Tricks for slicing food ingredients so your hands don't get cut by the knife, here are 5 safe techniques from professional chefs

foto: Pixabay/congerdesign

Each technique has its own security challenges.

Brilio.net - Slicing food ingredients is a very important basic skill in cooking. Every dish almost always requires a cutting process, be it slicing vegetables, cutting meat , or chopping spices. However, without the right technique, this activity can lead to accidents such as hands being cut by a knife.

Some basic techniques in cutting food ingredients include slice (thinly slicing), chop (mincing), dice (cutting into cubes), julienne (cutting into matchsticks), and mince (finely chopping). Each technique has its own safety challenges. Here are some tricks for slicing food ingredients so that your hands don't get cut by a knife that can be practiced in the kitchen, summarized by BrilioFood , Tuesday (12/31).

photo: Pixabay/Steve Buissinne

The first trick for slicing food so that your hands don't get cut by the knife is to use the cat's claw technique or claw grip.

Materials that can be practiced:
- Long round vegetables (carrots, cucumbers)
- Round vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes)
- Large spices (onions)

Steps:
1. Bend your fingers like a cat's claws.
2. Use your knuckles as a support
3. Position the knife next to the knuckle.
4. Move the knife in a back and forth motion.
5. Slide the food slowly forward.

Study time: 15-20 minutes to master the basics
Security level: Very safe, because fingers are protected
Effectiveness: Very effective for various types of vegetables

This technique is very safe for slicing round or easily rolling food ingredients.

Suitable materials:
- Round vegetables (carrots, cucumbers)
- Fruits (apples, oranges)
- Ingredients that need to be sliced thinly

Steps:
1. Split the ingredients in half to create a flat surface.
2. Form a 'bridge' with your thumb and index finger.
3. Press both sides of the material with the bridge.
4. Slice under the bridge slowly
5. Maintain hand position while slicing.

Practice time: 10-15 minutes to get used to it
Safety level: Very safe for round materials
Effectiveness: Ideal for thin, precise slicing

The next trick for slicing food so that your hands don't get cut by the knife is to use a wet cloth.

Equipment needed:
- Clean kitchen cloth
- Water
- Non-slip cutting board
- Sharp knife

Steps:
1. Wet the cloth and wring it out until it is damp
2. Place a cloth under the cutting board
3. Make sure the cutting board does not move.
4. Start slicing steadily
5. Check stability periodically

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Safety level: Safe, prevents the chopping board from shifting
Effectiveness: Very helpful for all types of cutting

photo: Pixabay/congerdesign

This method is effective for chopping herbs and small vegetables.

Suitable materials:
- Kitchen spices (garlic, ginger)
- Small vegetables (chili, spring onions)
- Aromatic spices

Steps:
1. Position the tip of the knife as the axis
2. Hold the knife handle firmly
3. Move the knife up and down with the pivot point.
4. Use the other hand to gather the ingredients
5. Chop in a circular motion

Study time: 20-30 minutes to fluent
Safety level: Safe with proper training
Effectiveness: Very efficient for fine chopping

The last trick for slicing food so that your hands don't get cut by the knife is to use modern tools.

Equipment:
- Holder guard (vegetable holder)
- Suitable knife
- Stable cutting board

Steps:
1. Install the material on the holder guard
2. Make sure the position is strong and stable
3. Slice following the holder guide
4. Adjust the thickness as needed
5. Clean the holder after use.

Preparation time: 2-3 minutes
Security level: Very safe, ideal for beginners
Effectiveness: Perfect for uniform cuts

Additional security tips:
- Always use a sharp knife
- Focus while slicing, avoid distractions
- Make sure the work area is well lit.
- Keep the knife clean and dry
- Choose a knife size that suits the material.
- Use a stable, non-slip chopping board.
- Keep a safe distance between your fingers and the knife.

What to avoid:
- Slicing with a blunt knife
- Rushing when cutting
- Using a wet or slippery cutting board
- Chat while slicing
- Slicing without sufficient lighting
- Holding the ingredient too close to the knife

By practicing the above tricks for slicing food so that your hands don't get cut by the knife, the cooking process can be safer and more enjoyable. Remember that slicing skills require practice and patience. Start at a comfortable speed and increase gradually as you gain confidence.

Kitchen accidents often occur due to carelessness and lack of proper technical knowledge. By understanding and applying the techniques above, the risk of cutting your hand with a knife can be minimized significantly. Good luck and always prioritize safety!

(brl/tin)