With jam-packed schedules, we are all about saving time where we can. It doesn’t matter if it’s 30 seconds or 30 minutes – time saved is time saved. The goal is to accomplish as much as possible in as little time so we can reserve time for the things we love the most. One of the best ways to get through a busy day and give a few moments back to yourself is by simplifying everyday tasks.
There are a few shortcuts in the kitchen that are right before our eyes and are just waiting to be used. Who doesn’t love simple life hacks to make cooking and cleanup in the kitchen simply better? We know we love ’em and that’s why we are sharing our favorite life hacks for the kitchen that’ll have you saying “why didn’t I think of that?!” From repurposing items in the cupboard to food prep and a few other surprises, these life hacks for the kitchen can be a game-changer. Whether you try these tips right away or in the future, be sure to keep them in your back pocket!
What are your favorite kitchen hacks to make life easier? Don’t forget to snap a picture or capture a video highlighting your kitchen secrets and share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok by tagging us and using #SharpHome!
Convenient Freezing for Ground Beef
Ground beef is a great versatile meat to have on hand. From meatloaf to burgers to tacos, the delicious recipes that call for ground beef are endless. If you catch the meat on sale or are buying it in bulk, freezing ground beef can be a great way to get the most out of your purchase.
For optimal storage, remove the beef from its original packaging, and weigh out simple serve portions. After the sections have been weighed out to the desired amounts, wrap the beef in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and finally place it into a plastic freezer-safe bag. Before completely sealing the bag, leave a small opening to allow air to leave. Roll out the beef with a rolling pin. If you don’t have a rolling pin on hand, you can use a drinking glass, wine bottle, or another smooth cylindrical object. Once the beef is flat, seal the bag and the beef is ready for the freezer! Flat and rolled-out packages of ground beef stack well in the freezer and can defrost more evenly.
Coffee Filters Beyond the Machine
Keeping grounds out of freshly brewed coffee is a necessity and is simple to do with the help of a filter. The thin material, known as a paper coffee filter, is a versatile item in the kitchen and can be used for more than a morning cup of joe! Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or not, having coffee filters on hand is always a great idea. Here are three of our favorite ways to use a coffee filter:
- Indulging in messy food like tacos or popsicles? Use a coffee filter as a wrap for your taco to make cleanup a breeze or poke a hole in the coffee filter and slide the popsicle through!
- Reheating a dish in the microwave oven? Cover your bowls or plates with a coffee filter to reduce splatters.
- Using cast iron pots or pans? After washing your cast iron cookware, leave a coffee filter in the dish to soak up any remaining moisture.
Aluminum Foil for Bacon Grease
After cooking up the bacon for your macaroni salad, what do you do with the hot grease left in the pan? If you plan on discarding the grease, do not pour the grease down the drain! Fats, oils, and grease should never be poured down the drain.
Instead, line a glass measuring cup or the drain opening with aluminum foil. Pour the hot grease into the aluminum foil. Wait for the grease to cool down and solidify. Pop the aluminum foil out and throw it away. The grease stays contained in the foil and makes cleanup a breeze!
Removing Chicken Tendon with a Fork and Napkin
If you’re looking for a simple way to remove the tendon in a chicken tenderloin, you’re in luck! One of our favorite ways to remove the string of fat from the chicken tender is with two items you might have laying around in the kitchen: a fork and a napkin!
Lay your piece of chicken flat on a plate or cutting board and place the edge of the tendon between the fork tines (the fork should be upside down). Grab the end of the tendon with the napkin and pull the tendon up and through the fork tines. It’s that simple. Don’t believe us? TikTok user @raerae738 demonstrates the simple process here!
Cooking chicken is just as simple as it is to prepare it with the help of this Guide for Meat Cooking Temperatures and an oven with a Built-In Probe Thermometer, like the Sharp SWA3062GS.
Cupcakes with Parchment Paper
If you are craving some yummy cupcakes but don’t have any cupcake cups handy, no need to make an emergency trip to the grocery store. You can DIY your own cupcake wrappers with parchment paper and a can or cup! Cut your parchment paper into squares, center it against your cup, and press it down to create the shape. Place the liner into the tin, and you’re ready to start filling it with batter! For standard cupcake tins, cut 5×5 inch squares.
For more information on how to accomplish this DIY in your own home, check out this article from The Kitchn where they provide a thorough explanation of the process!
After reading five of our favorite life hacks for the kitchen, which one are you looking forward to trying out?
