Cooking is an art, but let’s face it—mistakes happen. From overly salty dishes to sticky rice disasters, even the best chefs encounter kitchen blunders. The good news? There’s no need to panic! This handy guide offers 30 simple solutions to save your meals and make the most of your ingredients.

Too Salty? No Problem

A dish that’s too salty doesn’t have to go to waste:

• Drop in pieces of potato to absorb excess salt.
• Balance the flavor with creamy ingredients like avocado, sour cream, or heavy cream.
• Add a splash of lemon or vinegar to neutralize the saltiness.

Too Sweet? Add Depth

Over-sweetened dishes can feel overwhelming, but you can fix it:

• Add fats like olive oil or avocado for balance.
• Squeeze in some lime or lemon juice for a zesty twist.

Too Spicy? Cool It Down

If the heat is too much to handle:

• Incorporate dairy such as yogurt, mayo, or sour cream.
• Mix in neutralizers like rice or quinoa.
• A bit of sugar or nut butter can tame the spice without compromising flavor.

Wilted Greens? Revive Them

Don’t toss those wilted greens! A quick soak in cold water will bring them back to life, crisp and fresh.

Soup Too Watery? Thicken It Up

A thin soup can be made hearty:

• Stir in cornstarch, breadcrumbs, or egg yolks to give it a richer texture.

Lumpy Gravy? Blend It Smooth

Rescue lumpy gravy by adding it to a blender and blending until smooth. Your sauce will come out velvety and ready to pour.

Overcooked Vegetables? Repurpose Them

Overcooked vegetables don’t have to go in the trash:

• Transform them into soups or purees to create something delicious and new.

Overcooked Meat? Get Creative

Dry meat can still shine:

• Shred it and use it in wraps, soups, shepherd’s pie, or pasta dishes.

Broken Mayo? Fix It with an Egg

When your mayo separates, simply whisk in another egg yolk to bring it back together.

Sticky Rice? Make It Fluffy

Sticky rice isn’t the end of the world:

• Spread it on a pan lined with parchment paper and bake it for 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.

Overcooked Pasta? Sauté It

Revive overcooked pasta:

• Heat a pan with oil, sauté the pasta, and let it crisp up for a whole new texture.

Too Bland? Add Flavor

If your dish feels boring:

• Enhance it with fresh herbs, spices, or a splash of citrus juice.

Clean Used Oil

Don’t throw away used oil! Boil it with cornstarch and water to clean it for reuse.

Your Go-To Cheat Sheet

Cooking mistakes can feel daunting, but they’re nothing a little creativity can’t solve. Armed with these tips, you’ll not only salvage your meals but might even create new culinary masterpieces along the way. Happy cooking!