As a self-proclaimed home cooking enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the techniques and tools professional chefs use to elevate their craft. Recently, I had the chance to peek inside the knife bag of an experienced private chef, and let me tell you, it was a treasure trove of culinary secrets.
From sleek Japanese knives to nifty gadgets, these are the 10 essential kitchen hacks that can instantly boost your home cooking game to professional-level status. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound kitchen prowess!
1. Invest in High-Quality Knives
One of the first things that stood out in the chef’s knife bag was the impressive array of Shun, Global, and Wüsthof blades. These Japanese and German-made knives are the workhorses of any professional kitchen, and for good reason.
The Shun 7-inch Santoku knife, with its weighted wooden handle, provides a sense of “grounded control” when tackling tough jobs like slicing open a spaghetti squash or breaking down a whole chicken. Meanwhile, the Global 7-inch Chef’s Knife is the perfect all-rounder, delivering a sleek, stealthy cut every time.
For more delicate tasks, the chef relies on her Global 4-inch Paring Knife and the Wüsthof 4-inch Prep Knife, which is a game-changer for anyone with small hands. And when it comes to chopping vegetables for soups or stews, the Wüsthof 7-inch Nakiri knife is the ultimate time-saver, slicing through onions and celery with ease.
Investing in a few high-quality knives may seem like a significant upfront cost, but trust me, it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. These blades will last you for years and make food prep a breeze, ultimately saving you time and frustration.
2. Embrace the Microplane Zester/Grater
As the chef revealed, a Microplane Classic Zester/Grater is an absolute must-have in any well-stocked kitchen. This versatile tool can transform a dish, elevating the flavor profile with a simple grate of fresh garlic, lemon zest, or even nutmeg.
The key benefit of the Microplane is its ability to seamlessly incorporate these ingredients without altering the texture of the dish. No more worrying about unpleasant chunks of raw garlic or lemon peel ruining your carefully crafted dressings and sauces.
3. Invest in High-Quality Mesh Strainers
Another essential item in the chef’s knife bag? Mesh strainers in various sizes. These humble tools serve multiple purposes, from achieving an ultra-smooth texture in sauces to rinsing delicate ingredients like quinoa.
As the chef explained, Thomas Keller, the renowned chef behind The French Laundry, is a big proponent of using mesh strainers to refine the composition of his dishes. She shared that most items in his kitchen don’t make it to the plate without at least one pass through a strainer or chinois (a professional-grade fine-mesh sieve).
Incorporating this simple step can mean the difference between a sauce that’s silky-smooth and one that’s, well, a bit chunky. Plus, you can use mesh strainers to sift powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a professional-looking finish on your desserts.
4. Upgrade Your Flipping Game with a Fish Spatula
When it comes to delicate foods like fish, a regular spatula just won’t cut it. That’s where the trusty fish spatula comes in. As the chef explained, this long, flexible tool makes it a breeze to flip and maneuver fragile items without tearing or breaking them.
But the benefits of a fish spatula go beyond just seafood. This versatile tool is equally adept at handling other delicate items, such as fried eggs, tender vegetables, and even fragile baked goods. It’s a must-have for any home cook who wants to elevate their plating game.
5. Harness the Power of Disposable Pastry Bags
Piping frosting and whipped cream may be the most obvious use for disposable pastry bags, but the chef shared a pro tip that will change the way you think about these nifty tools.
Remember those fancy dots of sauce you’ve seen adorning the plates at high-end restaurants? Chances are, they were piped on using a pastry bag or a squeeze bottle. By adding a disposable pastry bag to your kitchen arsenal, you can achieve that same level of precision and artistry, even in your own home.
For those times when you need a steadier hand for drizzling sauces or creating intricate designs, a pastry bag is a game-changer. And the best part? They’re inexpensive and easy to find, making them a must-have addition to any home cook’s toolkit.
6. Protect Yourself with Disposable Gloves
As the chef mentioned, working with raw meat can be a messy and, quite frankly, icky business. That’s why she always keeps a box of disposable gloves in her knife bag. Not only do they help prevent cross-contamination, but they also protect her from the potential hazards of handling spicy ingredients, like jalapeños.
Let’s face it, we’ve all been that person who accidentally rubs their eyes after chopping hot peppers, only to be met with a burning sensation that lasts for what feels like an eternity. Disposable gloves eliminate that whole “eyes on fire” scenario, allowing you to tackle even the spiciest ingredients with confidence.
7. Always Be Prepared with Birthday Candles
You might be wondering, “Why on earth would a professional chef keep birthday candles in their knife bag?” Well, as the chef explained, it’s all about thinking ahead and being prepared for any eventuality.
You never know when a spontaneous birthday celebration might arise, and the last thing you want is to be caught without the means to commemorate the occasion properly. By keeping a stash of gender-neutral, all-natural beeswax candles in your knife bag, you can be the hero of the day, saving the day with a festive touch.
8. Stay Organized with Business Cards and Pens
Being a professional chef isn’t just about mastering the culinary arts – it’s also about being highly organized and adaptable. As the chef revealed, she keeps a stack of business cards in her knife bag, as well as a few pens, to ensure she’s always prepared for any job or collaboration opportunity that may arise.
But the real genius behind this organizational hack is how the chef uses those pens. She explained that for each job, she creates a detailed Excel spreadsheet with a shopping list and timeline, allowing her to stay on top of her tasks and make quick adjustments as needed. By having pens readily available, she can cross things off her list, jot down notes, and even rewrite her entire timeline on the fly when unexpected changes occur.
This level of planning and flexibility is crucial in the fast-paced world of professional cooking, and it’s a habit that can benefit home cooks as well. So, the next time you’re tackling a complex meal or hosting a dinner party, consider keeping a few pens and a small notebook handy to keep yourself organized and on track.
9. Elevate Your Dishes with Specialty Salts
One of the most fun and unexpected items in the chef’s knife bag? Her collection of fancy-ass salts. As she put it, these “exotic salts from around the globe” are her secret weapon for taking dishes to the next level.
From earthy red clay salt to smoky alderwood salt, these specialty seasonings not only add a unique flavor profile but also a visually stunning, crunchy texture to both savory and sweet dishes. And the chef’s go-to, Maldon sea salt, is always on hand as both a primary seasoning and a finishing touch.
The key, she explained, is to think beyond just the salt shaker. Incorporating a sprinkle of these high-quality salts can instantly elevate a simple dish, adding depth and complexity with minimal effort. It’s the kind of pro-level trick that can make your home cooking shine.
10. Invest in a Reliable Knife Bag
Finally, the foundation of the chef’s culinary arsenal is her trusty Messermeister Felted Knife Roll. This durable, stylish case not only protects her precious blades but also keeps her organized and prepared for any job.
As the chef shared, her previous Messermeister bag lasted her for 7 years before she decided to upgrade. But the new felt design isn’t just for looks – it offers ample pockets and slots for storing a variety of tools, from pens and thermometers to her beloved Hedley & Bennett aprons.
Having a dedicated knife bag isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity for any serious home cook or professional chef. It ensures your knives stay in top condition, your tools are easily accessible, and your overall kitchen setup is organized and efficient.
So, there you have it – the 10 essential kitchen hacks that can transform your home cooking from average to extraordinary. By incorporating these pro-level tips and tools into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to elevating your culinary skills and impressing your family and friends with each and every dish.
