If you own a pair of kitchen shears or poultry scissors as they’re also called, you probably want to use them for more than just cutting up chicken.
These types of kitchen scissors are actually more versatile than you’d think!
I’ve had kitchen shears for a few years now and they come in handy when I’m mincing and cutting herbs, cutting up chicken or turkey, but even when I cut up sausage and I’m in a rush.
This article goes over 15 unique ways to use kitchen shears when you’re prepping and cooking food! So, keep reading to find out what kitchen shears are capable of!
What are kitchen shears and what do they look like?
Kitchen shears are a type of scissors specifically designed for use in the kitchen. They typically have two blades that are held together by a pivot, allowing them to make precise cuts through a variety of materials.
The blades are often made of stainless steel and are sharp and durable, making them suitable for tasks such as cutting meat, poultry, fish, herbs, vegetables, and opening packages.
Kitchen shears typically have comfortable handles, which are often made of plastic or rubber. The handles are designed to fit comfortably in the hand, making it easy to control the shears and make precise cuts.
The handles often have a locking mechanism, which allows the user to lock the blades together when not in use, preventing accidental cuts.
In terms of appearance, kitchen shears can vary in design, but they usually have a sleek, modern look. They may be colored in bright hues, or have decorative patterns or logos, making them a functional and stylish addition to any kitchen.
Fiskars kitchen shears are the most popular because they last long and they’re pretty sharp and work well.
In summary, kitchen shears are a type of scissors designed for use in the kitchen. They have two sharp blades, comfortable handles, and a locking mechanism for safety. They come in a variety of designs and can be both functional and stylish.
What are kitchen shears used for?
Kitchen shears are special scissors that can be used for lots of things in the kitchen. They can cut meat, poultry, fish, herbs, vegetables and packages. Here are some ideas on how to use kitchen shears:
First, let’s go over the 4 most common uses for kitchen shears or poultry scissors:
- Cut poultry: Use the kitchen shears to remove the backbone of a chicken or other poultry. First, place the bird on a cutting board with the breast side up. Hold the bird in place with one hand and use the shears to cut through the backbone, starting at the tail end and working towards the neck.
- Cut herbs: Use the kitchen shears to snip fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, into small pieces for use in recipes. Simply hold a handful of herbs in one hand and use the shears to snip the herbs into the desired size.
- Cut vegetables: Use the kitchen shears to cut vegetables, such as bell peppers, into bite-sized pieces for salads or stir-fries. Simply hold the vegetable in one hand and use the shears to make the cuts.
- Open packages: Use the kitchen shears to open packages, such as food packaging or cardboard boxes. The sharp blades can easily cut through tape and packaging material, making it easier to access the contents.
15 ways to use kitchen shears
1) Cut up cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2) Cut fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
3) Slice through thick vegetable skins like squash or pumpkin.
4) Trim away fat from cuts of meat such as steak or pork chops.
5) Snip leafy greens such as spinach and kale into smaller pieces for salads and stir-fries.
6) Open food packages without tearing them apart, so you don’t get crumbs everywhere!
7) Cut up hard boiled eggs for egg salad sandwiches or deviled eggs.
8 ) Separate bacon strips from each other before cooking them in the pan .
9 ) Separate crab legs from each other before cracking open their shells .
10 ) Separate links of sausage before cooking them in the pan.
11 ) Snip pizza slices into smaller pieces for kids who don’t want a big slice .
12 ) Slice through tough fruit skins like oranges or kiwis .
13 ) Cut up a whole fish into smaller fillets.
14 ) Trim away fat and connective tissue from cuts of meat.
15) Slice through lobster tails to get the meat out neatly.
As you can see, kitchen shears have many uses in the kitchen and can be used in place of a knife for certain tasks. They can also save time and effort when it comes to food preparation, so they are definitely an essential tool to have in the kitchen!
So there you have it – 15 foods that you can cut with kitchen shears that you probably didn’t know about!
Just be sure never to wash your kitchen shears in the dishwasher as this can dull the blade! Instead, read about how to wash and care for kitchen shears using gentle soap.
How to hold and use kitchen shears
Kitchen shears are a special type of scissors that can be used in the kitchen.
To hold them properly, you should make sure that your fingers fit comfortably in the handles and your thumb is on top.
When using kitchen shears, be sure to cut away from yourself and hold whatever you are cutting securely with one hand while using the other to cut it with the kitchen shears.
Use the right cutting technique: When cutting with kitchen shears, use a sawing motion and apply steady pressure to the blades. This will help to prevent the blades from bending or dulling.
It is important to make sure that the blades of the shears remain sharp and clean, as dull or dirty blades can cause your cuts to be inaccurate.
You should also avoid using kitchen shears for any task other than cutting food. For example, do not use them to open tins or bottles as this could damage them.
Finally, always make sure to lock the blades when you have finished using them and store them safely in a kitchen drawer or utensil holder. This will ensure that they stay sharp and safe for use next time.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your kitchen shears in great condition for years to come.
Here’s a video about how to use kitchen shears:
How to use kitchen shears if you are left-handed
I’m a leftie and sometimes using kitchen shears gets a bit tricky. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using kitchen shears if you’re left-handed:
1) Make sure to hold the blades of the shears pointing away from you so that your left hand is not in danger.
2) Try and grip the handles with both hands for extra stability when cutting.
3) If possible, try to purchase left-handed kitchen shears as they are designed specifically for those who are left-handed.
4) When cutting curved items such as vegetables or fruit, start at the top and move your hand downwards with each snip. This will help prevent the blades from slipping out of your grip.
5) If the kitchen shears are too small for your hands, consider investing in a larger pair or look for ones with ergonomic handles.
By following these tips, you can make sure that using kitchen shears is safe and comfortable even if you are left-handed.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you to understand more about the uses of kitchen shears, as well as how to use them safely and effectively. Kitchen shears are a great tool for food preparation, so make sure to invest in a good pair today and get cutting!
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave a comment down below and check out my other articles on the topic of kitchen shears!