How to Fix Common Cooking Disasters
Even the best cooks face kitchen mishaps. A dish too salty, a curry too spicy, or rice that’s slightly burnt — these happen to everyone. The good news is, most disasters are fixable with a few clever tricks. Let’s see how you can rescue your meals and save the day!
Before you begin
Cooking mistakes are part of learning. Instead of throwing food away, remember that small tweaks can balance flavors and textures. Keep a few rescue ingredients handy — lemon, yogurt, bread, and potatoes often save the day!
Here are the basics
Too Salty: Add a splash of lemon juice, a spoon of yogurt, or boil a peeled potato in the dish to absorb excess salt.
Too Spicy: Stir in cream, coconut milk, or plain yogurt to cool the heat. Pair with rice or bread for balance.
Bland Taste: Fix it with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a quick spice tempering in hot oil poured over the dish.
Too Oily: Chill the dish and skim off the top layer, or use bread slices to soak up excess oil.
Rice Burnt at the Bottom: Immediately transfer the unburnt rice to another pot. Place a slice of bread on top for 5 minutes to absorb burnt smell.
In the kitchen
Once you know these tricks, disasters become learning opportunities. Over time, you’ll even develop your own rescue hacks. The key is not to panic — a squeeze, a stir, or a quick ingredient swap can completely transform a dish.
Cooking is about creativity and adaptability. Even burnt toast can turn into breadcrumbs, and an overspiced curry can become a filling for wraps. Think of mistakes as stepping stones toward becoming a more confident cook.
