Want to become a better chef in the kitchen? General Manager & Executive Chef Luke VerHulst shares his new year’s easy cooking tips to elevate your meals in 2024. Below are 8 easy cooking tips to elevate your meals to Chef Luke status in 2024.

Knife Mastery: The Foundation of Culinary Artistry

Hack 1: The push cut

Mimic the efficient rocking motion of professional chefs by mastering the push cut technique. Choke up on your knife, utilizing what we call the pinch grip. Push into the food from the tip of your knife all the way to the heel, roll it back and repeat. Make sure to tuck your fingers in and glide the side of the knife against your knuckles! Use the claw! Achieve uniform cuts effortlessly, enhancing both the aesthetics and even cooking of your dishes.

Hack 2: Sharpness is Key

Invest in a quality chef’s knife and keep it razor-sharp for precision and ease of use. Regularly hone your knife with a ceramic rod and practice your skills to slice through ingredients like a seasoned pro.

Flavor Alchemy: Elevate Your Seasoning Game

Hack 3: The Power of Acid

Enhance flavors by incorporating a dash of acid, like citrus or vinegar, to brighten and balance your dishes. Experiment with different acids to discover unique and nuanced taste profiles.

Hack 4: Layering Flavors Like a Pro

Develop depth by layering flavors gradually throughout the cooking process. Seasoning as you go is key. Taste, taste, taste!!! Add ingredients in stages, allowing each element to impart its essence to the dish.

Kitchen Efficiency: Mastering the Art of Timing

Hack 5: Mise en Place

Channel your inner chef by practicing “mise en place” – having all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking. Streamline your process and reduce stress during the cooking frenzy.

Hack 6: The Sear and Roast Duo

Achieve restaurant-quality sear on meats before finishing them in the oven. Get your pan ripping hot to lock in the maillard reaction! (open a window and kick on the vent fan if you have an oven hood) If your smoke alarms aren’t going off, your pan likely wasn’t hot enough! Elevate the texture and taste of your dishes with this professional-grade technique.

Sauce Wizardry: Elevating Every Bite

Hack 7: Deglazing Magic

Harness the flavors left on the pan by deglazing with liquid (wine, broth, etc.). Create rich, nuanced sauces that elevate your dishes to gourmet status.

Hack 8: The Emulsion

Master emulsification to create velvety sauces and dressings. Learn the art of slowly incorporating oil into egg yolks or mustard for a sublime texture.

With these easy cooking tips, your home kitchen is transformed into Chef Luke’s kitchen. Embrace the techniques, experiment fearlessly, and savor the journey of creating restaurant-worthy meals in the comfort of your own home. Here’s to unlocking your inner chef and indulging in the delicious art of home cooking!