7 Trending Food Hacks You Need to Try

Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Silvy

7 Trending Food Hacks You Need to Try

Food hacks are like little nuggets of culinary wisdom that can transform your cooking experience.

They’re the tricks of the trade that chefs and experienced home cooks swear by. What makes them so special is their ability to turn ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, these trending food hacks are sure to spark your culinary creativity.

The Perfect Avocado Ripening Hack

Tired of waiting for your avocados to ripen? Place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.

The ethylene gas produced by the fruits will speed up the ripening process, giving you perfectly ripe avocados in no time.

Easy Homemade Buttermilk

Don’t have buttermilk on hand for your pancakes or biscuits?

No problem! Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for a few minutes.

Voilà! You have homemade buttermilk.

Faster Potato Peeling

Peeling potatoes can be a tedious task.

Speed it up by boiling the potatoes with their skins on. Once they’re cooked, plunge them into ice water.

The skins will slide off effortlessly.

No-Fail Poached Eggs

Poaching eggs can be intimidating, but not with this hack.

Crack an egg into a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl to remove the loose, watery whites.

Then, gently slide the egg into simmering water for a perfect poach every time.

Revive Stale Bread

Don’t toss that stale bread!

Sprinkle it with water, wrap it in foil, and heat it in the oven for a few minutes.

Your bread will come out warm and fresh.

Instant Pancake Mix Upgrade

Elevate your pancake mix by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon. It’ll give your pancakes a gourmet touch.

Crunchy Microwave Bacon

Craving crispy bacon but don’t want to deal with a greasy stovetop?

Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels.

Microwave for 1-2 minutes per slice for perfectly crispy bacon.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you’ve got a taste of the incredible food hacks, it’s time to put them to good use.

Let’s explore each hack in detail and see how they can revolutionize your cooking experience.

The Perfect Avocado Ripening Hack

Avocados are a beloved ingredient, but the waiting game for them to ripen can be frustrating.

Here’s how to ripen avocados quickly:

Ingredients:

• Unripe avocados
• Banana or apple

Instructions:

1. Place the unripe avocados in a paper bag.
2. Add a banana or apple to the bag.
3. Close the bag and leave it at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
4. Check the avocados. They should be perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy.

This hack is a game-changer for avocado lovers who want their avocados just right for that morning toast or guacamole.

Easy Homemade Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient in baking and cooking, but it’s not always readily available.

No worries, you can make your own:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Pour the milk into a measuring cup.
2. Add the white vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Your homemade buttermilk is ready to use in recipes.

This hack is not only convenient but also ensures you have fresh buttermilk whenever you need it.

Faster Potato Peeling

Peeling potatoes can be a chore, especially when you have a pile of them to peel.

Speed up the process with this hack:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes

Instructions:

1. Leave the potato skins on and rinse the potatoes thoroughly.
2. Boil the potatoes as you normally would for your recipe.
3. Once cooked, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water.
4. Let them sit for a few seconds, then gently rub the potato skins. They will easily slip off.

This hack saves you time and ensures you don’t waste any potato flesh while peeling.

No-Fail Poached Eggs

Poaching eggs can be intimidating, but this hack makes it foolproof:

Ingredients:

• Fresh eggs

Instructions:

1. Crack an egg into a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl.
2. Allow the loose, watery whites to drain away.
3. Carefully slide the egg into simmering water.
4. Poach the egg for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and enjoy.

This hack guarantees a perfectly poached egg with no stray whites.

Revive Stale Bread

Stale bread doesn’t have to go to waste.

Use this hack to bring it back to life:

Ingredients:

• Stale bread

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the stale bread lightly with water.
2. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil.
3. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
4. Your bread will come out warm and fresh.

Now you can enjoy your favorite bread like it’s just been baked.

Instant Pancake Mix Upgrade

Turn your ordinary pancake mix into something extraordinary with this hack:

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare your pancake mix as instructed on the package.
2. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon to the mix.
3. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
4. Cook your pancakes as usual.

These simple additions elevate your pancakes to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Crunchy Microwave Bacon

If you love crispy bacon but don’t want the mess of frying it, try this microwave hack:

Ingredients:

• Bacon strips

Instructions:

1. Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Place a paper towel or microwave-safe plate cover over the bacon to prevent splatters.
3. Microwave for 1-2 minutes per bacon slice, depending on your microwave’s wattage.
4. Enjoy perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort.

This hack is a game-changer for bacon enthusiasts who want that satisfying crunch without the stovetop mess.

Conclusion

Food hacks are the culinary secrets that can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

These trending hacks we’ve explored today are just the tip of the iceberg. As you venture further into the world of cooking and experimentation, you’ll discover even more clever tricks that make your time in the kitchen a breeze.

So, why not give these trending food hacks a try?

They’re designed to simplify your cooking process, save you time, and add that extra touch of magic to your meals.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food, these hacks are sure to become your kitchen companions.

Explore, experiment, and enjoy the wonderful world of food hacks.

Your taste buds and your kitchen will thank you for it!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are these food hacks suitable for beginners in the kitchen?

• Absolutely! These hacks are beginner-friendly and designed to make cooking easier for everyone.

Can I combine multiple food hacks in one recipe?

• Of course! Feel free to mix and match these hacks to suit your culinary adventures.

Where can I find more food hacks and cooking tips?

• You can explore online cooking communities, watch cooking videos, or follow food blogs for a wealth of culinary inspiration.

Are there any food hacks for specific dietary preferences, like vegan or gluten-free?

• Yes, there are plenty of food hacks tailored to various dietary preferences. You can find specialized hacks for vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.

Do these food hacks work with all types of cuisine?

• While these hacks are versatile, some may be more suitable for certain cuisines. Feel free to adapt them to your favorite dishes.

Can I use these hacks in professional cooking?

• Professional chefs often use similar hacks in their kitchens to streamline their processes and create exceptional dishes.

How do I store and preserve the freshness of ingredients after using these hacks?

• Proper storage techniques play a crucial role in preserving the freshness of ingredients. You can find specific guidelines for ingredient storage online or in cookbooks.

Reference Links:

1. The Kitchn – How to Ripen an Avocado in 10 Minutes
2. Allrecipes – How to Make Buttermilk
3. The Spruce Eats – How to Peel Potatoes Quickly
4. The Pioneer Woman – How to Poach an Egg
5. Food Network – How to Revive Stale Bread
6. Taste of Home – Pancake Mix Upgrades
7. The Kitchn – How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave

Remember to experiment with these hacks and make them your own. Happy cooking!