As someone who professionally develops recipes, I have something to admit. Recipe developers like me have overcomplicated a simple task—cooking. What’s that saying about teaching someone to fish? You feed them for a lifetime? Well, if you give someone a recipe, I’m convinced that you only feed them for a day.
Listen, don’t get me wrong. I definitely think that there’s a time and place for recipes. But I’m also saying that we, as a society of home cooks, have become too dependent on recipes. I see a path between that rock and hard place: Let’s try to look at recipes as less of a strict, rigid approach to cooking but rather a helpful guide. Look at the ingredient list as a roster, understanding that substitutions are welcome and appropriate. Look at the method as a general sequence to follow. Why? Because sweating over a recipe and following it like a formal government document is not fun, and guess what, folks? Cooking is—rather, should be—fun.
There are 3 easy ways to measure liquid ingredients without a measuring cup: using tablespoons or teaspoons, measuring with a kitchen scale, or estimating with the help of common household objects. Use one of these methods and you’ll be back to cooking or baking in no time.
Now, let’s talk about salt!
Believe it or not, the most common mistake that home cooks make is not properly salting their food. First, let’s remind ourselves that salt enhances ALL the flavors of a dish (it doesn’t just make something salty), so don’t be afraid. You need this miracle ingredient. Second, not all salts are the same—by a long shot. Morton Kosher salt is twice as salty as Diamond Crystal, and if you’re using table salt, pink Himalayan, or sea salt, then you have to keep in mind that those also have different levels of saltiness.
But don’t panic! This is actually liberating. Stick to salts you like (and try others), and just start small with a pinch out of your hand and keep adding and tasting until you like what’s in your tasting spoon. No measuring! Just make relaxed adjustments until you’re in the zone you like.
Pro tip: If you happen to oversalt your dish (it happens), remember that the solution to pollution is dilution. Add more of whatever is the main component of your dish (more veggies, more broth, more cream, anything that will offset the balance of salt), and you’ll be on your merry way.
Which is why we need to put down the measuring cups and spoons
What?, you might be thinking. What’s so wrong with measuring your ingredients? Fundamentally, nothing! But in order to become a more confident cook, I argue that you should do away with your stack of cup measurers and train your eyes and sense of taste to take over from those tools. Not always, mind you. But with a little practice, you’ll be amazed at how you’ll gain confidence wielding classic ingredients like salt and oil with more relaxation and fewer tense moments filling up spoons and cups.
How To Measure Water Without A Measuring Cup
FAQ
How can I measure 4 oz without a measuring cup?
How do you measure 4 oz of water?
Is 4 oz of water a half a cup?
How big is a 4 oz glass of water?
How do you measure a cup of water without a measuring cup?
Below are the top three ways to measure a cup of water without a measuring cup. 1. Kitchen Scale (Best Option) Your best option is to use a kitchen scale – not a regular scale. (Honestly, I recommend buying a kitchen scale to hand on hand, regardless. You will use it a lot more than you might think!). Turn on the kitchen scale.
How do you measure a cup?
1. Convert smaller equivalents. If all you have is a set of measuring spoons, you can use conversions to get the right measurement for one cup. One cup equals forty-eight teaspoons or sixteen tablespoons. 2. Use a kitchen scale. A scale will be useful if you’re cooking or baking without measuring cups.
How do you measure water without a scale?
Luckily, there are several ways that you can measure water without one. Aside from using a measuring cup, the most accurate way to measure a cup of water is with a kitchen scale. To begin measuring, choose a sturdy container such as a glass or bowl. Place the bowl on the scale.
How do you measure a cup of liquid?
Measure with tablespoons or teaspoons instead. 16 tablespoons equal 1 cup, and 48 teaspoons equal 1 cup. Alternatively, use a kitchen scale. 1 cup of liquid equals 240 grams on a scale. Eyeball your liquid measurements using estimated size comparisons if you’re in a pinch. 1 cup of liquid is roughly the size of an apple.