Steps others swear by but you can skip might just be the secret to making your evenings a whole lot easier. We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, wondering if every single step in a recipe is worth the time and effort. Spoiler: a lot of them aren’t. If you’ve ever felt like cooking dinner is a chore, it’s probably because you’re following outdated rules that add more work than necessary. Let's cut through the noise and get straight to what matters—quick, hassle-free dinners that still taste great.
Skip Washing Rice
Skipping the step of washing rice before cooking results in fluffy and aromatic rice. This shortcut simplifies the process and eliminates extra cleanup for a more straightforward approach.
Avoid Horizontal Onion Cuts
Avoiding horizontal cuts when dicing onions can save time without compromising texture. Relying on the natural layers of the onion streamlines preparation and maintains kitchen efficiency.
Leave Potato and Carrot Peels
Skipping peeling potatoes and carrots and choosing to scrub them instead adds flavor and nutrients. Keeping the peels saves time and effort, especially when presentation isn't a concern.
Skip Oven Preheating
Placing food in the oven while it's still preheating is a helpful shortcut for those in a hurry. This method often results in well-cooked dishes and simplifies the overall meal preparation.
Bake Without Refrigerating Dough
Forgoing refrigerating dough overnight in favor of baking cookies the same day can still yield great results. Skipping this step allows for quickly satisfying cookie cravings.
Use Less Water for Pasta
Using less water for boiling pasta saves time and enhances the pasta water for finishing the dish. This approach simplifies the cooking process while ensuring flavorful results.
Skip Bringing Steak to Room Temp
Skipping the step of bringing steak to room temperature before cooking often shows no significant difference in the final product. This easy step saves time and effort in meal preparation.
Skip Peeling Ginger
Using a microplane or cheese grater instead of peeling ginger simplifies the process and preserves its flavor. This method eliminates the hassle of peeling and keeps the vibrant taste intact.
Forget Parsley Garnish
Skipping a fresh parsley garnish unless cooking for guests saves time without impacting the taste of everyday meals. This approach simplifies preparation, especially for casual dining.
Mix Ingredients Together
Adding dry ingredients directly to wet ingredients, rather than mixing separately, saves time and works well for most baked goods. This shortcut does not significantly affect the result.
Skip Precooking Lasagna Noodles
Skipping the step of precooking lasagna noodles can still result in a perfectly cooked dish. This shortcut simplifies lasagna preparation and reduces time spent in the kitchen.
Don’t Sort Dry Beans
Not sorting dry beans to remove rocks can save time during meal prep. Rocks are rarely present, making this step optional for those looking to streamline the process without much risk.
Clean Veggies with Water Only
Cleaning vegetables with just water, instead of special washes, simplifies the process while maintaining safety and cleanliness. This step saves time and reduces the need for additional items.
Skip Washing Meat
Cooking meat directly without washing can be safer and simpler. Washing meat before cooking is often considered redundant and can potentially spread bacteria, making it an unnecessary step.
Avoid Measuring Ingredients
Eyeballing ingredients instead of measuring can be effective, especially for experienced cooks. This approach allows for flexibility and the ability to adjust flavors without rigid formulas.
Skip Trimming Green Beans
Skipping the step of trimming green beans can save time in preparation. Many recipes turn out just fine with untrimmed beans unless presentation or texture is a major concern.
Forego Soaking Beans
Pre-soaking beans is often deemed unnecessary, especially with the use of pressure cookers. Cooking beans straight from dry can be more convenient and reduces prep time significantly.
Skip Whisking Eggs for Scrambled Eggs
Cracking eggs directly into a heated pan instead of whisking them beforehand can create a different texture. This method simplifies the process and saves time during breakfast preparation.
Skip Searing Meat Before Slow Cooking
Skipping the searing step before slow cooking can save time and reduce cleanup. This approach is effective for many slow-cooked dishes and does not compromise the flavor of the final meal.
Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic
Opting for garlic powder instead of fresh garlic can be a convenient alternative. While it may slightly alter the flavor, it simplifies preparation and saves time, making it a practical choice.
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