6 Cooking Hacks That Turn You Into A Master Chef

Do you love to cook but find that some things completely elude you? Sometimes the things that seem like they should be easy can be a source of frustration. Maybe you cook things a little too long or can't get things to quit sticking.

Don't give up. Even the best cooks need a little help now and then to make things easier. Here are 6 cooking hacks to help you out:

1. Prevent pasta from sticking together without the oil.

A lot of people think adding oil to the water before you boil pasta is the way to keep it from sticking. It can, but it also makes the pasta sauce slide right off. Using the right amount of water, 1 liter per 100 grams of dry pasta and 1.5 liters for 100 grams of fresh pasta, will alleviate both of those issues.

2. Use baking soda for easy to peel boiled eggs.

Add about a teaspoon of baking soda to cold water in the pot before you put your eggs in. When the water boils, cover the pot and take it off the heat for 13 minutes, and there you go. Easy to peel eggs!

3. Reheat in the shape of a ring.

Arrange the food you're going to reheat in a circle and leave the center empty before you put it in the microwave. It will reheat evenly every time.

4. Don't overcook your fish.

Most fish only need 3-5 minutes per side to cook. If you have a meat thermometer handy, the perfect internal temperature is 145 degrees.

5. Keep lettuce from wilting with a paper towel.

If you wrap your lettuce in a paper towel before you put it into the refrigerator, it will stay crisp longer. The paper towel absorbs any excess moisture that can cause wilting.

6. Time your boiled eggs.

If you like a runny yolk, boil them for about 6 minutes and, for completely cooked through eggs, boil for about 10 minutes.

These 6 cooking hacks will save you time and frustration. Try them and you'll see how easy cooking can be.