Tostadas de Tinga con Crema (Chicken Tinga Tostadas)
Crisp tostadas topped with chicken tinga, crema and lettuce
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.
Top picks in Measuring spoons
Salade de Lentilles du Puy (French Lentil Salad with Mustard Dressing)
Warm French lentil salad with mustard dressing, shallot and parsley
Tres Leches Cake (Milk-Soaked Sponge Cake)
Milk-soaked sponge cake with whipped cream and cinnamon
Multekrem (Norwegian Cloudberry Cream)
Cloudberries folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream
Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)
Indian lemonade with lemon juice, black salt and roasted cumin
Tahini Sauce
Smooth tahini sauce with lemon, garlic and water
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.
All recipes in Measuring spoons
Poulet au Vinaigre (French Chicken in Vinegar Sauce)
Chicken braised with shallots in a tangy vinegar sauce
Thai Iced Tea
Strong iced tea topped with sweetened condensed milk
Dwaeji Bulgogi (Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Onion)
Spicy Korean pork stir-fry with onion and spring onions
Green Gazpacho (Spinach, Avocado and Cucumber)
Chilled green gazpacho with avocado, spinach and cucumber
Thai Red Curry (Gaeng Phet)
Thai red pork curry with coconut milk and basil
Classic Bubble Tea (Taiwanese Boba)
Black milk tea served over chewy tapioca pearls and ice
Revithokeftedes (Greek Chickpea Fritters with Herbs)
Greek chickpea fritters with herbs, fried until crisp
Horchata de Chufa (Tiger Nut Drink)
Chilled tiger nut drink with cinnamon and lemon
Air Fryer Tofu and Vegetables
Crispy tofu and vegetables cooked quickly in the air fryer.
Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chicken burrito bowl with beans, rice, sweetcorn, salsa and sour cream.
Air Fryer Muffins
Air fryer muffins with blueberries in a simple sweet batter.
Air Fryer Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Crisp air fryer chicken nuggets with seasoned breadcrumbs.
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.
Boil
Pork Souvlaki Bowl with Tzatziki and Rice
Grilled pork souvlaki served over rice with tzatziki
Bake
Pão de Queijo Sandwich with Avocado and Ham
Warm pão de queijo sandwich with avocado, tomato and ham
Bake
Air Fryer Lava Cake
Individual chocolate cakes with a molten centre.
Easy
Mousse de Maracujá (Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse)
Chilled passion fruit mousse made with condensed milk and cream
Medium
Tagliatelle al Ragù di Cinghiale (Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Ragù)
Tagliatelle with slow-simmered wild boar ragù
Easy
Carne con Tomate Andaluza (Andalusian Pork in Tomato Sauce)
Pork simmered in a thick tomato and paprika sauce
Easy
Céleri Rémoulade with Cured Ham
Celeriac rémoulade with mustard and lemon mayonnaise
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.
