Salt is arguably the single most important ingredient for any cook. Mastering salt isn’t about adding a lot, but understanding when and how much to add to enhance flavors. Using a large box of kosher salt allows you to develop a consistent feel for seasoning. Choose a brand, like Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt or Diamond Crystal, and stick with it to refine your seasoning skills.
A sharp chef’s knife is essential for any aspiring home chef. Not only does it make prepping food faster, but it’s also safer. A dull knife requires more force, increasing the risk of accidents. A sharp knife glides through ingredients, making cooking more enjoyable. An affordable option for beginners is the Mercer Culinary 8-inch chef’s knife. For a higher-quality option, consider the Tojiro DP Gyuto 210mm.
No matter the price of your knife, keeping it sharp is crucial. Wet stones offer an effective and meditative way to sharpen knives. A combination 1000/6000 grit stone is an excellent starting point for learning the art of knife sharpening.
A kitchen scale is invaluable for accurate and consistent cooking, especially for baking. Weighing ingredients ensures precise measurements and repeatable results. It also simplifies nutritional tracking. Look for a digital scale that can weigh at least 5 kilograms (11 pounds) with a 1-gram resolution. The Nicewell Food Scale is a stylish and affordable option.
Thermometers remove the guesswork from cooking, ensuring perfectly cooked meats every time. Knowing the exact temperature of your food prevents overcooking and helps you achieve desired results. The Thermapen Mk4 is a chef-grade option, while the ThermoPop offers similar accuracy at a lower price point. For larger cuts, consider the Meter+, a Bluetooth thermometer that pairs with your phone.
A cast iron griddle is incredibly versatile and perfect for quick cooking tasks like smash burgers, grilled chicken, or sauteed onions. The Lodge Cast Iron Griddle is an affordable and durable choice. The key to its longevity is proper care, which primarily involves regular use and minimal cleaning.
If you’re a smash burger enthusiast, the Winco TKP-41 spatula is a must-have. Its compact size provides excellent leverage for pressing burgers onto the griddle. This tool can often be found at restaurant supply stores for a fraction of the online price.
A mini food processor is handy for making hummus, pesto, sauces, and other small-batch recipes. The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor is a powerful and compact option. While not ideal for smoothies, it’s a great tool for general food prep.
A magnetic kitchen organizer rack is a simple and affordable way to store frequently used sauces and oils within easy reach. Its magnetic backing allows for easy placement on your refrigerator or other metal surfaces.
Finally, a magnetic knife strip is a stylish and practical way to store your knives. It keeps them readily accessible while preventing damage to the blades. It’s a safer and more efficient alternative to knife blocks.
