6 Chefs’ tricks to elevate your home cooking 

Have you ever watched a master chef effortlessly whip up a culinary masterpiece and wondered how they achieve such culinary brilliance? While their years of experience and culinary expertise play a significant role, there are also clever tricks and techniques they employ to elevate their dishes to another level. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best chefs’ tricks in the kitchen that you can adapt as a home cook. So, grab your apron and get ready to enhance your cooking game!

1. Mise en Place: The Art of Preparation

One of the key principles chefs follow religiously is “mise en place,” which means “everything in its place.” It involves prepping and organising all ingredients before starting to cook. By having everything measured, chopped, and ready to go, you’ll save valuable time during the actual cooking process and ensure smooth execution. Adopting this technique will help you focus on the cooking itself, leading to better results and reduced stress in the kitchen.

2. Mastering Knife Skills:

Chefs are known for their impeccable knife skills, which allow them to slice, dice, and chop ingredients with precision and speed. Invest some time in learning proper knife techniques, such as the pinch grip and different cutting styles like julienne, chiffonade, and brunoise. By mastering these skills, you’ll not only enhance your efficiency in the kitchen but also achieve consistent and uniform cuts, leading to more aesthetically pleasing dishes.

3. Make your Homemade Stocks:

One secret weapon in a chef’s arsenal is homemade stocks. By simmering bones, vegetables, and aromatics for an extended period, they create rich and flavorful stocks that form the base of many dishes. While store-bought stocks can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the flavor profile and ensure a depth of taste that enhances any recipe. Spend a lazy Sunday preparing a batch of chicken, beef, or vegetable stock and freeze it in portions for future use.

4. Building Layers of Flavor:

Chefs are masters at creating complex flavors in their dishes. You can achieve this by understanding the importance of layering flavors. Begin by building a solid foundation with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery. Next, add complementary herbs and spices, followed by ingredients that contribute richness, such as butter or olive oil. Experiment with adding umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or fish sauce to intensify the flavors further. By layering flavors, marinating, brining, you’ll elevate even the simplest of dishes to new heights.

5. Embracing the Power of Acid:

Acidity is a secret weapon in a chef’s flavor arsenal. By incorporating a squeeze of lemon, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of citrus juice, they can balance and brighten dishes, making them more vibrant and appealing to the palate. Adding a touch of acid to soups, sauces, marinades, or even desserts can elevate the overall taste, providing a subtle yet essential tang.

6. Mastering the Art of Seasoning:

One of the critical skills chefs possess is the ability to season their dishes perfectly. Seasoning involves more than just adding salt and pepper—it’s about finding the right balance of flavors. Chefs understand the importance of tasting their food throughout the cooking process and adjusting the seasoning accordingly. Remember, seasoning is subjective, so trust your palate and experiment until you achieve the perfect balance that suits your taste.

While becoming a skillful chef may take years of practice and dedication, incorporating some of these tricks into your own kitchen routine can instantly enhance your culinary skills and bring you one step closer to creating exceptional dishes at home.