The Tiny house Blog

10 Simple and Delicious Tiny House Cooking Tips

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
June 24, 2024
Tiny house cooking tips

Image Source: Canva

So, you live in a tiny house with a kitchen the size of a shoebox. Don't let that cramp your culinary style! Here's the deal: with 10 simple and delicious tips, you'll be whipping up gourmet meals in no time, even in your pint-sized kitchen.

Think walls are just for pictures? Think again. Ever considered a one-pot wonder? You'll love 'em. Can't find your spatula? We've got storage solutions that'll save your sanity. Stick around, 'cause we're just getting warmed up!

Maximizing Your Tiny Kitchen Space

Hey there, budding chef! Squeezing every bit of functionality out of your pint-sized kitchen might seem like a jigsaw puzzle, but here's the secret ingredient: organization.

You wouldn't throw all your spices into a pot and hope for palatable soup, would you? Same goes for your kitchen space. It's all about strategic placement.

First off, keep your counter clutter-free. This isn't just about aesthetics, it's about creating a workspace. Clear space equals clear mind.

Next, use your walls. Ever think about hanging your pans? You'll be surprised how much space you can free up by going vertical. And don't overlook the insides of your cabinet doors. They're prime real estate for storing small items.

Another tip? Multi-use appliances. You're living tiny, so think tiny. Appliances that do double duty are your best friends.

Lastly, be ruthless with what you keep in your kitchen. Remember, it's not about having limited space, it's about making space limitless!

Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and talk kitchen essentials and tools - because even in a tiny kitchen, you can't whip up a five-star meal with a butter knife and good intentions!

First things first, invest in a quality chef's knife. It's your all-around MVP, from dicing onions to filleting fish. Also, pick up a paring knife for more delicate jobs.

Next, don't underestimate the power of a good, sturdy cutting board. It's not just a surface to chop veggies, but also a shield to protect your counters!

And let's talk about the mighty saucepan and sauté pan - versatile, indispensable, perfect for a quick scramble, a hearty stew, or a gourmet risotto.

Ever tried to flip a pancake with a spoon? It's a one way ticket to a kitchen disaster! A spatula is a must-have. And grab a grater while you're at it - cheese, lemon zest, ginger, it's got you covered.

Lastly, a set of measuring cups and spoons is a non-negotiable. Unless you're a kitchen wizard who can eyeball a tablespoon of salt, you'll need 'em.

Efficient Meal Planning Strategies

With your kitchen now armed to the teeth with essential tools, let's immerse ourselves in the art of efficient meal planning, because no one enjoys a midnight grocery run for a forgotten onion!

First off, let's adopt the golden rule of meal planning: 'Thou shalt not cook different meals every day.' To avoid becoming a 24/7 short-order cook in your tiny house, consider planning meals that use overlapping ingredients. This way, you'll get the most bang for your buck, and your tiny fridge won't turn into a crowded mess of half-used veggies.

Another tip? Get acquainted with your freezer. Cooking in bulk and freezing portions for later is a time-honored tradition of efficient cooks. Plus, who doesn't like the idea of a home-cooked meal on a busy weeknight without the fuss of actually cooking?

Lastly, don't neglect the power of a good old-fashioned meal plan. Sit down once a week and plot out your culinary conquests. It's like a road map to gastronomic glory, minus the stress of wondering what's for dinner every night. Remember, in tiny house living, organization is king!

Stay tuned for our next segment, where we'll delve into the world of smart grocery shopping.

Smart Grocery Shopping Tips

Diving headfirst into the world of smart grocery shopping, you're about to become a pro at picking produce and a master at managing your meal money! So grab your shopping list, and let's hit those tiny aisles with gusto!

First off, never shop on an empty stomach. Ever heard of the 'hungry eyes' phenomenon? It's when your stomach starts dictating to your wallet and before you know it, you've got two family-sized pizzas in your basket. That's not just a calorie bomb waiting to explode, it's also a tiny house kitchen disaster!

Next, focus on versatile ingredients. You're cooking in a tiny kitchen, not hosting a gourmet cooking show. Stick to staples like rice, pasta, beans, and canned vegetables. They're cheap, easy to store, and can be used in a gazillion different ways.

Lastly, don't be afraid to haggle, especially at farmer's markets. Those prices aren't set in stone, you know. And remember, a smile and a friendly chat can get you a long way, not just in getting a discount but also in scoring some free cooking tips from the pros!

One-Pot Meal Wonders

Let's face it, your tiny kitchen's best friend is the one-pot meal, a culinary hero that saves space, time, and washing up! One-pot wonders aren't just about simplicity, though, they're also a ticket to a world of creativity and flavor.

Imagine this: you're whipping up a classic chicken cacciatore. You start by browning the chicken in your trusty pot. Then, in go the onions, garlic, and peppers, sizzling away and filling your tiny house with an aroma that could knock the socks off a gourmet chef! Add some tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of wine, and voila! You've got a restaurant-quality meal in one pot.

