after boiling them is difficult for a few reasons.
Firstly, the hot egg could burn your hands. And in addition, the egg white may still be stuck to the shell's inner membrane, making it difficult to peel.
Letting Air Enter Your Coffee Beans
To preserve roasted coffee's authentic taste and aroma, one should keep the coffee beans in vacuum-sealed containers. If the coffee beans are exposed to air, moisture, or light, they degrade and lose their freshness and flavor. This can also make them stale and give off a musty smell. Nobody likes to drink coffee without a punch.
Ideally, you can preserve your aromatic coffee beans by storing them at room temperature in an air-tight, opaque canister. Properly stored coffee beans should last up to a year.
Choosing Juices and Smoothies Over Fruit
There are many essential ingredients in fruits, but fibers are critical to maintaining good health and improving disease prevention. The health benefits of eating fruits in their whole form are better than eating them in other ways. Juices and smoothies may taste nicer than raw fruits but lack nutritional value.
The smoothies and juices still contain a large amount of sugar and calories because they are prepared with various additives. So don't be tempted to choose them instead just because they're convenient.
Seasoning the Scrambled Eggs at the Wrong Time
It is expected that scrambled eggs are prepared in a variety of ways around the world. Some people season scrambled eggs while they are cooking, while others wait to season them until they are done. There are different opinions regarding the appropriate time to season a scrambled egg, but one stands out.
Bon Appétit recommends whisking your eggs with the required amount of salt and spices 15 minutes before frying. They believe this method makes the eggs softer and more evenly seasoned.
Not Washing Fruits Before Eating Them
The CDC advises that washing fruits before consuming them is crucial for health. Unwashed fruits have often been implicated in the cause of different diseases and illnesses by spreading filthy germs into the body. Therefore, it is better to wash fruits under running water before consuming them, even if you won't eat the peel.
And in addition to bacterial contamination, there's also the problem of the fruits being contaminated with farm pesticides. So even though rinsing doesn't guarantee the removal of all bacteria, it does enough.
Cooking With the Stove Top at High Heat
An excellent way to make delicious bacon is to simmer it and let its grease heat as long as possible. Preparing the meat at medium heat is best, avoiding cooking it on a high flame. Experts advise against it because it will burn the meat before the fat renders.
Bacon strips cook quickly on each side, so you don't have to raise the heat to avoid wasting your time. It only takes about 3 to 4 minutes for each side.
Slow Cooking Frozen Meat Without Defrosting It First
This simple hack can save you a lot of time and effort in getting succulent, well-cooked, and delectable meat; when the meat is taken out of the freezer, let it get to room temperature first. In addition to keeping your meat fresh, it restores its original taste and aroma.
Additionally, it ensures that bacteria don't multiply during slow cooking. If you make the mistake of not thawing your frozen meat on time, you can cook it directly, but not with slow heat.
Excluding Veggies From Your Menu
Vegetables are essential to maintaining a healthy diet, so we must include them in our meals. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our bodies. And some of their components can protect our bodies from diseases when consumed regularly.
But besides preventing diseases, vegetables are also great for your digestive system. These earthy products are essential to our health. Various greens contribute to better bowel movement, and not eating veggies can make you prone to constipation.
Forgetting That You Can Make Bacon in the Oven
It is commonly believed that bacon tastes best when cooked in a pan; however, that is only true when serving just a few people. If you plan to host a party on your lawn, you can cook the bacon in an oven instead of cooking it on the stove.
To make crispy bacon, you only need a large bacon sheet, some parchment paper, and some grease. First, preheat your oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then cook the bacon for about 20 minutes.
Assuming Granola Is Always Healthy
Typical granolas contain nuts like almonds, rolled oats, and honey or brown sugar. They may also contain rice that has been toasted, puffed, and baked to a crisp, golden brown. The ingredients are combined and mixed during baking to maintain a good texture and prevent burning. And granola is said to contain protein and other essential micronutrients.
While it is beneficial, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain because it is likely to contain a significant amount of calories from sugar and additives that could be harmful.
Not Properly Salting Your Pasta Water
When cooking pasta, one of the most common mistakes you can make is undersalting the water you use to boil. Salt is the key ingredient in pasta; therefore, the dish will turn out bland if the correct amount of salt is not added. So the question is, how much should you add?
The recommended amount of salt your pasta needs is about 3.5% by weight, meaning one liter of water will need about 35 grams for a flavorful and delicious pasta dish.
Pouring Leftover Bacon Grease Down the Sink
In many kitchens, you will see a jar of wax that is leftover grease from cooking bacon. It would help if you kept bacon fat because it can be used in several ways, including cooking more bacon. And in addition to being consumed as oil in other recipes, we can also use it to make candles.
Even with all that, the most important reason we should never pour bacon grease down the kitchen sink is that it does not flow freely, and when it hardens, it will clog the pipes.
Making Poached Eggs by Breaking the Eggs Directly into the Water
In many kitchens, you will see a jar of wax that is leftover grease from cooking bacon. It would help if you kept bacon fat because it can be used in several ways, including cooking more bacon. And in addition to being consumed as oil in other recipes, we can also use it to make candles.
Even with all that, the most important reason we should never pour bacon grease down the kitchen sink is that it does not flow freely, and when it hardens, it will clog the pipes.