Even the best home cooks sometimes make mistakes in the kitchen. Luckily, pro chefs have clever ways to avoid them—and turn potential disasters into delicious results. Here are 11 common cooking mistakes and how you can fix them like a professional.
1. Washing Chicken With Water
Many people think rinsing chicken makes it cleaner, but it actually spreads harmful bacteria around your sink. What chefs do: Skip the rinse. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Heat will kill any bacteria.
2. Overcrowding the Pan
Adding too much food at once causes steaming instead of searing. What chefs do: Cook in smaller batches to give ingredients space to brown and develop flavor.
3. Not Letting Ingredients Come to Room Temperature
Cold butter, eggs, or meat can cook unevenly. What chefs do: Let ingredients sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking for better texture and even cooking.
4. Overcooking Vegetables
Overboiled or over-fried veggies lose nutrients and taste bland. What chefs do: Use quick cooking methods like steaming, blanching, or sautéing to keep them crisp, colorful, and flavorful.
5. Using the Wrong Type of Salt
Table salt and kosher salt don’t measure the same, which can lead to oversalting. What chefs do: Stick to one type (preferably kosher or sea salt) and season gradually, tasting as you go.
6. Not Letting Meat Rest After Cooking
Cutting into meat too soon lets all the juices escape. What chefs do: Rest meat for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute for tender, juicy bites.
7. Overmixing Dough or Batter
Too much mixing makes baked goods tough. What chefs do: Mix just until combined—small lumps in pancake or muffin batter are perfectly fine.
8. Skipping the Cold Water Soak for Vegetables
Some veggies, like potatoes and carrots, benefit from a quick soak to crisp up and release starch. What chefs do: Soak chopped vegetables in cold water for about 10 minutes before cooking for better texture.
9. Not Adjusting for Altitude
Cooking and baking at higher altitudes changes how recipes behave. What chefs do: Reduce leavening agents, slightly increase baking temperature, and add extra liquid to prevent dry results.
10. Not Cleaning as You Go
A messy kitchen makes cooking stressful. What chefs do: Clean tools and wipe counters as they work, so the kitchen stays manageable and organized.
11. Adding Oil Directly to Mushrooms
Mushrooms soak up oil instantly, leaving them soggy. What chefs do: Heat the mushrooms in a dry pan first to release moisture, then add oil or butter for proper browning.
Final Thoughts
Cooking like a pro isn’t about complicated recipes—it’s about avoiding simple mistakes. By making these small adjustments, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and make meals that taste just as good as restaurant dishes.
Credit:brightside.me
