Kitchen Hacks: You’ll Wish You Knew This Before

Being in the kitchen for the first time—or even after years of cooking—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Ever tried to whip up a simple dish and still managed to mess it up? You’re not alone! Cooking always looks easy on TV, but in reality, even seasoned home cooks have their fair share of “oops” moments.

That’s where these kitchen hacks come to the rescue. Think of them as your modern-day version of those wise little tips grandma used to share—quick, simple, and lifesaving for busy moms. Here are five easy kitchen hacks for beginners (and pros) that will save you time, energy, and a whole lot of frustration.

1. How to Clean a Greasy Pan Without the Struggle

Cooking something delicious—like creamy pesto pasta or spicy chicken wings—often leaves behind a greasy, stubborn pan. Scrubbing it clean can feel like a workout (and not the fun kind).

Here’s the hack:

• Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste.
• Spread it all over the greasy spots.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently.
  

The mild abrasive and acidic properties of baking soda break down grease without damaging your cookware. Finish with your usual dish soap and warm water, and it’ll look brand new.

Cooking tip for women: This trick works wonders for casserole dishes and oven trays, too!

2. How to Check If Your Boiled Eggs Are Done

Boiling eggs sounds easy—until you end up with overcooked ones that have that odd grey ring around the yolk.

The perfect hard-boiled egg takes about 10–12 minutes of simmering. If you’re unsure, try this spin test:

• Place the egg on a flat surface and spin it.
• Stop it with your finger, then let go.
• If it keeps spinning, it’s still raw. If it stops right away, it’s cooked and ready to eat.
  

Simple, quick, and no egg cracking required!

3. How to Cut Onions Without Tears

Tears while chopping onions? It’s the kitchen’s universal heartbreak. Those gases released when you slice into an onion irritate your eyes—causing that burning sensation.

To stop the waterworks:

• Chill your onions in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before chopping.
• Or, keep a small bowl of water nearby while peeling and slicing.

Both methods slow down the release of those tear-inducing compounds, making onion prep much more pleasant.

4. How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown

You slice a fresh apple for your kids, only to find it looking sad and brown an hour later. That’s oxidation at work.

Here’s how to stop it:

• Soak apple slices in ginger ale or a cup of salt water for a few minutes.
• Drain and store them in an airtight container.
  

This trick works for pears and other quick-browning fruits, too. Of course, it’s best to eat them as soon as possible for maximum freshness.

5. How to Cut Hard Vegetables Easily

Radishes, beets, and other dense veggies can be tricky to slice—even with your sharpest knife.

Here’s a pro tip:

• Stick your kitchen knife into a jar of uncooked rice for a few minutes before cutting.
• The rice draws out any moisture from the blade, keeping it sharper for longer.
  

Sharp knives make prep work safer and way less frustrating.

Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’ve got smart little tricks up your sleeve. These kitchen hacks for beginners are all about saving you time and making your life easier, whether you’re juggling kids, work, or just trying to get dinner on the table.

Start using them today, and you’ll be ruling your kitchen like a pro in no time!

For more cooking tips for women and time-saving kitchen tricks, check out:

Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets