Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated!

Have you ever found yourself struggling in the kitchen, wondering why cooking seems so effortless for some people? The truth is, great cooks don’t just rely on talent—they use smart cooking hacks to make their lives easier.

From keeping your ingredients fresher for longer to achieving perfectly cooked meals, these tried-and-tested kitchen tricks will turn you into a more confident and efficient home chef.

Genius Cooking Tips to Elevate Your Kitchen Game

1. Remove Garlic Smell from Your Hands Instantly

Love cooking with garlic but hate the lingering smell? Simply rub your fingers on stainless steel—like a kitchen sink or spoon—and the odour will disappear.

2. Keep Berries Fresh for Longer

Berries tend to go soggy quickly, but you can extend their freshness by soaking them in a mix of 3 cups of water and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar for 5 minutes. Dry them well before storing.

3. Prevent Fish from Sticking to the Grill

Grilling fish can be tricky because it often sticks and falls apart. Lay lemon slices on the grill before placing the fish on top. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious citrus flavour.

4. The Secret to Easy Hard-Boiled Egg Peeling

Struggling to peel hard-boiled eggs? Add a splash of vinegar to the water before boiling, and the shells will slide off effortlessly.

5. Make Your Own Healthy Ice Cream

Craving ice cream but want a healthier alternative? Freeze a cup of yoghurt with a stick inside for a delicious and guilt-free frozen treat.

6. Cook Brown Rice Faster

Brown rice is a nutritious choice, but it takes longer to cook. Soak it overnight and it will cook much faster the next day.

7. Avoid Soggy French Fries

Want crispy, restaurant-style fries at home? Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for an hour before frying to remove excess starch.

8. Prevent Avocados from Turning Brown

Avocados oxidise quickly once cut. To keep them fresh, brush the exposed flesh with lemon juice or a bit of oil.

9. The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs

Keep your fresh herbs from wilting by placing them in a glass of water in the fridge, just like a bouquet of flowers.

10. Stop Crying While Chopping Onions

Reduce the onion-induced tears by cutting off the root first before slicing.

11. Easily Peel Tomatoes

Peeling tomatoes for sauces? Cut an ‘X’ on top and blanch them in hot water for 15-30 seconds. Once cooled, the skin will slide right off.

12. How to Cut a Watermelon Without the Mess

Instead of slicing watermelon in big wedges, cut it horizontally, then slice it into cubes. This method keeps your kitchen cleaner.

13. Make Perfectly Evenly Cooked Burgers

To ensure your burgers cook evenly, press a small indent in the centre before grilling. This prevents them from puffing up.

14. Defrost Food Faster

In a rush? Instead of leaving frozen food on the counter, place it under cold running water for a much quicker thawing process.

15. The Right Way to Chop with a Knife

When using a knife, chop with the back of the blade in a rolling motion instead of using the tip. This technique is faster and more efficient.

16. Keep Brown Sugar Soft

If your brown sugar has turned rock-hard, store it with a slice of white bread. The sugar will absorb the moisture and return to its soft texture.

17. Save Time When Cutting Cherry Tomatoes

Need to slice a lot of cherry tomatoes quickly? Place them between two plastic lids and slice across with a knife.

18. Easily Peel a Kiwi

Instead of struggling with a knife, cut off both ends and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh in one smooth motion.

19. The Secret to a Golden, Flaky Pastry

For that perfect golden-brown shine, brush pastries with a mix of egg yolk and heavy cream before baking.

20. The Best Way to Cook Steak

Before searing a steak, pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure proper caramelisation instead of steaming.

21. Make Meat Juicier with Brining

Brining (soaking meat in salt water) before cooking locks in moisture and enhances flavour. Try it with chicken, turkey, or pork for the best results.

22. How to Whip Cream Without a Blender

No mixer? Pour the cream into a mason jar and shake vigorously. In a few minutes, you’ll have freshly whipped cream!

23. Fix a Lumpy Sauce in Seconds

If your sauce turns out clumpy, blend it for a few seconds to restore a smooth consistency.

24. The Trick to Perfect Pancakes

For fluffy, evenly cooked pancakes, wait for bubbles to form around the edges before flipping them.

25. Upgrade Your Vegetable Soup For a deeper, richer flavour, fry all vegetables separately in olive oil before blending them into a soup. This caramelises their natural sugars, making the soup even more delicious.