We all have our kitchen strengths, but let’s face it—there are a few foods we might be getting wrong without even realizing it. From the simple steaming of rice to searing the perfect steak, cooking is full of little techniques that can make or break a dish. This article is your chance to stop those cooking faux pas in their tracks. Take a closer look at these common foods that often fall victim to missteps in the kitchen and learn how to do them justice.
Pasta
Mistake: Overcooking pasta until it’s mushy.
Proper Method: Aim for ‘al dente’—which means ‘to the tooth’ in Italian. Boil just until it’s still firm when bitten, usually a minute less than the package instructions. It’ll continue cooking when added to sauces.
Rice
Mistake: Stirring rice too much or using incorrect water ratios, resulting in sticky or undercooked grains.
Proper Method: Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat until water is absorbed. Let it sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Vegetables
Mistake: Overcooking vegetables, which depletes nutrients and flavor, resulting in a mushy texture.
Proper Method: Steam or blanch instead of boiling, just until tender. Plunge into ice water after boiling to stop the cooking process and preserve color and crunch.
Chicken Breast
Mistake: Overcooking, leading to dry and tough meat.
Proper Method: Cook on medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices. Brining beforehand can also ensure moistness.
Eggs
Mistake: Cooking eggs too quickly on high heat, resulting in a rubbery texture.
Proper Method: For creamy scrambled eggs or omelets, cook slowly over low heat and remove from heat when they’re slightly runny; they’ll continue to cook from residual heat.
Steak
Mistake: Under-seasoning and overcooking, which prevent developing a flavorful crust and juicy interior.
Proper Method: Season generously and let it reach room temperature before cooking. Sear over high heat, then finish at a lower temperature to your desired doneness. Rest before slicing.
Fish
Mistake: Overcooking until dry and flaky.
Proper Method: Cook on medium heat until just opaque and moist inside, typically when it flakes easily with a fork but is not dry.
Pancakes
Mistake: Flipping too early or too often, leading to undercooked or tough pancakes.
Proper Method: Wait until bubbles form and the edges start to set before flipping. Cook on a medium-hot griddle and flip only once to maintain fluffiness.
Bacon
Mistake: Cooking on too high heat, causing it to burn.
Proper Method: Start in a cold pan and cook slowly, gradually increasing the heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, achieving evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
Garlic
Mistake: Adding garlic too early in the cooking process, causing it to burn and turn bitter.
Proper Method: Add garlic at the last moment and sauté until just golden to avoid bitterness and enhance flavor.
Beans
Mistake: Under-seasoning or not soaking, resulting in hard, undercooked beans.
Proper Method: Soak overnight to reduce cooking time, then cook slowly on low heat and season towards the end to maintain texture and flavor.
9 Ways American Fast Food Culture Is Ruining The World
America’s fast food culture has not only reshaped the culinary landscape at home but has rippled across the globe with substantial effects. As burgers and fries become commonplace from Tokyo to Istanbul, they bring with them not just a taste of American life, but a host of changes to diet, health, and local economies. This article examines the wide-reaching impact of these fast food chains, exploring how they influence everything from our eating habits to our planet.
Read it Here: 9 Ways American Fast Food Culture Is Ruining The World
13 Foods You’re Probably Eating Wrong
You might be surprised to learn you’re not getting the best out of your food. A few simple tweaks can take your meals from good to great. Most people typically eat these common foods the wrong way and usually have no clue. Here’s what they are and how to change your eating habit to make the most of them.
Read it Here: 13 Foods You’re Probably Eating Wrong
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
