Cooking is like a never-ending adventure, and whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, having a few handy tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference. These 24 tips are like little shortcuts to your kitchen success—they'll help you save time, reduce mess, and improve your cooking experience. Some of them may seem like no-brainers, while others will totally blow your mind. Either way, they’ll have you working smarter, not harder.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best kitchen tricks I’ve picked up over the years. Some I use daily, others I save for special occasions, but all of them will make you feel like a pro in no time!

1. Peel Ginger with a Spoon

Ginger root, with all its nooks and crannies, can be a nightmare to peel. But there’s a simple trick to make it much easier—just use a spoon! The spoon can follow all the curves of the ginger and peel it off without wasting any of the flavorful root.

2. Get an Immersion Blender

I can’t live without my immersion blender. It’s my go-to tool for everything from pureeing soups directly in the pot to making mayonnaise in mere minutes. It’s compact, easy to clean, and works wonders on small quantities of ingredients.

3. Keep a Small Strainer for Citrus

No more fishing out seeds from your lemon or lime juice! A small, handled strainer is perfect for catching all the seeds while you squeeze citrus directly into the pot.

4. Use the Same Strainer for Eggs

This is a game-changer for making perfectly poached eggs. Crack an egg into the strainer over the sink to remove the excess watery white, leaving you with a neat, compact egg ready for cooking.

5. Think Like a Factory Line, and Work Clean

To save time and reduce chaos, try organizing your kitchen tasks like a factory. Do all of one job at once—peel all your onions first, then dice them all at once. It’s more efficient and keeps your workspace tidy!

6. Use a Garbage Bowl and a Bench Scraper

A garbage bowl keeps you from constantly running to the trash can, and a bench scraper helps you move all those chopped veggies or scraps effortlessly into the bowl or trash.

7. Freeze Liquids in Useable Portions

If you often use wine, broth, or stock in your recipes, freeze them in ice cube trays. This way, you can pull out just the amount you need, without opening a whole bottle or making a big batch every time.

8. Freeze as Flat as Possible

When you freeze liquids like soups or stews, freeze them as flat as possible. It speeds up both freezing and thawing, making it more efficient and maintaining the food’s quality.

9. Defrost Meat on Aluminum Trays

Want to defrost meat quickly without wasting water? Place it on an aluminum sheet tray—aluminum conducts heat much faster than wood or stone and will cut your defrosting time by up to 30%.

10. Slice Avocados in their Skins

Peeling avocados can be messy and tricky, but there’s an easier way! Simply slice the avocado in the skin and scoop out the slices with a spoon. It’s fast and keeps things less slippery.

11. Buy Pre-Peeled Garlic

I know some people swear by peeling fresh garlic, but I prefer the convenience of pre-peeled garlic. It’s easy to store, saves time, and tastes just as good as the fresh stuff.

12. Read the Recipe First

It might seem obvious, but always read through your recipe before you start. It helps you gather the right tools and ingredients and prevents any surprise mishaps mid-cooking.

13. Use a Scale for Baking

For consistent baking results, invest in a kitchen scale. Volumetric measurements can be inaccurate for ingredients like flour, but a scale gives you precise amounts every time.

14. The Microplane is Your Friend

If you don’t own a microplane, get one! It’s perfect for zesting citrus, grating ginger, garlic, cheese, and so much more. It’s a super versatile tool that makes prepping ingredients a breeze.

15. Make Your Vinaigrettes in Squeeze Bottles

I love having homemade dressings ready to go. Write the recipe directly on the side of the bottle and you’ll always have fresh dressing on hand without measuring every time.

16. Buy Deli Containers with Matching Lids

No more mismatched lids! Get a set of deli-style containers that stack neatly and fit the same lids. It makes storage and cleanup a lot easier.

17. Taste Meatloaf, Meatball, and Sausage Mixtures Before You Shape Them

Before you shape your meat mixture into meatballs or meatloaf, fry a small piece to taste. That way, you can adjust seasoning without wasting time and ingredients.

18. Partially Freeze Meat Before Cutting

Slicing meat thinly for stir-fries or other recipes can be tough. Pop it in the freezer for 10−15 minutes to firm it up, making it much easier to cut.

19. Keep Your Knives Sharp

A sharp knife is a safer knife and makes slicing, dicing, and chopping much more enjoyable. Keep your knives honed, and they’ll serve you well for years.

20. Save Your Parmesan Rinds

Don’t throw away your Parmesan rinds! Keep them in a bag in the freezer and add them to soups or stews to give your dishes an intense, savory flavor.

21. Use Mozzarella or Feta Liquid as the Base for Pasta Sauce

Use the liquid from mozzarella or feta containers as a flavorful base for pasta sauces. Add cheese and some tomatoes or corn for a super simple and delicious sauce!

22. Store Greens and Herbs with a Damp Paper Towel

Extend the life of your herbs and greens by storing them with a damp paper towel inside a Ziploc bag. It keeps them fresh longer and avoids slimy, wilted herbs.

23. Don’t Be Afraid of Salt, but Don’t Forget the Acid

Salt enhances flavors, but balancing it with acidity is key. A little squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar can completely transform a dish.

24. Use Egg Shells to Remove Egg Shells

Cracked egg shell bits? Use another egg shell to fish them out—they're like magnets for those pesky bits!

Final Thoughts: Small Tricks, Big Changes in the Kitchen

Mastering these simple yet brilliant kitchen hacks will make cooking easier, faster, and much more enjoyable. Saving time, reducing mess, and maximizing efficiency can transform your kitchen experience. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, experiment with tools, and discover your own little secrets that make you a pro in the kitchen. After all, great food isn’t just about taste—it's about loving the process too!