Are you a foodie who enjoys nothing more than a delicious dish from your favorite restaurant? You’re not alone – going out for dinner and ordering takeaway is a treat that most of us enjoy, but it obviously comes at a price. If you’re trying to better manage your finances by dining out less, but don’t want to miss out on great food, then fear not. Here are some top tips for creating restaurant-quality food from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Invest in quality equipment
As is the case with many things in life, you need the right tools for the job. To help you create extra tasty meals, it’s worth investing in high-quality kitchen equipment. This doesn’t mean breaking the bank for a huge amount of top-of-the-range kit, but carefully selecting premium items that will really make a difference. For instance, it’s likely that a high-quality knife set will be worth spending money on, as it’ll last longer than cheaper alternatives and help you prep ingredients quickly and easily. Other items that may be worth investing in are high-quality pans, ovenproof dishes and a food thermometer. Remember, while this may mean spending more money in the short term, the items you buy should last way into the future, saving you cash in the long term.
Buy premium ingredients
The key to making restaurant-quality food at home is having the right ingredients to rustle up those delicious dishes. After all, most of us can tell the difference between great quality fresh produce and lower quality frozen food, so it’s important to opt for premium products wherever possible. If you’re cooking a beef dish, for example, head to your nearest butcher to buy locally reared, high-quality meat rather than cheaper alternatives. The same goes for your other ingredients too, such as vegetables and fish. While this will cost a little more, it will take your meals to the next level, and should still be cheaper than eating out.
Don’t be afraid to season and spice
Once you’ve purchased your product and are ready to start cooking in the kitchen, remember to adequately season and spice your food. No matter what you’re making, seasoning with salt will massively improve your dish. This is because salt draws water out of foods such as meat and vegetables, boosting their natural flavor. It’s equally as important to use complementary herbs and spices − marinating your meat, fish, or vegetables will introduce rich, deep flavors and help you create tastier meals overall. It’s worth stocking up on good-quality salt and pepper, as well as a range of versatile herbs and spices like oregano, paprika, cumin, and thyme.
Take care of timings
When it comes to creating great dishes at home, it’s essential to get your timings right. The difference between underdone and overcooked, dried-out food can be a mere matter of minutes, so it’s important to take care when it comes to timing. If you’re likely to lose track of time while you’re doing other things, set an alarm on your phone or oven. That way, you’ll be alerted when it’s time to check on your food.
Conclusion
By using high-quality equipment, choosing premium produce, adequately seasoning, and timing your cooking correctly, you’ll be able to make a whole host of restaurant-quality meals without stepping foot outside your home.
