13 cooking hacks every chef should know?

1. How to Make a Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg:

- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.

- Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes (adjust time for desired doneness).

- Transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking.

2. How to Mince Garlic Quickly and Easily:

- Smash unpeeled garlic clove with the flat side of a knife.

- Remove skin and finely mince the clove.

3. How to Make a Simple Roux:

- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

- Add equal parts flour and whisk until mixture turns golden brown.

- Use as a thickening agent for sauces, soups, and stews.

4. How to Caramelize Onions:

- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat.

- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned (about 20-30 minutes).

5. How to Make a Perfect Fluffy Omelette:

- Whisk eggs in a bowl with a little milk, salt, and pepper.

- Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

- Pour egg mixture into skillet and let cook for a few seconds without stirring.

- Gently lift the edges of the omelette with a spatula, tilting the pan to allow uncooked egg to flow to the bottom.

- Repeat until omelette is cooked through and fluffy.

6. How to Roast Vegetables:

- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs.

- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until tender and browned.

7. How to Make a No-Knead Bread:

- Mix flour, water, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.

- Cover and let rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

- Shape dough into a loaf, place in a Dutch oven, and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.

8. How to Make a Simple Vinaigrette:

- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

- Adjust quantities and add herbs or spices to taste.

9. How to Make Roasted Chicken:

- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Season a whole chicken with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs.

- Roast chicken in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74 °C).

10. How to Make a Simple Syrup:

- Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan.

- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

- Let cool and store in an airtight container.

11. How to Make a Hollandaise Sauce:

- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

- Whisk in egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

- Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

12. How to Make a Béchamel Sauce:

- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

- Add flour and whisk until mixture turns golden brown.

- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens to desired consistency.

- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

13. How to Store Herbs and Spices Properly:

- Keep herbs and spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

- Whole spices can be stored for up to 4 years, while ground spices should be replaced after 1-2 years.