Choosing the right blade for every dish and a good steak knife
Hey, to be honest – how often have you thought, 'Which knife should I take now?'. Whether it's cutting vegetables, the perfect steak, or filleting fish – it's easy to lose track. But don't worry, I'll explain to you today which knife is meant for what. And I promise: By the end, you'll be little knife pros!
Why the right knife is so important
There are these universal knives – you know, the ones that work 'somehow' for everything. But: If you really want to have fun cooking (or shine at the barbecue), then you need the right tool. A good knife makes the difference between a mushy tomato salad and perfect slices. Believe me, it's worth it!
1. The all-rounder: The Santoku knife
The Santoku is my personal hero in the kitchen. It comes from Japan and translates to 'knife of the three virtues.' Sounds impressive, right? It's perfect for meat, fish, and vegetables. With its wide blade, you can even scoop up the ingredients right away – super practical.
🤖 Tip: Try slicing some ultra-thin carrot slices with it. You'll love it!
2. The classic: The chef's knife
The chef's knife is the all-rounder for Western cuisine. It's ideal when you want to chop vegetables, mince herbs, or trim meat. The blade is long and powerful, yet handy. If you want just one knife, this is your candidate.
✂️ Tip: Test how smoothly chopping with a good chef's knife goes – it's really fun!
3. Steak knife: The must-have for BBQ fans
Here we are with one of my favorites – the steak knife. You need this when you want to cut meat without tearing it apart. Especially with a juicy steak or burger, it's worth its weight in gold. And hey, a good steak knife simply belongs on the table if you want to impress your guests.
🔥 Tip: Gift a steak fan a really good steak knife. You'll be their hero.
4. The filleting knife: For precision work
The filleting knife is for precision work. It has a narrow, flexible blade that allows you to perfectly fillet fish or remove fat and sinews from meat. If you enjoy preparing salmon or chicken breast, you won't want to miss it.
🐟 Tip: Start with smaller fish – it gets easier over time!
5. The bread knife: For the tough crusts
The bread knife with its serrated edge cuts effortlessly through any crust without squashing the bread. But did you know it's also ideal for large fruits and vegetables like melons or pumpkins?
🍍 Tip: Try cutting a pineapple with the bread knife. It's much easier than you think!
Care makes the difference
One thing is clear: Even the best knife remains only as good as you treat it. I always clean my knives by hand – no dishwasher! And for sharpening, there's nothing better than a good whetstone. It's best to store your knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip. It not only looks nice but also protects the blades.
My conclusion:
The right knife is worth its weight in gold. Every knife has its purpose. And when you use the right knife for the right reason, cooking will
