20 Restaurant Secrets for Elevating Home Cooking

Unlock 20 insider secrets from restaurant kitchens to take your home cooking to the next level.

Chris Graciano
December 30, 2024
4 min read

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There are tons of unique techniques and ingredients used in restaurants which make their dishes taste exceptional. This article shares 20 essential tips used by professional chefs that can transform your home-cooked meals. From mastering fundamental cooking techniques and balancing flavors to using specific ingredients and tools, these secrets will help you create delicious, visually appealing dishes.

1. Build Flavors with Layers

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It’s important to season your food from start to finish, which helps enhance the flavor of your dish.

2. Embrace the Power of Salt

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Salt is a vital ingredient in all dishes. It elevates the natural flavors of food and prevents it from being bland.

3. Finish with Acidity

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Once you finish plating your meal, add lemon juice or vinegar before serving it. This not only balances the flavor but also brightens it.

4. Balance Sweet and Savory Flavors

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Adding a pinch of salt to your sugary dessert can round out the flavor. Also, if you want to elevate your savory dish, a dash of sugar should do the trick.

5. Never Forget to Baste Your Meats

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Basting your meat with butter at the end moistens it and adds a velvety texture that tastes delicious.

6. Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients

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Always cook with fresh, high-quality ingredients that taste more vibrant and delicious overall.

7. Master the Art of Searing

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To properly sear your meat or vegetables, crank up the heat. Searing them on high heat creates a caramelized crust that locks in all the juices and flavor.

8. Allow the Meat to Rest

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When you’re done cooking the meat, don’t slice it just yet. Leave it on a plate or board and allow it to rest. This will make the meat more tender and flavorful.

9. Use Fresh Herbs at the End

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If you want to retain the freshness of your food, add delicate herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro right before serving it.

10. Experiment with Compound Butters

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Making compound butter at home is simple. Just mix butter with herbs, spices, or citrus zest. This creates a tasty finishing touch before serving your meat or vegetables.

11. Use a Sharp Chef’s Knife

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Knives are a must-have utensil. However, we highly recommend investing in a sharp chef’s knife. It not only slices, chops, or dices food quickly but also minimizes the risk of injury.

12. Practice Mise en Place

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Mise en Place is just a fancy word for set up. You must practice preparing and organizing your ingredients before cooking. This reduces cooking time and makes it more fun.

13. Make Use of a Microplane Grater

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Add citrus zest, herbs, or ginger at the end to make your dish more aromatic. The best tool for this is a microplane grater.

14. Cook with Wine or Stock Instead of Water

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Use wine or stock instead of water to enhance your soups or sauces’ flavor instantly. Either one adds a layer of deliciousness to your meal.

15. Use a Cast Iron Skillet

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A cast iron skillet might be the only cooking pan you need. This durable and versatile pan allows you to cook various dishes and achieve the perfect sear.

16. Create Your Own Broth or Stock

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Homemade stock adds a more affluent base to dishes. Pre-made stock or broth can’t match up.

17. Deglaze for a Rich Sauce

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Have you ever noticed that after browning meats or vegetables, there are caramelized bits left in the pan? Well, when you add wine, stock, or vinegar to them, the caramelization dissolves and forms the base of a delicious sauce.

18. Finish with Fresh Cracked Pepper

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Freshly cracked pepper adds a kick that elevates the flavor. For maximum impact, chefs crack pepper before serving the food.

19. Learn the Basics of Plating

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After you’re done cooking, remember that presentation matters, too. Your food should not only taste delicious but also look mouthwatering. Learn how to arrange each ingredient neatly and wipe away the edges for an elegant-looking dish.

20. Don’t Rush the Cooking Process

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Ever wonder why it takes a restaurant a while to serve food? Well, when properly cooked, the dish’s flavors can develop better. So don’t rush it; it will be worth the wait.