Transform Your Cooking with These 5 Baking Soda Hacks

Last updated on June 14th, 2024 at 04:21 pm

Cooking with Baking Soda Hacks
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Have you been using baking soda just for baking and cleaning? It’s time to elevate your culinary skills! Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile ingredient that can significantly enhance your cooking. Beyond its typical use in baking cakes and cleaning stubborn stains, baking soda offers several creative applications that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary delights. Here are five genius ways to incorporate baking soda into your everyday cooking.

1. Achieve Tender, Juicy Meat

Grilled Meats on Skewers
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Who doesn’t love a plate of melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, perfectly spiced and tender? Baking soda can help you achieve this effortlessly. To tenderize meat, simply sprinkle some baking soda over the meat, rub it in, and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse the meat thoroughly to remove any residual soda before cooking. Baking soda works by raising the pH level of the meat’s surface, breaking down proteins, and making the meat softer and more tender. The next time you prepare kebabs or any other meat dish, remember this trick for succulent results.

Also Read: Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain

2. Make Fluffier Idlis and Dosas

Idli sambar with chutney
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Achieving the perfect fluffiness in South Indian delicacies like dosas and idlis can sometimes be challenging. However, a pinch of baking soda can make a significant difference. Add a small amount of baking soda to your fermented batter just before cooking. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the taste. Baking soda enhances the fermentation process by releasing carbon dioxide, creating small air pockets in the batter. The result is soft, fluffy, and delicious idlis and dosas every time.

3. Balance Acidity in Tomato Curries

Vegetable curry
Image by Pelican from Wikimedia Commons

Tomato-based curries are a staple in Indian cuisine, but they can sometimes be too acidic. Baking soda, being alkaline, can help balance the acidity and enhance the flavor profile of your dish. To reduce the acidity in tomato curries, add a pinch of baking soda to your simmering gravy. Stir well and taste as you go to ensure you don’t overpower the natural flavors. This simple addition can result in a beautifully balanced curry without the overpowering tanginess.

4. Create Crispy Pakoras

Crispy Onion Pakoras
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If you’re a fan of teatime snacks, you’ll love this tip. Baking soda can help make your pakoras crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. By adding a pinch of baking soda to your pakora batter, you create air bubbles that puff up when fried. This results in an airy and crispy texture. Mix a pinch of baking soda into your besan (gram flour) batter and ensure it’s well incorporated before coating your vegetables. The outcome? Perfectly crispy and light pakoras every time, making your teatime even more enjoyable.

Also Read: Can I replace Olive oil with Desi Ghee for daily cooking?

5. Speed Up Cooking Beans and Dal

Dal Soup
Image by Pelican from Wikimedia Commons

Beans and dals are staples in Indian cooking but often require a long cooking time. Baking soda can speed up this process, saving you time and energy. Add a pinch of baking soda to the water when soaking or cooking beans and dal. This not only accelerates the cooking process but also ensures a softer texture. This method is particularly useful for dishes like chana masala and rajma, where you want the beans to be tender and well-cooked.

Conclusion

Baking soda is more than just a leavening agent for baking or a cleaning powerhouse; it’s a versatile tool that can enhance various aspects of your cooking. From tenderizing meat to reducing acidity in curries and making pakoras crispier, these simple yet effective uses of baking soda can elevate your culinary creations. Try incorporating these tips into your cooking routine and experience the difference.

Do you have other creative ways to use baking soda in your everyday cooking? Share your ideas in the comments below!

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