100 Food Hacks I Learned In Restaurants

TL;DR

Learn 100 clever and practical chef hacks that will make you a better cook and save you time in the kitchen.

Transcript

I spent my entire life learning what makes a great chef but many of you know I didn't go to culinary school I worked in restaurants in real life scenarios learning real life techniques and tricks now many of these tricks are industry secrets and you would never know unless you had done that before but the irony is that anyone could do them easily a... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🍳 Many chef hacks are simple yet effective techniques that can be easily implemented at home.
• 🍳 Proper seasoning at every stage of cooking is crucial for flavorful and well-balanced dishes.
• 🚚 Storage solutions like using deli containers instead of Tupperware can streamline organization in the fridge.
• 🔪 Various tools, such as kitchen shears and offset spatulas, can serve multiple purposes and make tasks more efficient.
• 👅 Experimenting with different salts can enhance the taste and presentation of dishes.
• 🚻 Resting meats and letting sauces and soups cool before re-heating helps to retain flavor and texture.
• 🍳 The video highlights the importance of freshness and using basic ingredients to elevate your cooking.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I make my produce last longer in the fridge?

The video suggests washing produce with a mixture of water and vinegar, then lightly drying it before storing. This helps to remove bacteria and preserve freshness.

Q: How can I quickly shred cooked chicken?

Instead of using forks or your hands, the video shows using an electric beater to quickly shred cooked chicken breasts.

Q: What is the best type of salt to use for different purposes?

The video explains that fine sea salt is ideal for dissolving quickly in cold dishes or desserts. Seasoning salt is great for raw ingredients, and flaky salt is best used as a finishing salt for added texture and flavor.

Q: How can I prevent my cutting board from sliding while I'm using it?

The video suggests placing a damp towel under the cutting board, as the friction will help keep it in place.

Q: How can I quickly peel garlic cloves?

The video demonstrates a technique where you shake the cloves in between two bowls to loosen the skins. Then, pouring warm water over the cloves makes them easier to peel.

Q: How can I achieve a perfectly peeled hard-boiled egg?

The video recommends boiling the eggs, cracking them lightly, and rolling them around to create tiny crackles all over the shells. Submerge the cracked eggs in water and peel them underwater for easy removal.

Q: How can I remove excess salt from an oversalted soup or dish?

The video suggests adding diced potatoes to absorb the excess salt. Let them cook in the dish until fork-tender, then remove them.

Q: What is the best way to melt cheese for a sauce or dish without it clumping?

The video recommends using sodium citrate, also known as "modernist milk powder," to emulsify and stabilize the cheese, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video showcases 100 chef hacks that anyone can use to make their cooking experience easier and more professional.

• Tips include how to properly wash produce, store food in the fridge, peel garlic cloves, shred chicken, and cook proteins like chicken breast and steak.

• It also covers useful techniques such as using a damp towel to keep mixing bowls from sliding, using a paper towel to keep pickled foods submerged, fixing oil that's too hot, and the importance of seasoning at every stage of cooking.