Do Chefs Really Use Kitchen Shears? Discover Their Top Uses
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Time to read 11 min
Exploring the Purpose For Cooking Shears in Professional Kitchens
Have you ever wondered about the secret tools that professional chefs rely on in their kitchens? Kitchen shears , often overlooked by home cooks, are a versatile and indispensable tool in many professional kitchens. These sharp kitchen scissors have a wide range of uses that go far beyond simply cutting open packaging or snipping herbs .
You might be surprised to learn about the many purposes of kitchen shears and how they compare to traditional knives. From spatchcocking chicken to trimming pastry dough, these handy tools can save you time and effort in the kitchen. In this article, we'll explore the various kitchen shears uses , their benefits for both professional and home cooks, and why they might just become your new favorite kitchen gadget.
Table of Content
The Versatility of Kitchen Shears in Professional Kitchens
Professional chefs rely on kitchen shears as an indispensable tool in their culinary arsenal. These sharp kitchen scissors have a wide range of uses that go beyond simple cutting tasks. Their versatility makes them a go-to tool for various kitchen tasks, saving time and effort in professional kitchens.
Cutting Herbs and Vegetables
Kitchen shears excel at chopping delicate herbs without bruising them, preserving their flavor and appearance. You can easily snip through cilantro, chives, parsley, and basil with precision. This method is particularly useful for creating garnishes or adding fresh herbs to dishes.
For leafy greens like spinach and kale, kitchen shears make quick work of chopping them into bite-sized pieces. You can stack washed lettuce leaves and snip them directly into your salad bowl, saving time and resulting in a perfectly chopped salad with minimal effort.
When it comes to vegetables, kitchen shears are great for trimming green beans and asparagus. You can also use them to slice bell peppers into uniform strips or quickly chop scallions. Some shears even come with extra features, including herb strippers that can make it faster to remove tougher herbs like rosemary and oregano from their rough stems.
Breaking Down Poultry
One of the most significant uses of kitchen shears in professional kitchens is breaking down poultry. These tools make the task of spatchcocking a chicken or turkey much easier. To spatchcock, you position the bird with its back facing you and use the kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone, removing it completely. This technique allows the bird to lay flat, resulting in more even cooking and crispy skin.
Kitchen shears are also perfect for trimming excess fat from meat and cutting through thin bones. You can use them to separate chicken parts effortlessly. Look for the natural cut line and snip through the skin and joints. For breaking down a whole chicken into pieces, kitchen shears excel at cutting through bones and cartilage.
The reason kitchen shears are preferred for these tasks compared to a knife is that you have to cut through cartilage and bone directly along the spine of the bird, which requires a sharp utensil and a little muscle. You'll likely be more accurate and successful with shears, and they offer more control, reducing the risk of the knife slipping off the surface of a raw chicken or turkey.
Trimming Meats and Fish
Kitchen shears have a significant impact on preparing meats and seafood. They excel at cutting through fish skin and bones with ease. The micro-serrated lower blade grips the slippery fish, allowing for precise cuts without chasing it around the cutting board.
When it comes to trimming meats, kitchen shears make it easier to remove small pieces of fatty tendons from raw cuts like breasts and thighs without losing any meat in the process. They're also great for cutting up raw bacon or trimming fat from other cuts of meat.
For seafood preparation, kitchen shears shine. When deveining shrimp, they make the task simple. Just snip along the back of the shrimp to expose the vein, then remove it with the scissor tip. For lobster and crab, these versatile tools are particularly useful. Use them to cut through tough shells and access the tender meat inside. They're especially handy for lobster tails – start at the tail end and cut toward you. For crab legs, insert the blade at the furthest end and cut toward yourself.
To wrap up, the uses of kitchen shears in professional kitchens go beyond what many might expect. Their versatility and ease of use make them a valuable addition to any chef's toolkit, contributing to more efficient food preparation and allowing professional chefs to save time and effort in their culinary endeavors.
Time-Saving Benefits of Using Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are more than just a simple tool; they're a time-saving powerhouse in the kitchen. These versatile implements can significantly reduce your food preparation time, allowing you to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of cooking. Let's explore how kitchen shears can streamline your culinary tasks and make your time in the kitchen more efficient.
