When you think of kitchen utensils, tongs might not be the first tool that comes to mind. Often associated with grilling and barbecues, tongs have a reputation for being a one-trick pony. However, in reality, these versatile kitchen tools are far more than just BBQ accessories. Tongs are multi-functional, serving a wide range of purposes in the culinary world.
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of tongs, from cooking and serving to food prep and even beyond the kitchen.
1. Grilling and Barbecuing
Let’s start with the most familiar use of tongs: grilling and barbecuing. Tongs are indispensable when it comes to flipping burgers, turning steaks, and arranging hot dogs on the grill. They keep your hands safe from the searing heat and prevent piercing the meat, which would cause juices to escape, leading to drier results. Look for tongs with long handles to ensure a comfortable distance from the flames.
2. Frying and Deep-Frying
Tongs are essential for frying and deep-frying foods. They allow you to carefully lower items into hot oil and retrieve them without splattering or burning yourself. Whether you’re frying chicken, doughnuts, or tempura, tongs provide the control you need to achieve perfectly crispy results.
3. Stir-Frying
When stir-frying, tongs are incredibly helpful for tossing and turning ingredients in a hot wok or skillet. Their long reach and secure grip ensure that your food cooks evenly and that you can easily flip and mix it without spilling over the sides.
4. Boiling and Blanching
Tongs are handy for safely placing delicate items like eggs or dumplings into boiling water. They provide precise control and prevent accidents while boiling or blanching vegetables, pasta, or seafood.
5. Roasting
Roasting meats and vegetables in the oven is made easier with tongs. They allow you to handle hot, heavy roasting pans and turn or baste your ingredients without the risk of burning your hands. Tongs with silicone or heat-resistant grips are especially useful for this purpose.
6. Serving
Tongs are excellent serving tools, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just plating up a family meal. They offer a more elegant and sanitary way to transfer food from the dish to the plate. From pasta and salad to roasted vegetables and fried chicken, tongs ensure you can serve without the mess.
7. Salad Tossing
When it comes to making and serving salads, tongs are a valuable tool. They make it easy to toss salad ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is well-dressed. Plus, they allow you to serve salad without drowning it in dressing, giving you better control over the flavor.
8. Pasta Handling
Tongs are perfect for portioning pasta directly from the boiling pot to the plate. Their secure grip prevents pasta from slipping and ensures you get the desired amount with ease. Whether you’re making spaghetti, fettuccine, or gnocchi, tongs simplify the process.
9. Turning and Flipping Foods
In the kitchen, tongs are your go-to tool for turning and flipping foods in pans or on griddles. From pancakes and omelets to quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches, tongs provide the dexterity needed to achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
10. Sautéing
When sautéing ingredients in a hot pan, tongs are invaluable for stirring and moving them around. They give you the agility to quickly flip, toss, and maneuver food without breaking it apart or splattering hot oil.
11. Handling Hot Baking Sheets
Tongs are not just for stovetop cooking; they are also incredibly useful in the realm of baking. When removing hot baking sheets or pans from the oven, tongs offer a secure grip and prevent accidental burns. They come in particularly handy when handling items like sheet pan meals and delicate pastries.
12. Grasping and Removing Corn on the Cob
If you love corn on the cob, you’ll appreciate tongs for securely grasping and turning those hot, buttery ears. Tongs give you a reliable grip without the need for messy, butter-covered hands.
13. Toasting Marshmallows
Tongs are essential for roasting marshmallows over an open flame, whether you’re making s’mores by the campfire or toasting them in the kitchen. Their long reach keeps your hands safe from the heat, making the marshmallow-toasting experience enjoyable and mess-free.
14. Artichoke Handling
Preparing artichokes can be a thorny affair, but tongs can help you safely trim and handle these spiky vegetables. Use them to remove hot artichokes from boiling water, trim the leaves, and extract the tender heart.
15. Garnishing with Precision
When it comes to the fine art of garnishing, tongs offer a steady hand for placing delicate herbs, edible flowers, or intricate decorations on your culinary creations. They allow for precise placement and ensure that your garnishes look as good as they taste.
Beyond the Kitchen
While tongs are kitchen workhorses, their usefulness extends beyond the culinary realm:
16. Outdoor Activities
Tongs are handy for campfire cooking, whether you’re grilling burgers, flipping skewers, or roasting marshmallows. They also come in useful for handling hot utensils and equipment while camping.
17. Gardening
In gardening, tongs can help you reach and grasp hard-to-reach weeds, pick up litter or debris, and even assist in planting delicate seedlings without damaging their roots.
18. Home Maintenance
For tasks like unclogging drains or retrieving objects from tight spaces, tongs can be a valuable tool. They allow you to reach into places that your hands might not fit.
Conclusion
Tongs may be known for their role in grilling, but their versatility goes far beyond the barbecue. These multi-functional kitchen tools are essential for a wide range of cooking techniques and tasks, from frying and serving to baking and salad tossing. Their ability to provide a secure grip, prevent accidents, and keep your hands safe from heat and mess makes them indispensable in the kitchen and useful in various other areas of life. So, the next time you reach for your trusty pair of tongs, remember that they are more than just a BBQ accessory; they are a versatile culinary and practical companion.
