Air Fryer Baked Apples
Air fryer baked apples filled with cinnamon, brown sugar and butter.
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
Chinese Red-Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
Tender red-braised pork belly in a glossy soy sauce
Chinese Chicken Stir Fry
Quick chicken stir fry with vegetables and savoury soy sauce.
Tahini Sauce
Smooth tahini sauce with lemon, garlic and water
Tostadas de Tinga con Crema (Chicken Tinga Tostadas)
Crisp tostadas topped with chicken tinga, crema and lettuce
Stegt Flæsk (Crispy Pork Belly with Parsley Sauce)
Crispy pork belly with warm parsley sauce
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
Pork Sorpotel (Goan Spiced Pork Stew)
Pork sorpotel is a Goan stew with dried chillies, cumin and vinegar
Reibekuchen mit Räucherlachs (Potato Pancakes with Smoked Salmon)
Pan-fried potato pancakes served with smoked salmon, crème fraîche and fresh dill
Bruschetta al Pomodoro e Basilico (Tomato and Basil Bruschetta)
Garlic-rubbed toast topped with chopped tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Venison Stew with Juniper and Red Wine
Slow-simmered venison stew with red wine, juniper, rosemary and mushrooms
High-Protein Turkey Chilli Bowl
One-pot turkey chilli with kidney beans and tomatoes, finished with yoghurt and coriander
Crab Cakes with Old Bay and Tartar Sauce
Golden crab cakes served with tartar sauce of mayonnaise, gherkins, capers and lemon
Chana Masala (Spiced Chickpea Curry)
Chana masala with chickpeas simmered in warm, spiced tomato gravy
Albóndigas en Caldillo de Jitomate (Meatballs in Tomato Broth)
Mexican-style beef and rice meatballs cooked gently in a smooth tomato broth
Calabacitas con Elote y Crema (Courgettes with Sweetcorn and Crema)
Mexican-style courgettes cooked with sweetcorn and finished with crema, coriander and lime
Caribbean Coconut Dessert Cups (Chilled Coconut Pudding)
Caribbean coconut pudding thickened with cornflour, chilled until set, then served in cups
Tabbouleh (Parsley and Bulgur Salad)
Fresh tabbouleh with bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes and spring onions
Turkish Chickpea Salad Bowl with Lemon and Parsley
Turkish-style chickpea salad with cucumber, tomato and red onion in a lemon and olive oil dressing
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.
Boil
Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Minced Pork)
Thai basil minced pork stir-fry with rice and fried egg
Braise
Pato con Peras al Vino Tinto (Duck Braised with Pears and Red Wine)
Duck legs braised with pears, red wine and shallots
Grill
Tandoori Chicken Salad Bowl
Tandoori chicken with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt dressing
Boil
Macaroni Salad with Sweet Pickles
Creamy macaroni salad with sweet pickles and celery
Easy
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Galangal Chicken Soup)
Thai coconut soup with chicken, galangal and mushrooms
Medium
Biscotti di Prato (Twice-Baked Almond Biscuits)
Twice-baked almond biscuits with orange zest
Medium
Pipián Rojo con Pollo (Mexican Chicken in Red Seed and Chilli Sauce)
Chicken in pipián rojo with toasted seeds and chilli
Easy
Tarka Dal with Crispy Fried Onions
Creamy tarka dal topped with crispy fried onions
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.
