Bear with me while I have a minor existential crisis here, but do we even know what a hack is anymore? The word is used so often that most of the time we have no clue what we're getting ourselves into when we click on something that promises a "life-changing tip."
That said, we still love a good kitchen trick that saves us from food prep. We just want to make sure it's actually helping us out in the long run. Yes, you can absolutely make whipped cream by shaking it nonstop in a mason jar until your arms feel like jello. But, if you have a hand or a stand mixer available, said genius hack is, in reality, creating more work. Although the workout might be worth it.
In an effort to cut out some of the bullshit, we've rounded up 14 cooking hack videos that are truly worth trying. They'll save you time, make you wonder why you didn't already know them, and even give you an "aha!" moment or too. Check them out ahead, and tell us your faves in the comments.
Never Search For A Chip Clip Again
Every time we want to close a bag of chips a rubber band or chip clip is nowhere to be found. But this useful hack will ensure your snacks never go stale again. It's also a great way to impress people at parties.
The Easiest Way To Cook Bacon
This hack's time-saving magic is twofold. First, you don't have to wait while you cook your bacon two pieces at a time on the stove. And second, you can make the rest of your breakfast while the oven does all the work for you.
Cut Down On The Time It Takes To Measure Sticky Ingreds
This one cuts down on time and dishes. Instead of spending five minutes attempting to get honey out of a measuring cup with a spoon, just mist it with nonstick spray. Not only will it slash baking prep minutes, but it'll save you from washing sticky dishes, too.
Peel A Mango Without A Peeler
There are plenty of ways to cut a mango, but this glass method is definitely the quickest.
Peel Ginger Faster
Peeling ginger, with all of it's uneven edges, can take forever. Who knew the problem was the peeler itself?!
Defrost Meat On An Aluminum Pan
This one involves a lot of science that we don't fully understand. However, this video is proof enough that we'll never defrost meat without an aluminum pan ever again.
Magically Ripen Fruits & Veggies
There's nothing worse than having to wait on produce to ripen. But, thanks to this age-old paper bag trick, avocados, pears, bananas, and more will never make you wait again.
Don't Fret Over Freezing Ice
While this hack is controversial, science says it can't hurt to freeze hot water in your ice cube tray. You'll end up with faster cubes as a result.
Peeling Potatoes Is Quicker Than We Thought
This is one of those, "aha!" moments that makes us wonder why we've been using a peeler all these years.
Let A Jar Peel Your Garlic
No need to get your hands dirty (not to mention smelly) or get frustrated over garlic skin. All you need is a jar and a song to shake to.
Don't Let Your Knife Skills Get You Down
There's nothing like a lot of finely chopped ingredients to slow us down when we're trying to throw-together a quick meal. But, if you've got a microplane or zester, your garlic-mincing days are officially over.
Make Pasta Dinners Even Faster
A watched pot never boils, but a pan is a whole other story. Less water means less time for the spaghetti to go from the box to your plate.
It's Faster To Chop Like A Chef
This is less of a hack and more like proper technique, but chopping herbs the right way, will actually go much quicker than you'd think.
Upside-Down Bananas Are Better
Never deal with an impossible-to-peel banana ever again, thanks to this kooky tip, which might seem counterintuitive at first.
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