Everyone has to eat, so it probably makes sense, at some point, to learn how to actually cook. In the age of the internet, it’s never been easier, there are literally thousands of recipes, often with videos of how to do things. But, in all that noise, it can be good to pick out what actually works.

Someone asked “What cooking advice doesn’t make any difference?” and people detailed their tips, tricks and observations. We also got in touch with the person who posted the question in the first place. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Read More: 30 Cooking Myths That People In This Online Thread Wish Others Knew Are False

#1

My grandmother insisted and would get angry for people not following her sacred advice…you must always stir clockwise. Tried it counterclockwise and I get the same result Her spirit did reach through the void and smack me though.

Image credits: Moonafish

#2

YOU DON’T NEED TO WASH YOUR CHICKEN. I will literally fight anyone who says you do. I’ve been cooking for 18 years, cook raw chicken weekly and have NEVER gotten sick. If anything washing chicken creates possible contamination.

Image credits: zaptorque

#3

I use salted butter even when it calls for unsalted.

Image credits: Toriat5144

#4

Using large amounts of water to cook pasta. You can use a much smaller amount AND it’s actually better for having more concentrated starchy water for dishes like cacio e pepe.

Image credits: mostlikelynotasnail

#5

Throwing oil in pasta cooking water. Those two don’t mix. All you’re doing is wasting the oil. It will achieve absolutely nothing. If you’re concerned about them sticking and need to use it, use it *after* they’re cooking. Stop it.

Edit:if you’re concerned about your pots boiling over you could always try paying attention.

Image credits: noscope360gokuswag

#6

Only adding oil to a hot skillet.

i’ve added oil to a cold skillet and it was fine.

Image credits: gimmeluvin

#7

It depends a *lot* on specific recipes. But a couple that jump out at me:

Garlic presses are perfectly acceptable alternatives to mincing garlic with a knife in many applications. Jarred garlic is perfectly acceptable in many applications.

Sifting flour doesn’t matter in most recipes (but matters a lot in a few).

Image credits: Key_Piccolo_2187

#8

I’m going to continue breaking my spaghetti noodles into pieces that are more convenient to boil AND eat and nobody can convince me this is not a superior way of going about things!

Image credits: Never_Duplicated

#9

Using a screaming hot pan for searing. You can’t cook higher than the smoke point of your oil. All you’re doing is tripping your home’s smoke detectors, creating acrid oxidized fats that’s terrible for you and tastes bad.

Maillard reaction only needs around 300-330F. Plenty of room below the smoke point to get a nice sear without breaking down your oil to acrid flavors.

Image credits: dopadelic

#10

Boiling eggs in water with a splash of vinegar does *not* make it easier to peel them when they’re cooked.

Image credits: chilli_con_camera

#11

I grew up hearing that you’re not supposed to wash mushrooms but I always do and it turns out fine.

Image credits: supermenial

#12

I don’t heat milk up before adding it to roux.

Image credits: thingpaint

#13

Active dry versus instant yeast.

Most bakers and recipe writers say to just chuck the yeast in with the dries. The whole step of putting active dry yeast and warm water to bloom it is just checking the yeast is alive.

If you know you bought it relatively recently don’t bother with that step.

Image credits: jessjess87

#14

The whole “always use fresh garlic” thing. Sometimes the jarred stuff hits just fine.

Image credits: StatementFit4590

#15

It’s okay if your mushrooms are steaming at first (due to pan overcrowding). Just let them cook down and they’ll get that nice brown color.

Image credits: Strict-Reindeer1641

#16

I made mascarpone and cream cheese from scratch the other day. All the recipes on line say to avoid using ultrapasteurized cream but it’s very hard to find cream that has not been UP these days. They say it could have the proteins already broken down. Considering that UT brings the cream to 185F for TWO SECONDS and when you make mascarpone or cream cheese you bring the cream to 185 for several minutes i reasoned that someone must have said this once for no good reason and now it’s in every recipe. It’s wrong! Made great mascarpone and cream cheese.

Image credits: femsci-nerd

#17

My husband’s British mother used to- get this- PRESSURE COOK the steak first- like, on a steam rack in the pot. Then she’d take it out and sear it. He swears, up down and sideways, that method makes scrumptious steak. I’m nearly 60, and I’m still too scared to try it 😂😂😂.

Image credits: New-Perception-9754

#18

My eggs are never room temperature when I bake. I’ve done it. Don’t notice any difference.

Image credits: TandoSanjo

#19

You don’t have to thaw veggies before cooking them (I also dont thaw seafood).

Image credits: Ohshithereiamagain

#20

Frozen prawns (for Americans shrimp) will be soft and squishy when cooked.

No they won’t, prawns and most fish are snap frozen at sea when they are straight out of the water, this process does not result in mushy prawns.

Image credits: misterschmoo

#21

Fancy salt vs cheap salt.

Image credits: ohforPetessakeMFs

#22

If you didn’t save any pasta water, it’s like totally fine. The hot pasta will give off tons more starch when you add it to sauce.

Image credits: Katabasis___

#23

“Add hot liquid to roux and you don’t get lumps”

I have never heated the liquid I’m adding to a roux beyond maybe room temperature and have never had a lumpy or grainy end product.

Image credits: le_canuck

#24

Most advice about how to care for cast iron.

Image credits: ShakingTowers

#25

Skimming the bean foam off.

Image credits: Umebossi

#26

Adding all stock to risotto in one go vs in small ladlefuls.

Image credits: sausagemuffn

#27

Personally, bay leaves in most stews that feature a lot of other herbs and spices. It definitely has a flavor, but if you’ve got a ton of basil and oregano in your Bolognese, I cannot taste the difference that a few bay leaves make.

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Image credits: Mikomics