Thai Basil Aubergine Stir-Fry
Aubergine stir-fry with Thai basil, garlic and chilli
What measuring spoons are for (and what they can’t do)
A standard set is designed for small volumes that are awkward to measure in cups: spices, salt, baking powder and soda, dried yeast, extracts and concentrated liquids. In baking, these small measures can have an outsized effect on rise and flavour, so accuracy is practical rather than fussy. Measuring spoons are less helpful for ingredients that do not level cleanly, such as honey, syrups and nut butters, unless the recipe is tolerant. They also do not replace tasting and adjusting when you are seasoning a soup or dressing, where ingredients and personal preference vary.
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Chinese Chicken Stir Fry
Quick chicken stir fry with vegetables and savoury soy sauce.
Tofu Sweet Chili Poke Bowl
Sweet chilli tofu poke bowl with sushi rice and edamame.
Arabic Cardamom Coffee (Gahwa)
Arabic coffee gently brewed with green cardamom
Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Drumsticks
Spiced chicken drumsticks air-fried until crisp and juicy.
Salade de Lentilles du Puy (French Lentil Salad with Mustard Dressing)
Warm French lentil salad with mustard dressing, shallot and parsley
Using them efficiently, with less mess
For dry ingredients, fill the spoon and level it with a straight edge for consistency. For sticky ingredients, a small spoon can be lightly oiled or dipped in neutral oil first, which helps the ingredient slide out more cleanly. If you are measuring several spices, it is often quicker to measure into your hand or a small bowl and tip them in together, rather than stopping to wash and dry each spoon. When you do not have measuring spoons, a small set of kitchen teaspoons can work in a pinch, but the volume is not standardised, so treat it as approximate and adjust carefully.
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Oven-Baked Pork Ribs with Mojo Picón
Oven-baked pork ribs served with mojo picón sauce
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Chicken fajita bowl with rice, peppers, black beans and lime
Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Orange, Soy and Honey
Pan-seared salmon with an orange, soy and honey glaze
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Spicy prawns in guajillo and árbol chilli tomato sauce
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Pan-fried veal in a white wine, butter and lemon sauce
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Veal escalopes in a reduced Marsala wine sauce
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Boat-shaped Turkish pide flatbread with a soft, chewy crumb
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Creamy rice pudding with condensed milk, cinnamon and orange zest
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When to measure exactly and when to cook by feel
Measure precisely when the ingredient is powerful or functional: chilli powder and cayenne, salt in a small-volume sauce, and especially baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and yeast. Those are hard to correct once mixed in. Measure more loosely when the recipe invites adjustment, such as spice blends, dressings and marinades, where you can taste and rebalance. If you are scaling a recipe up or down, measuring spoons help keep ratios sensible, because “a pinch” does not scale reliably. For very small amounts, a set that includes smaller spoons can be useful, but careful pinches can also be effective when the recipe is forgiving.
Where to look next
Cooking method can help you judge how much precision matters: baking and quick breads often rely on exact small measures, while many stovetop dishes allow tasting and adjustment. Difficulty is another useful lens, because recipes with more steps or tighter timing often benefit from having measurements nailed down early.
Blended
Apple Kefir Smoothie
Blend kefir with apple, banana and cinnamon until smooth.
Sauté
Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpea Stew)
Spinach and chickpeas simmered in tomato, paprika and cumin
Sauté
Lomo de Cerdo a la Naranja (Pork Loin with Orange Sauce)
Seared pork loin simmered in a glossy orange sauce
Sauté
Zucchine Trifolate con Uova e Pecorino (Courgettes with Eggs and Pecorino)
Sautéed courgettes with softly scrambled eggs and pecorino
Medium
Yemas de Santa Teresa (Egg Yolk Sweets)
Egg yolk sweets shaped into balls and rolled in sugar
Medium
Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb and Lamb Stew)
Persian herb and lamb stew with kidney beans and dried lime
Easy
Fregolotta (Venetian Crumbly Almond Cake)
Crumbly Venetian almond cake baked until golden
Easy
Southwest Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa bowl with black beans, sweet potato, avocado and lime
Frequently asked questions
Do I need measuring spoons if I don’t bake?
They are still useful for spices, salt, and concentrated flavourings, but many savoury dishes can be adjusted to taste, so exact measuring is less critical.
Should I use level or heaped spoons?
Unless a recipe says “heaped”, assume level. Heaped spoonfuls vary a lot and can easily double the intended amount.
How do I measure sticky ingredients like honey?
A light coating of neutral oil on the spoon helps, or you can measure by weight if the recipe provides it. Scraping with a small spatula also reduces waste.
Are teaspoons and tablespoons the same everywhere?
Not always. Spoon sizes can vary by region and by the cutlery in your drawer, which is why standard measuring spoons are more consistent.
What’s the difference between a pinch and a measured amount?
A pinch is inherently variable and depends on your fingers and the ingredient. It works best in recipes where you can taste and adjust.
Keep them for the moments that matter
Measuring spoons earn their keep when small amounts have a big impact. Use them for raising agents and potent seasonings, and feel free to cook more intuitively when the recipe gives you room to adjust.
