10 Essential Tools and Techniques for Home Cooks to Borrow from Professional Chefs

Professional chefs have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be incredibly useful for home cooks. From the tools they use to the techniques they employ, there’s a lot we can learn from these culinary experts. In this article, we’ll explore ten essential tools and techniques that home cooks can borrow from professional chefs to elevate their cooking skills and create delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home.

1. Chef’s Knife

A high-quality chef’s knife is a must-have in any kitchen. It’s versatile, easy to handle, and perfect for a wide range of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. Invest in a good one and keep it sharp for the best results.

2. Instant-Read Thermometer

Professional chefs rely on instant-read thermometers to ensure their meat is cooked to perfection. This tool takes the guesswork out of cooking and can help you avoid undercooked or overcooked meals.

3. Kitchen Scale

For precise measurements, a kitchen scale is indispensable. It’s especially useful for baking, where exact quantities can make a big difference in the final product.

4. Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a versatile tool that can go from stovetop to oven with ease. It’s great for searing, frying, and even baking.

5. Mise en Place

This French term means “everything in its place.” It’s a technique chefs use to organize and arrange all the ingredients they’ll need for a recipe before they start cooking. This can save time and reduce stress in the kitchen.

6. Deglazing

After searing meat or vegetables, there’s often a layer of browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. By adding a liquid (like wine or broth) and scraping these bits up, you can create a flavorful sauce or gravy. This technique is known as deglazing.

7. Resting Meat

After cooking meat, it’s important to let it rest before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.

8. Using Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to any dish. Chefs often use them to finish a dish, adding them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.

9. Seasoning in Layers

Instead of adding all the salt and spices at once, chefs often season their dishes in layers. This means adding a little bit of seasoning at each stage of cooking, which can result in a more complex and developed flavor.

10. Tasting as You Go

One of the most important techniques chefs use is tasting their food as they cook. This allows them to adjust the seasoning and ensure the dish is coming together as it should.

By incorporating these tools and techniques into your cooking routine, you can take your home cooking to the next level and create meals that are truly chef-worthy.