Cooking can be a daunting task for beginners, often resulting in frustration or less-than-perfect meals. But with a few simple tricks, anyone can transform their cooking experience.

This article shares 10 practical cooking tips that can help even the most inexperienced cooks create delicious meals with ease. Whether you're struggling with basic techniques or looking to enhance flavors, these hacks are here to help.

1. Soaking Potatoes to Prevent Oxidation

Potato slices or shreds turn black easily when exposed to air. To prevent this, soak them in a bowl of clear water. This not only stops oxidation but also removes excess starch, making the potatoes crispier when cooked. For better results, add a small amount of white vinegar to the water, which enhances the anti-oxidation effect.

2. Marinating Meat for Tenderness

When marinating meat, adding a bit of starch and cooking oil can make it more tender. The starch helps retain moisture within the meat, while the oil forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. Depending on the dish, you can also add ginger and spring onion water, and light soy sauce to remove odors and enhance flavor. Marinate for 15 to 30 minutes for the best results.

3. Blanching Vegetables for Brighter Colors

Blanching is a crucial step for many vegetables. To keep them vibrant and green, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of cooking oil to the boiling water. Salt helps maintain the cell structure, preventing nutrient loss, while oil forms a protective film that reduces oxidation and adds a glossy finish to the vegetables.

4. Preventing Fish Skin from Breaking

Frying fish often results in broken skin and sticking to the pan. To avoid this, heat the pan and add a little oil, spreading it evenly. Pat the fish dry and place it in the pan without moving it for 1 to 2 minutes. Fry over medium-low heat until the skin turns golden and crispy before flipping. Alternatively, coat the fish with a thin layer of flour or starch to prevent sticking.

5. Using Ginger to Remove Fishy Odors

Fish and meat can have a strong odor. Before cooking, rub the pan with ginger or sauté ginger slices until fragrant before adding the ingredients. This effectively removes the fishy smell. Adding ginger juice to the marinade also significantly reduces odors.

6. Boiling Noodles with Cold Water for Better Texture

When boiling noodles, add them to boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Once the water boils again, add half a bowl of cold water. This process, repeated 2 to 3 times, ensures the noodles cook evenly and become chewy and smooth.

7. Making Fluffy and Fragrant Rice

To make rice more aromatic, follow the standard water-to-rice ratio (usually 1:1.2 to 1:1.5). You can also add a few drops of sesame oil and mix well before cooking for a fragrant aroma. Alternatively, adding a small amount of white vinegar not only makes the rice fluffy but also extends its shelf life.

8. Quick Garlic Peeling Tips

Peeling garlic can be time-consuming and messy. Place garlic cloves between two stainless steel bowls and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. The skins will loosen and come off easily. Alternatively, microwave the garlic for 10 to 15 seconds or soak it in warm water for 5 minutes to make peeling easier.

9. Preventing Boiling Over

Boiling over is common when making porridge or heating milk. Placing a chopstick on the side of the pot or adding a small amount of cooking oil can prevent this. The chopstick alters the surface tension of the liquid, while the oil creates a film that stops foam from overflowing.

10. Transforming Leftover Rice into Delicious Dishes

Don't just reheat leftover rice—turn it into something delicious. Crumble the rice and mix it with eggs, green onions, and diced meat for a flavorful fried rice. You can also mash the rice, mix it with glutinous rice flour and sugar to make sticky rice cakes, or combine it with vegetables and meat to form nutritious rice balls.

With these 10 simple cooking hacks, even beginners can quickly improve their culinary skills and enjoy the process of cooking. Whether you're dealing with basic techniques or looking to enhance flavors, these tips will help you create delicious meals. Start practicing from your next meal and discover the joy of cooking. If you have more cooking challenges, feel free to share and let's explore more delicious recipes together!