But don't stop there. You've got options. Fancy a curry? One pot. A hearty soup? One pot. A risotto to impress your date? Yep, you guessed it – one pot!

The key is layering flavors and timing your additions just right. And remember, don't be afraid of a little experimentation. Some of the best one-pot wonders started as a 'what's left in the fridge' kind of day.

Image Source: Canva

Creative Use of Multifunctional Appliances

Now, while your one-pot skills are simmering to perfection, why not amp up your tiny kitchen prowess with some innovative uses of multifunctional appliances? Your itty-bitty kitchen is about to become a culinary powerhouse, so strap in!

First, let's talk about that waffle iron taking up prime real estate on your countertop. Did you know it's not just for Sunday brunch? You can whip out some killer hash browns, grill a cheese sandwich, or even bake a cinnamon roll in that bad boy.

Then, there's your blender. Sure, it's great for smoothies, but have you tried making soups, sauces, or even baby food? And if you're feeling adventurous, some folks swear by making their own peanut butter.

Lastly, don't underestimate your toaster oven. This compact dynamo can take on everything from baking cookies to roasting vegetables, and even broiling fish.

Quick and Easy Storage Solutions

Ever wonder where to stash your spatula in a kitchen the size of a broom closet? Well, you're in good company. Welcome to the world of tiny house cooking, where 'out of sight, out of mind' isn't an option, but 'in sight, out of the way' is the mantra.

First off, magnets are your new best friends. Magnetic strips on the inside of cabinet doors hold knives, spatulas, and whisks. They're there when you need them, gone when you don't.

Next, invest in a hanging fruit basket. Not just for bananas anymore, these multitasking marvels can hold anything from garlic cloves to hard-boiled eggs.

Ever thought about pegboards? Julia Child did. And you should too. They're not just for garages anymore. Hang pots, pans, and colanders on a pegboard. It's like a culinary work of art.

Don't underestimate the power of hooks. An empty wall is an opportunity. Hang mugs, utensils, or a dish towel.

Healthful, Compact Pantry Ideas

Having mastered the art of hanging spatulas and sorting garlic cloves, you might be wondering how to stock a pantry in such a petite kitchen - fear not, we've got the skinny on healthful, compact pantry ideas.

First, let's tackle the 'healthful'. Think 'nutrient density' - foods that pack a lot of bang for their buck. Quinoa, lentils, and canned beans are compact, non-perishable, and overflowing with protein. Chia seeds and flaxseeds? Tiny but mighty sources of fiber and omega-3s.

Next, 'compact'. Your pint-sized pantry ain't no place for economy-sized anything. Buy small, use it up, and restock. Also, befriend your freezer. It's the cool cousin your pantry always wanted - a chill place to store extra bread or batches of homemade broth.

Lastly, don't forget the spices. They're the life and soul of your dishes, and they don't take up much room. Buy small jars or better yet, refill at bulk stores.

With these tips, you'll have a fully-stocked, healthful pantry that even a tiny house can accommodate. Who knew small could taste so good?

Delicious, Space-Saving Recipes

So, you've packed your pantry like a pro, but what's the point if you can't whip up a delicious, space-saving meal with those ingredients?

Picture this - you've got a party of four, and your tiny house seems even tinier. Fear not! With a little ingenuity, you can cook up a storm that's as tasty as it's compact.

Let's kick things off with a one-pot wonder - a hearty chicken and vegetable stew. You're using one pot, saving space and washing up! Just throw in your chicken pieces, an assortment of veggies, a splash of wine and let it simmer.

Next, consider a foil pack meal. Whether it's fish, chicken, or veggies, these culinary parcels can be cooked on a hotplate or campfire. The best part? No dishes to clean!

Lastly, a divine dessert is a must. A mug cake is your savior here. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and oil in a mug, pop it in the microwave and voila! A scrumptious cake in minutes.

Maintaining Cleanliness in Small Spaces

While welcoming those compact, tasty meals is all fun and games, keeping your tiny kitchen spotless is the real challenge, isn't it?

Well, fear not, for I've got some tricks up my sleeve that might just make you the wizard of cleanliness.

First off, make friends with multi-purpose cleaners. They're like that one friend who's good at everything. They'll save you space and keep your surfaces gleaming.

Next, adopt minimalism. You're in a tiny house, not a mansion. Do you really need that fifth spatula or the avocado slicer? I think not. Less clutter equals less cleaning.

Then, develop the habit of cleaning as you cook. Yes, it's hard work, but remember you're saving future you from a bigger mess. Plus, it's easier to wipe a fresh spill than dried-on gunk, right?

Conclusion

So, you've mastered tiny house living, but your kitchen's still a squeeze? No worries! With nifty storage ideas, essential tools, meal planning, and one-pot wonders, you can whip up a feast in no time.

Remember, a clutter-free counter is your best friend, and your walls are untapped storage gold. Now, who said cooking in a small kitchen was tough?

Go on, channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and make your tiny kitchen the tastiest corner of your home!

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