I've been a chef for over 15 years. Here are 12 tips I learned in culinary school that at-home cooks should know.

Business Insider | 01-10-2026 03:40pm |

The article shares practical cooking tips from a chef with over 15 years of experience, aimed at helping home cooks improve their skills. Here are the key points: Stabilize Your Cutting Board: Use a damp towel under your cutting board to keep it from sliding around while you chop. Keep Knives Sharp: Sharp knives are safer and more effective. Consider getting a knife sharpener for home use. Prep Ahead: Prepare ingredients in advance to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Boil Pasta Water Early: Start boiling water for pasta first, so you can multitask while waiting. Salt Each Component: Season each part of your dish as you cook, not just at the end, to enhance overall flavor. Thin Sauces with Water: If a sauce is too thick, you can add water to adjust its consistency without needing to buy more ingredients. Choose the Right Oils: Different cooking oils have different smoke points. Use oils like avocado or grapeseed for high heat. Use Cold Butter for Richness: Adding cold butter at the end of cooking can make dishes like risotto creamier and more flavorful. Add Acidity for Flavor: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can brighten up dull dishes. Don’t Overmix Batters: For fluffy pancakes and desserts, mix ingredients just until combined, leaving some lumps. Cook on Different Racks: For best results, roast vegetables on the bottom rack and bake cakes in the middle. Let Meat Rest: Take meat and fish out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to help them cook evenly. These tips can help anyone looking to enhance their cooking skills at home!

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