Cooking Tips — little secrets from the pros
Why does rice turn out fluffy, why won’t dough rise, why does meat get tough? 2163 tips tested by chefs and the community — sorted into categories and explained one by one.
All Tips
2,163 tips listed
Should You Discard Leek Greens?
Do not throw away the green part of a leek, but do not use it just like the white stalk. The pale green section near the white part can be used the same way as...
Can You Use the Fat That Solidifies on Top of Stock?
Use the layer of fat that solidifies on top of stock as it cools. Lift it off in one piece; this both clarifies the stock and leaves you with a solid cooking fa...
How Should You Dispose of Used Frying Oil?
Let used frying oil cool completely, then put it in a container with a lid and take it to a waste-oil collection point. Do not pour it down the sink or toilet:...
Why Is Stale Bread Soaked and Squeezed Before Adding It to a Mixture?
Stale bread is soaked and squeezed before it goes into a mixture because it does 2 things: it holds the liquid released by meat and vegetables as they cook, and...
How to Cook Beet Greens and Stems
Cook beet greens and stems separately: the stems are thicker and firmer than the leaves, so chop them separately and add them to the pot first; the leaves wilt...
After Which Frying Should You Stop Reusing the Oil?
Whether frying oil can be reused depends not only on its condition but also on what was fried in it. Fish, garlic- or spice-flavored batters, and sauced or mari...
Can You Eat Cauliflower Leaves and the Core?
Cauliflower’s outer leaves and thick core are edible; both are part of the same plant as the florets and are often thrown away unnecessarily. The green leaves c...
Should You Throw Away Broccoli Stems? How to Use Them
Do not throw away broccoli stems. They are the firmer part of the same plant as the florets, and once peeled, the inside is light green, juicy, and sweeter than...
How to Use Leftover Dough Scraps While Rolling
Dough scraps left on the tray after cutting with a cutter should not be gathered into a lump and kneaded again: puff pastry layers break down, while gluten deve...
How to Use Stale Cake and Cookies in the Kitchen
The two, stale cake and stale cookies, need different fixes because they go stale in opposite ways: cake loses moisture and dries out, while cookies absorb mois...
Can Roasted Chicken Bones Be Used to Make Stock?
Roasted chicken bones can be used to make stock, but the result differs from stock made with a raw carcass. The bones have already been heated, and some of the...
Can You Use Sourdough Starter Discard?
Sourdough starter discard does not have to be thrown away. It has lost its leavening power, but its acidity and flavor remain, so use it in doughs that do not n...