Get Cooking With These Quick And Easy Tips

Everyone knows how to eat, but everyone definitely does not know how to cook. The tips in this article will help you learn a thing or two about preparing your own food. Do not be intimidated by your kitchen, recipes, or ingredients. Cooking is an invaluable skill that can be quite joyful. Instead of worrying about messing up, focus on how these tips can improve your cooking adventures.

Spices need to be stored in a dark, cool area. If they are exposed to light, moisture, or heat, they will lose much of their flavor. Ground herbs and spices will retain their flavor for about a year. Spices that are kept whole can keep their flavor for about three, four or five years. If they are stored properly, they will stay fresh longer.

When you are making stir-fry dishes, make certain the meat is thinly sliced on the bias. This can be a very time consuming and somewhat difficult procedure. When the meat is stiff but not frozen, take it out and slice immediately across the grain at a slight angle.

There is a trick to save your hard work and be able to use it instantly. Combine 1 tablespoon corn starch with 2 tablespoons water, and stir together in a separate bowl. Slowly stir the mixture into the sauce to thicken it. Make sure you combine them gradually and consistently so as to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

Consider freezing your meat a bit so that it will be easier to slice. This is the perfect technique when you are making Thai or Chinese food. The knife can cut the partly frozen meat with less damage than if it were thawed. This is because the partially frozen meat fibers are not as easily stretched or torn. Make sure that you let the meat thaw before cooking, so the meat is cooked evenly.

When trying out a new marinade or seasoning, test it on a small piece of meat before you cook the entire meal. Different cuts and types of meat have certain spice mixtures that work best for them. Never prepare the full amount after its initial seasoning. Rather, cook a small piece first and taste it. Once you’ve tasted the meat, change the seasoning accordingly, then cook the entire piece of meat.

Learning new aspects of cooking is fun and exciting. Anytime you learn a new skill, there is a lot of excitement, and cooking is no different! Hopefully, you have picked up some great tips through this article that have inspired you to cook better, and experiment with new ideas for great, delicious dishes. You will always discover and learn new things about cooking.