Ingredient Substitutions
Enhance Your Cooking Techniques and Ingredient Substitutions
Cooking Techniques
Mastering cooking techniques can elevate your dishes to the next level. Here are some essential techniques to improve your culinary skills:
1. Searing
Searing involves cooking food at high temperatures to brown the exterior, enhancing flavors. It's ideal for meats like steak and fish.

2. Braising
Braising is a slow-cooking method that involves searing food, then simmering it in liquid. It's perfect for tough cuts of meat like brisket.

3. Roasting
Roasting involves cooking food in the oven at high temperatures. It's great for vegetables, poultry, and even fruits like apples.

Ingredient Substitutions
Running out of an ingredient? Don't worry! Here are some common ingredient substitutions you can use:
- Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Egg substitute: For baking, use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt instead of one egg.
- Brown sugar substitute: Mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses for dark brown sugar.
- Vegetable oil substitute: Replace vegetable oil with an equal amount of applesauce for baking.
- Wine substitute: Use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute for wine in savory dishes.
With these cooking techniques and ingredient substitutions, you can enhance your dishes and adapt to any situation in the kitchen. Happy cooking!