Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or cooking a full Italian feast, even small kitchen techniques can make a big difference. Chef Cento has gathered some of his favorite cooking tips, preparation shortcuts, and culinary tricks used in the Cento Test Kitchen to help make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable at home.
From properly salting pasta water to preserving fresh ingredients and mastering simple cooking techniques, these helpful kitchen tips are designed for cooks of every skill level. Great cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques. Small habits, quality ingredients, and a few reliable kitchen tricks can transform everyday meals into something memorable. With practice and confidence, even simple recipes can become exceptional dishes in your own kitchen.
If you struggle opening cans, try rotating the pull tab after lifting it. Turning the tab upward creates extra leverage and helps remove the lid more easily.
Before adding ingredients to a pan, test the oil temperature with a small piece of food or breadcrumb. If it gently sizzles immediately, the pan is ready for cooking.
Giving ingredients enough space in the pan allows heat to circulate properly and helps food brown evenly. Overcrowding traps steam and can prevent proper searing.
Keeping a lid on your pan during cooking helps retain heat and moisture, which can reduce cooking time and improve consistency.
Properly salted water enhances the flavor of pasta from the inside out. A good general guideline is about 2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water.
Salt helps bring out natural flavors in food. Cooking with kosher salt allows for better control and more even seasoning throughout the cooking process.
If you don’t have shallots on hand, combine onions with a small amount of garlic to create a similar flavor profile in sauces and sautés.
To help prevent sliced apples from browning, soak them briefly in cold water with a small amount of salt before serving.
Fresh herbs last longer when stored in the refrigerator wrapped lightly in a damp paper towel inside a resealable container or bag.
Heat and humidity can quickly reduce the flavor and aroma of spices. Store spices in a cool, dry cabinet away from the stove for maximum freshness.
Heat and humidity can quickly reduce the flavor and aroma of spices. Store spices in a cool, dry cabinet away from the stove for maximum freshness.
Leafy greens and vegetables can often be refreshed by soaking them in ice water for several minutes before serving.
Cut a small X into the bottom of each tomato and briefly place them in simmering water for 15 to 30 seconds. Transfer immediately to cold water and the skins will peel away easily.
Turn leftover bread into homemade croutons by tossing cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings before baking until golden brown.
Chef selected olives can be tossed with olive oil, herbs, and citrus zest before roasting for a rich appetizer or antipasto addition.
The pointed tip inside many caps is designed to puncture safety seals on tubes and packaged products quickly and cleanly.
Replacing butter with olive oil in recipes can create lighter texture and flavor. In most recipes, use about 3 parts olive oil for every 4 parts butter.
Before draining pasta, save a small amount of pasta water. The starch helps sauces cling better and creates a smoother consistency.
For the best flavor, transfer pasta directly into the sauce for the final minute of cooking to allow the pasta to absorb flavor.
One of the simplest ways to improve cooking is to taste throughout the process and adjust seasoning gradually.
Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides stronger flavor than pre shredded varieties.
Place eggs in a bowl of water to test freshness. Fresh eggs sink, while older eggs begin to float due to increased air inside the shell.
Store lettuce with a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and help leaves stay crisp longer.
Leftover tomato paste can be portioned into small spoonfuls and frozen for future soups, sauces, and braises.
Packaging, nutrition facts and ingredient statements are
subject to change. For the most up to date information
regarding a product, please refer to the product’s packaging.
