12 simple ideas that ACTUALLY improved how I cook.

Quick Overview

The presenter shares 12 ideas about cooking and kitchen upgrades that have improved their life, categorizing them into ingredients they changed their mind about (like using shallots instead of onions and dried dill), techniques they use more often (like adding spices after cooking), and kitchen upgrades (like drawer liners and food service foil).

Key Points: The presenter recommends using shallots instead of onions for their sweeter, more aromatic flavor that doesn't overpower dishes (01:39). Dried dill is highlighted as criminally underrated, possessing concentrated notes of soft anise and fennel seed when dried, making it better for creamy sauces than fresh dill (03:06). The video advocates for knowing when to pay for convenience, specifically citing the value of pre-portioned feta cheese and frozen bread products from Wildgrain (05:01, 06:36). When cooking steak, the presenter suggests buying cheaper cuts for applications like stir-fries, rice bowls, or burritos, but reserving premium cuts for steak nights (07:52). A key technique change is adding spices after cooking rather than before, as volatile aroma molecules are better preserved for a brighter, more intense flavor (09:22). Vegetable cutting size should control flavor impact: lettuce should be cut into thin slivers for moisture and crunch, while pickled beets should be cut thicker so their flavor stands out (11:24, 11:45). Kitchen upgrades include organizing spices in a drawer for enjoyment, using drawer liners to prevent sliding, keeping a bar caddy in the fridge for prep items (lemons, ginger, peppers), and buying food service tin foil for cost savings and ease of use (15:40, 17:53).

Context: The video presents a curated list of 12 simple ideas, divided into three categories—ingredient changes, cooking techniques, and kitchen upgrades—that the presenter claims have significantly improved their cooking efficiency and enjoyment over the past year. The speaker emphasizes practical changes that reduce friction and enhance flavor perception, such as substituting common ingredients and optimizing kitchen organization.