Quick Food Prep
One of the most significant advantages of using kitchen shears is the speed at which you can prepare ingredients. Sharp kitchen scissors excel at chopping delicate herbs without bruising them, preserving their flavor and appearance. You can easily snip through cilantro, chives, parsley, and basil with precision, making garnish preparation a breeze.
For leafy greens like spinach and kale, kitchen shears make quick work of chopping them into bite-sized pieces. You can stack washed lettuce leaves and snip them directly into your salad bowl, saving time and resulting in a perfectly chopped salad with minimal effort. This method is particularly useful when you're in a hurry or preparing meals for a large group.
Kitchen shears also shine when it comes to preparing vegetables . They're great for trimming green beans and asparagus, slicing bell peppers into uniform strips, or quickly chopping scallions. The precision and control offered by kitchen shears allow you to make clean cuts without the need for a cutting board, reducing prep time and cleanup.
When it comes to meat preparation , kitchen shears are a game-changer. They make the task of spatchcocking a chicken or turkey much easier, which not only saves time during preparation but also reduces cooking time. The sturdy blades of kitchen shears can easily cut through thin bones and cartilage, making the process of breaking down poultry much faster than using a knife.
Easy Cleanup
One of the often-overlooked benefits of using kitchen shears is the reduction in cleanup time. When you use a knife and cutting board for food preparation, you often end up with a mess of chopped ingredients scattered across your work surface. Kitchen shears, on the other hand, allow you to cut ingredients directly over your cooking vessel or serving bowl, minimizing the spread of food particles.
Moreover, many modern kitchen shears are designed to be taken apart for easy cleaning. This feature is crucial for maintaining proper hygiene in the kitchen. Being able to separate the blades allows you to thoroughly clean any food particles that might get trapped in the pivot screw, ensuring your kitchen shears remain sanitary for food prep.
After use, you can simply rinse your kitchen shears under hot water, give them a quick scrub with soap, and they're ready for their next task. This ease of cleaning not only saves time but also encourages more frequent use of this versatile tool.
Multitasking in the Kitchen
Kitchen shears truly shine when it comes to multitasking in the kitchen. Their versatility allows you to switch between different tasks quickly without having to change tools or wash a cutting board between ingredients.
For instance, you can use kitchen shears to open food packaging, trim excess fat from meat, cut parchment paper to size for baking, and then snip fresh herbs for garnish – all without putting down your shears or dirtying multiple utensils. This ability to multitask can significantly reduce the time spent on food preparation and cleanup.
Many kitchen shears also come with additional features that further enhance their multitasking capabilities. Some models include a bottle opener, a center-toothed grip for cracking bones and nuts, notches on the handles for jar opening, and even a screwdriver tip. These added functions make kitchen shears a true all-in-one tool, capable of handling a wide range of kitchen tasks efficiently.
By incorporating kitchen shears into your culinary routine, you can streamline your food preparation process, reduce cleanup time, and tackle multiple tasks with a single tool. The time-saving benefits of using kitchen shears make them an invaluable addition to any kitchen, whether you're a professional chef or a home cook looking to make meal preparation more efficient.
Comparing Kitchen Shears to Traditional Knives
When it comes to kitchen tools, both kitchen shears and traditional knives have their unique advantages. Understanding the differences between these two can help you choose the right tool for each task, making your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Precision and Control
Kitchen shears offer excellent precision and control for tasks that require delicate cutting. The serrated blades and the ability to grip food securely allow for precise snipping of herbs or removing skin from fish filets. The short blades make it easier to control the cutting direction and make small, intricate cuts. The comfortable grip provided by the handles of kitchen shears further enhances control, allowing you to make accurate cuts.
On the other hand, chef's knives are known for their precision and control, especially when it comes to slicing and dicing ingredients. The long, thin blades allow for precise cuts, making tasks like julienning or chiffonading a breeze. The ability to rock the blade also provides excellent control for chopping and mincing. The ergonomic design and comfortable grip of a chef's knife contribute to its overall control.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to safety, both kitchen shears and traditional knives have their pros and cons. Kitchen shears are generally considered safer for certain tasks, especially when dealing with slippery or tough ingredients. The spring-loaded design and leverage of shears reduce hand strain, making them less likely to cause fatigue-related accidents.
