19 Time-Saving Tips for a More Convenient Kitchen

Let’s face it, we all want to save time and make our lives easier, especially in the kitchen. Juggling between meal prep, cooking, and cleaning can sometimes feel like a marathon. But what if I told you there are some clever tricks that can simplify your kitchen routine and save you a ton of time and effort every day? These hacks are designed to streamline your cooking process and make your life a little bit easier.

Use a Garbage Bowl

When cooking, place a large bowl on the counter to collect all your food scraps. This will save you multiple trips to the trash can, keeping your workspace tidy. Simply toss vegetable peels, egg shells, and other waste into the bowl as you go. Once you’re done, you can dispose of everything at once, minimizing mess and saving time. This simple hack keeps your kitchen cleaner and streamlines your cooking process.

Pre-Cut Vegetables

Spend some time each week pre-cutting vegetables for your meals. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh. This preparation step allows you to quickly grab and use the veggies when cooking, reducing prep time. It also encourages healthier eating by making it easier to add vegetables to your dishes. This hack is particularly useful for busy weeknights when you need to make dinner in a hurry.

Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil

Preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in olive oil. Use ice cube trays to freeze chopped herbs in portions, covering them with olive oil. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage. This method prevents herbs from wilting and makes it easy to add flavor to dishes. Simply pop a cube into a hot pan when cooking to instantly infuse your meal with fresh herb flavors.

Use a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker can be a game-changer for busy families. It allows you to prepare meals in the morning and have them ready by dinner time without much effort. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work. This method is perfect for making stews, soups, and roasts. It also helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them delicious and easy to eat.

Microwave Garlic

Peeling garlic can be a tedious task, but a microwave can make it easier. Place the garlic cloves in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The heat loosens the skins, allowing you to peel them effortlessly. This hack saves time and reduces frustration in the kitchen. It also ensures you get the full flavor of fresh garlic in your dishes without the hassle of peeling.

Use a Mandoline Slicer

A mandoline slicer can significantly speed up the process of slicing vegetables. It provides uniform slices quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for salads, gratins, and more. Always use the safety guard to protect your fingers while slicing. This tool can also be used to julienne vegetables, making it versatile and indispensable in the kitchen.

Store Greens with Paper Towels

Extend the life of your leafy greens by storing them with paper towels. Wash and dry the greens thoroughly, then place them in a container lined with paper towels. The towels absorb excess moisture, preventing the greens from becoming soggy and spoiling quickly. This hack keeps your greens crisp and fresh for longer, making it easier to enjoy salads and other healthy meals.

Label Your Freezer Bags

Labeling freezer bags with the contents and date helps you keep track of your frozen items. Use a permanent marker to write directly on the bags before filling them. This prevents you from having to guess what’s inside or when it was frozen. Proper labeling ensures you use items in a timely manner, reducing waste and making meal planning more efficient.

Pre-Measure Ingredients

Before starting a recipe, measure out all your ingredients and place them in small bowls. This technique, known as mise en place, helps you stay organized and makes the cooking process smoother. You won’t need to stop in the middle of a recipe to measure something, which saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes. This method is especially useful for complex recipes with many ingredients.

Use Cooking Spray for Sticky Ingredients

Spray measuring cups and spoons with cooking spray before measuring sticky ingredients like honey or syrup. The spray creates a non-stick surface, allowing the ingredients to slide out easily. This hack ensures you get the full measured amount without the mess. It also makes clean-up easier, as sticky residues don’t cling to your utensils.

Freeze Leftover Wine

If you have leftover wine, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the wine cubes to a freezer bag for future use in cooking. This prevents waste and provides a convenient way to add wine to sauces and stews. Each cube is approximately one ounce, making it easy to measure out the amount you need for your recipes.

Use a Bench Scraper

A bench scraper is a versatile tool that can make food prep easier. Use it to transfer chopped ingredients from the cutting board to the pan, saving time and reducing spills. It’s also useful for dividing dough and scraping down work surfaces. This tool is inexpensive and can significantly streamline your kitchen tasks.

Boil Water in the Microwave

When you need hot water quickly, use the microwave. Fill a microwave-safe container with water and heat it on high for a few minutes. This method is faster than boiling water on the stove, especially for small quantities. It’s perfect for making tea, instant coffee, or blanching vegetables in a hurry.

Sharpen Knives Regularly

Sharp knives are essential for efficient cooking. Dull knives require more force and can slow you down, as well as increase the risk of accidents. Invest in a good knife sharpener and use it regularly to keep your knives in top condition. Sharp knives make cutting and chopping faster and more precise, improving your overall cooking experience.

Use Kitchen Shears

Kitchen shears are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. Use them to snip herbs, trim meat, cut pizza, and open packaging. They are often easier and quicker to use than a knife for certain tasks. Keeping a pair of kitchen shears handy can save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Line Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper

Lining baking sheets with parchment paper prevents food from sticking and makes clean-up easier. It also helps distribute heat more evenly, improving the quality of your baked goods. This hack is particularly useful for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and making pizza. Simply discard the parchment paper after use, leaving your baking sheets clean.

Use a Food Processor for Chopping

A food processor can drastically reduce the time it takes to chop vegetables. It’s especially useful for large quantities or for making salsas, pestos, and purees. Simply add your ingredients, pulse a few times, and you’re done. This appliance can save you a lot of manual chopping and ensure consistent results.

Soften Butter Quickly

If you need softened butter but forgot to take it out of the fridge, there’s a quick solution. Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. The smaller pieces will soften much faster than a whole stick. You can also use a microwave on a low setting, but be careful not to melt it.

Use a Rice Cooker for More Than Rice

A rice cooker can be used for more than just cooking rice. It’s great for steaming vegetables, making oatmeal, cooking quinoa, and even preparing soups and stews. This versatile appliance can save you time and reduce the need for multiple pots and pans. Experiment with different recipes to make the most of your rice cooker.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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