Using Measuring Spoons and Cups
One of the easiest ways to measure ingredients without a kitchen scale is by using measuring spoons and cups. These are widely available in most supermarkets and come in sets of different sizes. When using cups, fill them to the brim and level off with a straight-edged utensil. When using spoons, use the appropriate size and level off with a knife or straight-edged utensil.
The Water Displacement Method
The water displacement method involves measuring the volume of a liquid ingredient by measuring the amount of water it displaces. For example, if you need to measure one cup of oil, fill a measuring cup with one cup of water, then slowly add oil until the water level reaches two cups. This means you have one cup of oil. This method can also be used for measuring other liquid ingredients like milk, vinegar, or honey.
Using a Tablespoon or Teaspoon
If you don’t have measuring spoons at home, you can use a regular tablespoon or teaspoon to measure ingredients. A tablespoon is equivalent to three teaspoons, which means you can use a tablespoon to measure both tablespoons and teaspoons. To get an accurate measurement, make sure you level off the ingredient with a straight-edged utensil.
Estimating by Weight or Volume
If you have a good eye for measurements, you can estimate the amount of ingredients you need by weight or volume. For example, a teaspoon of salt weighs about 6 grams, while a tablespoon weighs about 18 grams. A cup of flour weighs about 120 grams, while a cup of water weighs 240 grams. Keep in mind that this method is less accurate than using measuring spoons or cups, but it can work in a pinch.
Using a Smartphone App
If you have a smartphone, you can download a measurement conversion app like Kitchen Calculator PRO or Convert Units for Free. These apps allow you to convert measurements from one unit to another and can be especially helpful when working with international recipes that use metric measurements. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to calibrate your phone’s sensors in order to get an accurate measurement.
