Prep & Assembly
Mix
Combine ingredients into a uniform blend
Mixing combines ingredients until they're evenly distributed — the most basic and constant action in the kitchen, from batters to marinades. The right amount matters: under-mix and it's streaky, over-mix and batters turn tough. Use a spoon, spatula, or your hands to bring it together.
Mixing combines ingredients until they're evenly distributed — the most basic, constant action in the kitchen. The right amount matters: under-mix and it's streaky, over-mix and batters turn tough. Use a spoon, spatula, or your hands to bring it together.
- Difficulty
- Easy
How to do it
- 1
Add ingredients in the order the recipe calls for.
- 2
Stir or fold to bring everything together.
- 3
Reach the bottom and sides to catch dry pockets.
- 4
Stop the moment it's uniform — don't overwork batters.
Common uses
Tips & pitfalls
- Overmixing develops gluten and toughens muffins and pancakes.
- Mix wet and dry separately first, then combine briefly.
- Hands are the best tool for some doughs and meat mixtures.
Good to know
- Tool
- Spoon, spatula, whisk, or hands
- Best for
- Batters, marinades, doughs, dressings
- Cue
- Evenly combined, no dry streaks
Also called
mix together
Dishes that rely on it
Related
Whisk
Beat ingredients smooth and aerated with a looping wire motion
Sift
Pass dry ingredients through mesh to aerate and remove lumps
Strain
Pour through mesh to separate solids from liquid for a smooth result
Filter
Pass liquid through fine material to clarify out the smallest particles
Rice
Press cooked potatoes through small holes for fluffy, lump-free texture
Mash
Crush soft cooked food into a rustic, creamy purée
Grind
Crush food into a coarse to fine texture, from spices to meat
Grate
Shred food into fine bits against a sharp-toothed surface