Chop like a chef: 6 ways to improve your knife skills and make cooking easier

How to chop vegetables safely: Hold your knife correctly for better control. Place your thumb and index finger on the blade’s base, and wrap the other fingers around the handle (Image: Canva)

In the kitchen, mishaps with a knife can be common: a slip that causes a cut or uneven slices that ruin the dish’s look. Cooking is an art, and cutting ingredients properly is a big part of it. By mastering knife skills, you can make your cooking safer, faster, and more precise.

Here’s how to improve your knife skills in kitchen and learn how to chop like a chef:

Best knives for beginners: A good knife is essential. For most tasks, a chef’s knife is best. It should feel comfortable and be sharp enough to cut easily. If you’re chopping vegetables, a sharp chef’s knife will help you make clean cuts quickly and safely, while a dull knife might slip and cause accidents.

How to hold a kitchen knife: Hold your knife correctly for better control. Place your thumb and index finger on the blade’s base, and wrap the other fingers around the handle. When slicing a vegetable, this grip gives you better control and helps prevent cuts on your fingers. Keeping your fingers curled under while cutting will protect them from the blade.

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Chopping board essentials: A stable cutting board helps you cut safely. Choose a board that stays put; opt for wood. Place a damp towel underneath your board so that it won’t slip around. It also makes your chopping or slicing more controlled and reduces the risk of accidents.

How to dice vegetables properly and how to dice efficiently: Learn the basic cuts like dicing, julienne, and chiffonade. Dicing means cutting vegetables into small cubes, which is great for soups. Julienne involves cutting vegetables into thin strips, perfect for stir-fries. Chiffonade is for leafy greens or herbs, which are rolled and sliced into thin strips. Practicing these cuts will help you work faster and get more even pieces.

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Knife sharpening techniques: Keep your knife sharp for better performance. A sharp knife cuts more easily and is safer to use than a dull one. Regularly sharpening your knife with a honing steel will make cutting through meat or vegetables smoother and reduce the effort needed.

Stay safe: Follow safety tips to avoid accidents. Always cut away from yourself and use a non-slip cutting board. Plus, don’t leave your knife in a sink full of water where you can’t see it, this can lead to accidents.