Introduction:
The kitchen is the main part of the home but sometimes cooking and cleaning can feel like too much. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, saving time and money is always a winner. Luckily with a few clever tricks you can make your kitchen life smoother, more efficient and even a bit more fun! In this post I am sharing 15 kitchen hacks that will streamline your cooking, save you money and make your daily kitchen tasks a breeze. Let’s get into it and see how these will change the way you use your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Below are top 15 Kitchen Hacks and Tricks
Hack 1: Freeze Leftover Herbs in Olive Oil
If you find yourself throwing away fresh herbs, freezing them in olive oil can save you time and money. Just chop your herbs, put them in an ice cube tray and pour olive oil over them. Pop the tray in the freezer and once the cubes are frozen, transfer them into a ziplock bag.
When you’re cooking, just toss a cube in the pan. This way you won’t waste the herbs and the oil is already infused with the herbs so it’s a great base for sautés, soups or sauces.
This is especially good for herbs that don’t dry well like basil, cilantro or parsley. Instead of buying fresh herbs for every meal, just use the frozen ones. Smart long term solution.
Bonus Tip: Label the bags with the date and type of herb so you can keep track of them better.
Hack 2: Use Citrus Peels to Clean and Deodorize
Don’t throw away those citrus peels! They are excellent for cleaning and freshening up your kitchen. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, contain natural oils that effectively cut through grease and leave a pleasant scent behind.
To create a natural cleaner, simply place the peels in a jar and cover them with white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a week, then strain the liquid into a spray bottle. This homemade cleaner works wonders for wiping down countertops, stovetops, and sinks.
Not only will your kitchen smell amazing, but it’s also budget-friendly and free of harsh chemicals. Plus, you’re repurposing what would otherwise be waste. It’s a win-win situation!
Bonus Tip: You can also add a few citrus peels to your garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.
Hack 3: Keep Bread Soft with a Slice of Apple
If you’re frustrated with your bread going stale too quickly, try this simple trick: just add a slice of apple to the bread bag. The moisture from the apple helps keep the bread fresh and soft for a longer time. This tip is effective for both store-bought and homemade bread.
Be sure to check the apple slice every few days. If it begins to dry out, swap it for a fresh one. This easy method can prolong the life of your bread without needing any preservatives.
By using this trick, you’ll save money since you won’t have to buy bread as frequently. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy softer bread for your sandwiches or toast every day.
Bonus Tip: If you don’t have an apple handy, a slice of potato can work just as well!
Hack 4: Use a Mason Jar to Separate Egg Yolks
Separating egg yolks can be a bit challenging, especially without the right tools. However, using a simple mason jar can make this task much simpler. Start by cracking an egg into a bowl, then take an empty mason jar and position the opening over the yolk. Gently squeeze the jar, and when you let go, the yolk will be drawn into the jar, leaving the egg white behind.
This trick is quick and helps prevent breaking the yolk, which often happens with the shell method. Plus, it’s a clean way to prepare your eggs for baking or cooking.
Bonus Tip: This technique works best with fresh eggs, as the yolk tends to be firmer.
Hack 5: Soften Butter Faster with a Glass
Need soft butter in a hurry but don’t want to use the microwave? Try this easy trick: take a glass or cup and fill it with hot water. Let it sit for about a minute to warm up, then pour out the water. Invert the glass over the butter. The heat trapped inside will soften the butter in just a few minutes, making it easy to spread without melting it.
This method is great for those times when you forget to take the butter out of the fridge ahead of time. Say goodbye to waiting or the risk of melted butter in the microwave!
Bonus Tip: For even faster results, cut the butter into smaller pieces before placing the heated glass on top.
Hack 6: Label Everything in Your Pantry
A well-organized pantry can really help you save both time and money. By labeling everything, you can quickly find what you need without having to dig around or accidentally buy duplicates. Clear labels also make it easier to keep track of your items, so you won’t end up overbuying things you already have. Consider using stickers or a label maker to clearly name each jar, box, or container.
Grouping similar items together—like spices, grains, and snacks—will allow you to access things more quickly. This way, your pantry will not only look tidy but will also work more efficiently.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to add the expiration date to your labels to help avoid using stale ingredients and to reduce food waste.
Hack 7: Pre-Chop Veggies and Store Them Properly
Prepping veggies in advance is a great way to save time, especially during hectic weekdays. Take a little time to chop your vegetables right after you purchase them. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain their freshness. With pre-chopped ingredients ready to go, meal preparation becomes much quicker, making it easier to whip up healthy dishes.
This approach also helps you save money since you’re less likely to let fresh produce go to waste. Just remember to store the veggies correctly: wrap leafy greens in paper towels to absorb excess moisture, and keep root vegetables submerged in water to maintain their crispness.
Bonus Tip: Blanch tougher vegetables like carrots or broccoli before storing them to help them stay fresh longer.
