12 Surprising Kitchen Hacks Every Beginner Should Know
Struggling in the kitchen? Don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Check out these 12 surprising kitchen hacks that will make cooking easier, even for beginners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills, these simple tips can change the way you cook forever.
From avoiding common mistakes to learning tricks even pros might not know, this list has something for everyone. Ready to make cooking fun and impress yourself in the process? Let’s get started!
Ice Cube Tray with Olive Oil Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
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Unlock the Power of Ice Cube Trays
Ice Cube Tray with Olive Oil Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Who knew ice cube trays could be so handy beyond the freezer? They’re like a secret weapon for your kitchen.
Use them to freeze leftover tomato sauce or stock in perfect portions. Next time you need just a little, you’ll have it ready—no more rushing to use it all before it goes bad!
Pro tip: Try freezing herbs in olive oil for ready-to-use flavor bombs.
Prevent Cutting Board Slips
Slicing Mushrooms
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Is your cutting board sliding around like a circus act? That’s an accident waiting to happen.
Here’s the fix: place a damp paper towel or dishcloth under your board to keep it steady.
Say goodbye to slipping and hello to safe, precise chopping!
Get the Most Out of Your Zester
Grater and Lemon Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Zesting adds a burst of citrus or ginger that can take your dishes to the next level!
Just be sure to zest lightly to avoid the bitter white pith. Pro tip: Zest over wax paper to catch every flavorful bit.
With this simple trick, your dishes will pop with fresh, vibrant flavor!
Combat Fruit Fly Invasions
Fruit Fly Drawing
Kitchen in the Med
Are fruit flies taking over your kitchen? Here’s a quick fix: make a DIY trap!
Mix some apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap in a bowl. The flies can’t resist, but once they’re in, they’re stuck.
Say goodbye to fruit flies and hello to a pest-free kitchen!
Ripen Bananas on Demand
Bananas Drawing
Kitchen in the Med
Do you have green bananas but need them ripe ASAP? Try this simple oven trick!
Place unripe bananas on a baking sheet and bake at a low temp for about an hour. They’ll ripen up and turn golden right before your eyes.
Perfect for when banana bread cravings can’t wait!
Keep Lettuce Crisp and Fresh
Lettuce Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Are you sick of finding sad, wilted lettuce in your fridge? Here’s a game-changing hack:
Wrap washed lettuce in paper towels and store it in a bag. The towels soak up excess moisture, keeping your greens fresher for longer.
No more soggy salads—just crisp, crunchy perfection!
Smoothly Separate Egg Yolks
Egg Yolk Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Need to separate egg yolks without the mess? Grab a plastic bottle!
Gently squeeze the bottle, place it over the yolk, and release it. The yolk gets sucked right up—quick and easy!
It’s a simple trick that’ll make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Maintain Just-Right Avocado Green
Avocado Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Hate when your avocado turns brown? Keep it fresh with this simple trick!
Store the leftover half with a cut onion or brush it with lemon juice to slow browning.
Say goodbye to sad guac and hello to vibrant, green avocados!
Perfectly Poach Eggs with Ease
Poached Egg Drawing
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Want perfect poached eggs? Vinegar is the secret!
Add a splash to your water—it helps the egg whites stay together around the yolk.
No more poaching fails—just eggs worthy of a brunch pro!
Create No-Tears Onion Chopping
Onions Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Tired of crying over chopped onions? Chill them in the fridge first!
The cold slows down the tear-inducing enzymes so that you can slice without the waterworks.
It’s like suiting up for battle—no tears, just perfectly chopped onions!
Measure Sticky Ingredients with Precision
Bee and Honey Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Measuring sticky ingredients like honey can be a hassle. Here’s the fix:
Lightly grease your measuring spoon with oil before scooping. The honey slides right out, no mess, no waste!
Perfect portions, zero sticky cleanup!
Prevent Pasta from Sticking
Tagliatelle Drawing
Kitchen in the Med
Wondering how to keep pasta from sticking? It’s simple!
Stir it right after adding it to boiling water, and toss in a splash of oil.
Say hello to perfectly cooked, non-sticky pasta every time!
Maximize Your Citrus Juice Yield
Citrus Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Citrus fruits add the perfect zing, but are you getting all the juice?
Roll them under your palm before squeezing to loosen up the insides.
Get every last drop—no more wasted juice!
Final Thoughts
Young Female Chef Drawing
Credit Kitchen in the Med
Remember, practice makes perfect, and the kitchen is your playground.
Why not leave a comment below with your kitchen secrets?
Did you miss a hack to peel garlic?
Peel Garlic in Seconds 🧄‼️
Garlic is essential for flavor but a nightmare to peel. I compiled 10 different ways to peel garlic.
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Welcome to Kitchen in the Med!
I’m Alberto, born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, a principal city in the Mediterranean.
Here, I share authentic, easy-to-follow recipes inspired by the rich flavors of my home. You’ll find wholesome, time-honored dishes, expert cooking tips, and ingredient guides to help you bring the Mediterranean diet and other dishes to your kitchen—regardless of where you live.
You can also follow my quest to find a small plot of land to live and grow a garden in the Med.
