Stop going in circles when you're whisking! Here's the right way to whisk: Video tutorial

What if I told you that you're not whisking the right way? If you find whisking to be a workout, you’re doing it wrong. Whisking is one of many instructions often found in cooking and baking recipes, along with terms like mix, stir or fold in. They may seem like synonyms, but each process is slightly different. For example, mixing means combining multiple ingredients until they become one. On the other hand, whisking is designed to incorporate air into the ingredients, according to KitchenAid. Watch this video to see how to whisk the right way.

Whisk definition

Mirriam-Webster provides two definitions for the word whisk: one for the motion and another for the actual tool. The tool is defined as a “utensil used for beating food by hand” while the action of whisking is "a quick light brushing or whipping motion.” Whisks are commonly made from silicone or wire. Aside from the standard shape, they may also come in a flat variation. Silicone whisks reduce the risk of scratching your cookware, for example, when cooking eggs in a nonstick pan.

How to whisk properly

When it comes to technique, you don't want to whisk in a circular motion. That's essentially just stirring and not an effective way to whisk. The correct way to whisk is to brush in a side-to-side motion. That not only does a better job, it also takes less effort.

Why does brushing work? It's all in the science. Going back and forth causes the ingredients to change directions, and the resistance that results is called shear force. But all we really need to know is that it produces the desired results faster.

What is a whisk used for

Whisks are simple but versatile. Some easy ways to use them in your culinary adventures include:

• Beating egg whites.

• Emulsifying a vinaigrette.

• Making scrambled eggs.

• Mixing ingredients.

• Making whipped cream.

• An alternative to sifting dry ingredients.

• Stirring a cocktail.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the right way to whisk? Video tutorial