Multekrem (Norwegian Cloudberry Cream)
Cloudberries folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream
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
Stegt Flæsk (Crispy Pork Belly with Parsley Sauce)
Crispy pork belly with warm parsley sauce
Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders
Crispy panko chicken tenders cooked quickly in the air fryer.
Tostadas de Tinga con Crema (Chicken Tinga Tostadas)
Crisp tostadas topped with chicken tinga, crema and lettuce
Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies
Air fryer oatmeal cookies with a chewy centre and crisp edges.
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.
All recipes in Measuring spoons
Hummus Lahmeh (Hummus with Spiced Minced Lamb)
Creamy hummus topped with warm spiced minced lamb, onion, garlic and pine nuts
Quick Pickled Turnips (Middle Eastern Style)
Crisp pickled turnips brined with beetroot, garlic, bay leaves and white wine vinegar
Khao Niew Dam (Thai Black Sticky Rice Dessert)
Creamy Thai black sticky rice simmered with coconut milk, palm sugar and pandan
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey and Dijon mustard glaze caramelises on air fried chicken thighs.
Hobak Jeon (Korean Courgette Pancakes)
Courgette slices coated in flour and egg, pan-fried until tender with crisp edges
Air Fryer Burritos
Air fryer burritos with spiced beef, rice and beans, served with salsa.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Juicy air fryer teriyaki chicken, finished with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken
Flour-coated chicken is air-fried for a crisp, crunchy crust.
Branzino al Forno con Olive e Capperi (Baked Sea Bass with Olives and Capers)
Whole baked sea bass with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, lemon and parsley
Panang Curry with Chicken, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Peanuts
Rich Thai Panang curry with chicken thighs, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves and roasted peanuts
Shahi Paneer (Creamy Paneer Curry with Tomato and Cashews)
Shahi paneer with paneer in creamy tomato and cashew gravy, finished with double cream
Chicken Korma with Almonds and Cream
Mild chicken curry with ginger, garlic and a smooth yoghurt and cream sauce
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.
Roast
Slow-Roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Rosemary
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, garlic and pan juices
Air fry
Air Fryer Mini Apple Pies
Mini apple pies air-fried with cinnamon and lemon.
Air fry
Air Fryer Halloumi
Golden air-fried halloumi finished with lemon and oregano.
Roast
Senfbraten (Mustard-Crusted Pork Roast with Pan Gravy)
Mustard-crusted pork roast with pan gravy
Easy
Mousse de Maracujá (Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse)
Chilled passion fruit mousse made with condensed milk and cream
Medium
Basundi (Thickened Sweetened Milk with Cardamom and Saffron)
Thickened sweetened milk dessert with cardamom, saffron and pistachios
Easy
Tartine au Chèvre et Miel (Goat’s Cheese and Honey Open Sandwich)
Toasted sourdough tartine with goat’s cheese and honey
Easy
Swedish Hasselback Potatoes with Herb Butter
Crisp hasselback potatoes with garlic and parsley butter
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.
