5 Chef Secrets That Will Instantly Elevate Your Home Cooking
Ever wonder how chefs make even simple meals taste special? The secret is often in the little things. Here are five chef-inspired tips to make your cooking easier, your food taste better and your meals feel more special.
1. Pay Attention to Presentation
Chefs know we eat with our eyes first. Even before the first bite, how a dish looks sets the tone for how we expect it to taste. You don’t need fancy plating skills – just small tweaks in how you prepare and serve food. The way you cut vegetables, the platter you choose, and the finishing garnishes can transform even simple dishes.
Try this:
Sprinkle chopped parsley (or another fresh herb) on top of your dish as a garnish.
Cut your produce elegantly – for example, cut carrots you plan to roast on the diagonal, or shaved into thin ribbons for a salad, and your meal is instantly more special.
Use a wide platter or shallow bowl instead of crowding food, and wipe away stray sauce from the rim before serving.
2. Be Efficient: Plan Ahead and Clean as you Go
Professional chefs are able to stay fast and calm under pressure because they plan their cooking order, and clean as they go. A little strategy at home can make your cooking smoother and less stressful, too.
Try this:
Start by making the dish that will take the longest – like roast chicken or a casserole. While that cooks, prep your sauces, sides, or salads. This way, everything finishes at the same time.
Wash utensils and bowls as you go, so you’re never left with a mountain of dishes later.
3. Choose High-Quality Ingredients
Delicious meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. You don’t need to splurge on fancy specialty items, but choosing produce that’s fresh and in season – or meat and fish from a high-quality source – does make a difference.
Try this:
Pick fruits and vegetables that are in season and look the freshest.
If your finished dish tastes a little flat, try adding a small pinch of salt, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
4. Elevate with Sauces
A flavorful homemade sauce can help your meal go from good to unforgettable. It makes even a simple dish feel instantly more special.
Try this:
Top poached salmon with homemade Dill Yogurt Sauce: Stir together 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 small clove of grated garlic and ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt.
5. Make Your Own Dressings
Chefs make their own dressings because they are fresher, healthier (no preservatives or added sugar), and taste far better than bottled versions. Once you start making your own, you too may never go back!
Try this:
Creamy Balsamic Dressing: Whisk 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoons mayo, 2 teaspoons Dijon, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup avocado oil into the mixture to create an emulsified vinaigrette. Then whisk in 2 tablespoons of water. Store in a mason jar in the fridge.
With these small shifts, your cooking will feel more polished, flavorful and fun. And when Easyfeast is in your kitchen, you get to enjoy the same chef-level touches—without the work.