Hack 8: Use a Microplane to Grate Garlic and Ginger
Using a microplane to grate garlic and ginger is a real time-saver and helps distribute flavors evenly. This handy kitchen tool allows you to finely grate these ingredients in just seconds, so you can skip the chopping and mincing. It not only reduces the number of utensils you need, but the finely grated garlic or ginger blends into your dishes more seamlessly.
This technique is especially effective for marinades, soups, and stir-fries, enhancing your meals with fresh flavor without the hassle of chopping. Additionally, the potent flavors are more evenly incorporated throughout your dish.
Bonus Tip: To keep your microplane in top shape, wash it by hand and dry it immediately to avoid rust.
Hack 9: Invest in Stackable Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring ingredients can sometimes feel tedious, especially when you can’t locate the right spoon or cup. Investing in stackable measuring cups and spoons not only saves storage space but also keeps your kitchen tidy. These sets often clip together, making it easy to grab the exact size you need without digging through drawers.
By keeping your measuring tools accessible and organized, you’ll work more efficiently in the kitchen. Plus, with accurate measurements, your recipes will turn out just right every time, helping to avoid waste from cooking errors.
Bonus Tip: Opt for sets that include both metric and imperial measurements for added flexibility.
Hack 10: Freeze Leftover Wine for Cooking
If you have leftover wine, don’t let it go to waste—freeze it! Simply pour the wine into ice cube trays and freeze it for future cooking. Wine enhances the flavor of sauces, soups, and stews, and this way, you’ll always have some ready without needing to open a new bottle.
Wine cubes can be stored for several months, so you can use them whenever a recipe requires wine. This also means you won’t need to purchase a new bottle every time you just need a little for cooking.
Bonus Tip: You can use the same method to freeze leftover broth, stock, or coffee for other recipes.
Hack 11: Use Citrus Peels to Clean Your Microwave
Cleaning the microwave can be a bit of a chore, but using citrus peels makes it simple and leaves a fresh scent! After enjoying an orange or lemon, don’t throw away the peels. Instead, put them in a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and heat it on high for about 5 minutes. The steam will help loosen any grime or stains inside the microwave, while the natural oils from the citrus will clean and freshen the space.
Once it’s finished, just wipe down the interior with a clean cloth. This method avoids harsh chemicals and keeps your kitchen smelling wonderful.
Bonus Tip: For an extra boost in cleaning, you can substitute vinegar for the water.
Hack 12: Store Herbs in Water to Keep Them Fresh
Fresh herbs can spoil quickly, but there’s an easy way to keep them fresh longer. Treat them like flowers: cut the stems and put them in a glass of water. Loosely cover the top with a plastic bag and store the glass in the fridge. This technique helps herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Not only does this prevent you from having to buy herbs all the time, but it also ensures they’re on hand for cooking whenever you need them. Plus, fresh herbs offer much more flavor than dried ones.
Bonus Tip: Change the water every few days to keep them at their best.
Hack 13: Keep Bananas Fresher for Longer by Wrapping the Stems
Bananas ripen quickly, but you can slow this down by wrapping the stems in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This method helps to contain ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening, preventing the fruit from maturing too fast. By wrapping the stems tightly, you can extend their freshness for a few extra days, reducing waste and allowing you to savor ripe bananas for longer.
This tip is particularly handy if you often buy bananas in bulk or don’t consume them all at once. You’ll save money by avoiding the disposal of overripe bananas, and you can enjoy fresh bananas in your breakfast or smoothies for several days.
Bonus Tip: Separating the bananas can also help slow down the ripening process even more.
Hack 14: Use a Baking Sheet as a Makeshift Cutting Board
Need more space in your kitchen? Try using a baking sheet as a cutting board! This trick is perfect for cutting juicy ingredients like tomatoes or meat, as the edges of the sheet help contain any spills. The flat surface is sturdy and easy to clean, making it ideal for quick chopping when your cutting board is in use or being washed. You can effortlessly slide the chopped food into a bowl or pan afterward, minimizing mess. It’s a practical, versatile solution that saves both time and space in your kitchen.
Bonus Tip: For even easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Hack 15: Use Eggshells to Remove Broken Shell Pieces
When you crack eggs, it’s not uncommon for small bits of shell to fall into the bowl. Instead of trying to fish them out with your fingers, use half of the eggshell to scoop them out. The eggshell will attract the broken pieces, making it much easier to remove them without any fuss.
This handy kitchen tip can save you time, keep your hands clean, and help you avoid any frustration. It’s a straightforward trick that can make a difference when you’re baking or cooking eggs, ensuring your dish turns out perfectly.
Bonus Tip: Always crack eggs on a flat surface to minimize shell breakage.
Conclusion:
With these 15 simple kitchen hacks, you can save time and money while making your cooking experience more enjoyable. By using everyday items in creative ways and discovering easy solutions to common challenges, these tips are ideal for anyone wanting to streamline their kitchen tasks. The next time you feel overwhelmed with food preparation or cleanup, give one of these hacks a try—you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference a small trick can make! Happy cooking, and may your time in the kitchen be efficient, stress-free, and delicious!