5 Creative Ways to Use Baking Soda in Your Cooking
Abbie Clark
Trying to come up with creative meal ideas can be exhausting, especially when we’re already juggling so many other tasks. But guess what? Baking soda can be a secret ingredient in some of your favorite dishes!
Here are 5 unique and delicious ways to use baking soda in your cooking!
Baking soda as a leavening agent
If you’re a fan of baking, you’ll know that leavening agents are what make our cakes and breads rise. Baking soda is a powerful leavening agent that works by reacting with acidic ingredients like buttermilk, vinegar, or lemon juice.
When you add baking soda to these ingredients, it creates carbon dioxide gas, which causes your baked goods to rise. Baking soda is especially useful in recipes that call for acidic ingredients but no yeast, like pancakes, biscuits, or muffins.
Baking soda as a tenderizer
Did you know that baking soda can also be used as a meat tenderizer? It may sound strange, but trust me, it works like a charm. Baking soda contains an alkaline substance that helps break down proteins in meat, making it more tender and juicy.
Simply sprinkle a little baking soda on your meat before cooking, and you’ll be amazed at how much more tender and flavorful it is.
Baking soda as a substitute for eggs
This is one of the most suprising ways to use baking soda in your cooking! If you’re looking for an egg substitute in your baking, baking soda can come to the rescue! It won’t replace the flavor of eggs, but it can help with the texture and rise of your baked goods.
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and use it in place of one egg in your recipe. You can also mix baking soda with water to make a vegan buttermilk substitute.
Baking soda as a cleaning agent
Baking soda isn’t just for cooking – it’s also a fantastic cleaning agent! It’s safe, non-toxic, and can be used to clean everything from your kitchen sink to your oven. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste, and use it to scrub away grease and grime.
You can also sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to freshen it up, or add it to your laundry detergent to help remove stubborn stains.
Baking soda in flavor enhancement
Believe it or not, baking soda can also be used to enhance the flavors in your cooking. It works by neutralizing acidic flavors, making your dishes taste less sour and more balanced.
You can add a pinch of baking soda to tomato-based sauces to reduce their acidity, or use it to make crispier fried foods. It’s also great for adding a little extra oomph to your homemade chocolate chip cookies.
How to Take Your Fried Chicken to the Next Level with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an amazing ingredient that can help give your fried chicken that coveted crunch. Here’s how you can use it to get that perfectly crispy coating:
- Brine your chicken. Start by brining your chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and baking soda. This will help tenderize the meat and ensure that your chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- Mix baking soda into your flour. When you’re ready to fry your chicken, mix some baking soda into your flour mixture. This will help create a light and airy batter that will crisp up beautifully when fried.
- Double-dip your chicken. For extra crispy chicken, try double-dipping your chicken in the flour mixture. Dip it once, then let it rest for a few minutes before dipping it again. This will help create an extra-thick coating that will turn out super crispy.
- Fry your chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd your frying pan – fry your chicken in batches so that it has plenty of room to cook evenly. Fry until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Check out this recipe for some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever had!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, mama – five creative ways to use baking soda in your cooking! Whether you’re baking up a storm or cleaning your kitchen, this humble ingredient can make a big difference. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised at how versatile and useful baking soda can be. Happy cooking!
