10 Big Cooking Myths That Need To Be Put To Rest Already

Cooking knowledge has been passed down through generations, and it still is, while food lovers create new dishes. The way we cook now is how our parents did, and they learned from their parents, and so on. However, according to one online foodie forum, some things passed on proved false. So here is a look at some common cooking myths that need to stop being shared.

1. You Can't Make Stock From a Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken

Many people do use the bones of those pre-made chickens to make stock. A Costco rotisserie chicken fan confesses, "I find the rotisserie bones make amazing stock. I usually save two or three in the freezer and make one big batch."

Learn how to make chicken stock.

2. Only Flip Your Steaks Once

Flipping your steak allows the heat into the meat while the outside cools. This makes for more even cooking since the difference between the outer rim and middle will be lower. A steak lover agrees, "I could never get my steak right, and now I flip away, and it never does wrong."

Don't miss the best steak sauce.

3. Searing the Meat Seals in the Juices

One user insists that searing does not seal in the juices, and that if you have ever observed cooking meat before, you can look at it and see that's not what is happening. Searing creates a crusty layer of flavor, sure, but it does not lock the juices into the piece of meat.

Make the best side dish for steak

4. Low Fat Means Healthy

A lot of low-fat products are high in sugar. This is where reading labels comes to play if you're trying to eat healthily. Otherwise, you could be eating unnecessary added sugars and skimping out on necessary good fats.

See my complete butter guide.

5. Swirl Your Water When Poaching Eggs

Swirling your water before poaching an egg does not help it cook evenly. In reality, what would happen is the eggs would group and cook an egg blob. So instead, try poaching multiple eggs in a shallow pan. Then, gently lower them in the water with a bowl, large spoon, or something that would ease them in.

The best side dish with poached eggs.

6. MSG is Bad

"Seriously, it just gives everything that extra oomph," states one fan. MSG is still highly debated on if it's safe or not. But many say treat MSG as salt, and you're good. MSG contains two-thirds less sodium than table salt, so it can flavor your food when watching your sodium intake.

One user admits MSG is their secret ingredient. They have a part-time stand at a farmer's market and state, "People at farmers' markets tend to be healthier; that's cool. But I hate when they spew the false MSG facts at me."

Try my favorite fried rice.

7. Mushrooms Will Soak Up Too Much Water if You Wash Them

Mushrooms usually have residual dirt on them, and our instinct is to rinse them. But the myth that mushrooms soak up too much water when rinsed is false. You should not, however, soak them in water; just a quick rinse and a good pat dry.

A mushroom aficionado admits, "I'm not brushing off mushrooms individually. I'd prefer not to eat dirt, even if it won't harm me. So I wash my mushrooms by dunking them in water and squeezing them out. Works like a charm."

You have to try this vegan mushroom and polenta casserole.

8. Washing Chicken Before Cooking Kills the Bacteria

People think washing your chicken will kill the bacteria. But, in reality, you risk spreading contamination around your sink, counters, and any spot that chicken water touches. The bacteria cooks off. That's why we have a recommended temperature. Still, people insist on washing meat.

You'll love my favorite chicken recipes.

9. Adding Oil to Your Pasta Water Will Prevent Your Pasta From Sticking

Oil sits on top of the water, and this does not cause the pasta not to stick together. One user begs you to stop doing it. "You're only wasting oil, which could also allow oil to potentially adhere to your pasta when you remove it from the pot. That may cause your sauce to have problems sticking to your pasta."

You'll love this fantastic vegan pasta.

10. Don't Use Soap on Cast Iron

You can use soap on your cast iron skillets. One user says it's an old wife tale that you can't because soap used to contain other ingredients. Washing your cast iron pan is fine if you take proper care of it and ensure you rinse all the soap out and dry it immediately.

Enjoy this amazing skillet casserole.

This thread inspired this post.