However, the larger size of shears requires caution to avoid finger injuries. Proper handling and care with both tools is essential to prevent accidents. It's important to note that dull shears can increase the risk of repetitive motion injuries, as extra force is needed to cut with poorly sharpened shears.
Traditional knives, while versatile, require more attention to safety. Knife handling and safety are crucial with foods that are hard to grip and might roll around. It's recommended to cut them in half to make them easier to manage on flat sides. When using a knife, always position your fingers so that it's physically impossible to cut them.
Specialized Tasks
Kitchen shears excel at specialized tasks that might be challenging or unsafe with a traditional knife. They are particularly useful for breaking down poultry , trimming excess fat from meat, and cutting through thin bones and cartilage. The sturdy blades of kitchen shears can easily handle these tough materials where knives might fall short.
For tasks like spatchcocking chicken or turkey, kitchen shears are the tool of choice. They make the process much easier and safer compared to using a knife. Kitchen shears are also ideal for snipping fresh herbs, trimming green beans, and even cutting pizza slices.
Traditional knives, however, are better suited for tasks that require a rocking motion or long, smooth cuts. They excel at slicing or chopping vegetables, mincing garlic or herbs, dicing onions, and carving roasts or poultry. The tapered points of knives grant better control than shears for intricate trimming.
In conclusion, both kitchen shears and traditional knives have their place in a well-equipped kitchen. The choice between the two often depends on the specific task at hand. By understanding the strengths of each tool, you can make informed decisions about when to use kitchen shears and when to reach for your trusty chef's knife, ultimately enhancing your cooking efficiency and safety.
Conclusion
Kitchen shears have proven to be a game-changer in both professional and home kitchens. Their versatility and efficiency in handling a wide range of tasks, from breaking down poultry to snipping herbs , make them an essential tool for any cook. These handy scissors not only save time but also offer precision and control that traditional knives may lack in certain situations.
To wrap up, the benefits of kitchen shears extend beyond their primary cutting function. They contribute to a safer cooking environment, especially when dealing with slippery or tough ingredients. Their ability to multitask and easy cleanup features further enhance their value in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to streamline your food prep process, adding a pair of quality kitchen shears to your culinary toolkit is definitely worth considering.
The Author: Yakushi Knives
Yakushi Knives are the highest quality, handmade Japanese damascus steel kitchen chef knives.
Our quality damascus steel knives are the best Japanese kitchen knives and kitchen knife sets. Whether you are looking for a sushi knife, a butcher knife, Japanese chef knives, a kiritsuke knife, butchering knives, a sashimi knife or accessories such as a whet stone, knife sharpener or cutting board, our store will have something that will catch your eye and please the inner chef in you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary functions of kitchen shears?
Kitchen shears are extremely versatile and useful for various tasks. They are ideal for cutting through tough meats, including chicken bones, and are perfect for spatchcocking poultry. Additionally, they are great for quickly snipping fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and thyme.
How do kitchen shears differ from regular kitchen scissors?
Kitchen shears are specifically designed for more robust tasks, such as cutting through bones or opening tough packaging, and generally feature a duller edge compared to traditional scissors. They often include additional functionalities like a bone notch, bottle opener, or screwdriver tip for enhanced utility.
What types of food can be prepared using kitchen shears?
Kitchen shears can be used creatively in many cooking tasks. They are perfect for slicing pizza, cutting cooked meats like skirt steak or chicken into strips, chopping herbs and scallions, segmenting whole canned tomatoes, trimming and cutting vegetables, evenly slicing dried fruits, neatly trimming pie crusts, and cutting slices of prosciutto or salami.
Which is preferable: curved or straight kitchen scissors?
Straight-edged kitchen scissors are better suited for cutting through tough materials such as raw meat. In contrast, scissors with scalloped edges are more effective for softer foods, including bread and tomatoes. The grip of the scissors also plays a crucial role in how comfortably and effectively they can be used.
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