No matter if you’re a novice cook or professional chef, everyone makes mistakes in the kitchen. Hussain al Nowais reveals five common cooking mistakes and how to avoid them.
You Overcrowd Your Pans
Browning locks in the food’s flavor and juices. Overcrowding causes an uneven distribution of heat and prevents your ingredients from browning properly. To prevent overcrowding, cook using an extra pan.
You Cook Meat Right Out of the Fridge
Are you guilty of cooking your meats immediately after removing them from the refrigerator? You want your meats to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking. Let your meats sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you’re meat is frozen and you have no time to let it thaw in the fridge, place it in a plastic bag and sit it in a bowl of cold water for an hour.
You Over- or Under-Season
Do you over or under season your dishes? When used correctly, seasonings like pepper, parsley and basil can enhance the flavor of foods. To avoid under-seasoning, taste test the food before serving to ensure it is seasoned properly. If you have over-seasoned a dish, you can use water, lemon juice or vinegar to dilute it.
You Overcook Meats
Always use a meat thermometer to make sure you cook meats to the right temperature.
You Don’t Let Steaks Rest Before Serving
When your steaks are finished cooking, let them rest for five to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle for a tastier steak.