Many people like to cook. In most cases, the process involves throwing some meat or veggies in a pan and heating them. But there are some hacks you can use to really up your cooking game and the taste of your dishes. Here are some tips to take your food preparation to the next level.

1. Remove cookies before they are done

The next time you bake some cookies in the oven, try removing them right before your timer goes off. This is because cookies from the oven continue to cook even after you take them out. Take advantage of this fact to get the perfect cookie.

2. Non-stick pan hack

Avoid using non-stick pans for cooking meat that you want to have a crust. The non-stick coating prohibits the formation of a crispy texture on your food. Instead, use a cast-iron skillet.

3. Bacon grease has many uses

The next time you cook bacon, save the grease once you are finished by placing it in a glass container. Then the next time you fry eggs or potatoes, add a little grease for some added flavor.

4. The best pasta

When cooking pasta, place it in your sauce at the last minute to add a little flavor to your noodles. If needed, add some of the pasta water to thin the sauce to the consistency you want.

5. Drain your pasta the correct way

The best way to drain your pasta is by using a colander. A colander allows your pasta to drain properly, as opposed to using a pasta spoon. Otherwise, you could end up with soggy pasta that is not as good.

6. Space is critical when searing

Putting too much in your pan while searing can diminish the heat in the pan, making the searing process less effective. This is especially important when searing fish, so give yourself a little space.

7. Making the perfect chicken broth

To make the perfect chicken broth, you need a little patients. Start by covering your chicken with water in a large pot. Allow the chicken to cook for a few hours, skimming off the suds as they form. After about two hours add your vegetables and allow to cook for an additional hour.

8. Use olive oil to add flavor

Adding a little olive oil to a meat or pasta dish can really increase their flavor. The best oil to use is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

9. Blooming the aromatics

When cooking with garlic, onions, and other aromatics, place them in the oils first, Called blooming, this process helps the aromatics to build their flavor, leading to a better infusion with the rest of the items in the dish.

10. Sugar as a spice

Using sugar as a spice is also allowable and can even make a tomato dish that much better. The sugar counteracts the tomatoes’ sour taste, giving the dish a rich and pleasant flavor.

11. Use acid in addition to salt

When seasoning your food, add an acid, such as lemon juice to the top in addition to salt. The citric acid in the juice can liven up an otherwise bland dish.

12. How to cook with salt

When you cook with salt, make sure to add a little at a time throughout the cooking process, not just at the beginning or end. This helps you avoid oversalting your food.

13. Use a meat thermometer when cooking

Many dishes containing meat require the meat to get up to a certain temperature before it is considered done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure that your food is completely cooked through.

14. Brining is the way

In addition to turkey, brining is great for chicken and pork chops. Brining infuses the meat with moisture, making it less likely that the meat will get overcooked or dried out.

15. Wine can make or break a meal

If you are going to drink wine with your meal, make sure that you get the right kind. The key is to make sure the wine is flavorful enough for the dish you are eating without going overboard. Red wines usually go with heavier meals, while white wines are best with lighter fare.

16. Cooking steak

To ensure that your steak cooks more evenly, wait before you cook it. After removing it from the freezer, allow the meat to sit until it has reached room temperature. Then, cook it as you normally would.

17. A food processor works wonders

To speed up meal preparation of a dish using shredded chicken, use a food processor. A food processor can speed up the chicken process immensely, just make sure to take any bones out first.

18. Onions and salt

Mixing a little salt in with your onions when you fry them helps them to cook faster. Adding a little salt also helps get rid of that oniony smell.

19. Microwave squash

Placing squash in the microwave for three minutes can save you some effort. Usually tough, using the microwave will make the squash much easier to peel and slice.

20. Crispier bread

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The next time you bake bread in the oven, put a bowl of water in along with it. The steam from the water will make your bread’s crust nice and crispy.

H/T: BuzzFeed, Bright Side, Sweet & Savory