Who wouldn’t love to cook like a pro at home? Watching any of the cooking shows on TV and they make it look so easy, right? Luckily, as a chef myself, I know a lot of the tricks up their sleeves that chef’s use to make creating (and cooking) a gourmet meal a breeze.
Pro tip #1 – always always always use the right knife for the job. You wouldn’t try to cut up a chicken with a paring knife just like you probably wouldn’t try to peel an apple with a huge chefs knife. Using the tool that is made for the job will help you move through prep faster with less of a risk of injury.With that being said, don’t use a knife that you aren’t comfortable with. If you don’t feel right holding a chef’s knife or butcher’s knife, don’t sweat it!
Pro tip #2 – salt is the seasoning of life! There can be too much of a good thing, but salting food through every step of the process will enhance the flavors of your dish and make things really ‘pop’. Start with light seasoning and build it up as your dish continues to cook. If you’re making a sauce, check it periodically while it’s simmering for seasoning. If you do accidentally over-salt, adding some water, vinegar or lemon juice can help cut the saltiness. Same goes with meat or veggies, although I would recommend vinegar or lemon juice.
Pro tip #3 – you eat with your eyes first, so make the plate look good! There is nothing worse than sitting down to a meal you know will be delicious only to have it look…blah. A 5-star restaurant wouldn’t serve your meal to you just slopped on the plate, so I recommend taking the extra minute or two and make your plate beautiful. Follow these simple steps and even scrambled eggs will look gourmet!
- Find the food with the most texture and put that front and center. Crispy chicken skin? BOOM, middle of the plate!
- Add some fresh herbs over the top of your dish. If you used basil while you were cooking, chop some and sprinkle them as a finishing garnish
- Have some variety on the plate. Whether it’s colors, shapes, or textures, play around a little bit. The depth will have people salivating before the food even hits their mouth!