A tablespoon (abbreviated as "tbsp" or sometimes "T") is a common unit of measurement in cooking that equals approximately 15 milliliters or 1/16 of a cup. It's one of the most frequently used measuring tools in American kitchens.
Historical Context
- The tablespoon has been used for centuries as a measuring unit
- Originally, it literally meant "the spoon used at the table" during medieval times
- The standardized measurement we use today was established in the late 19th century
Important Details
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
- 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
- 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
- 2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce
Common Uses
- Measuring larger quantities of ingredients like:
- Oil for sautéing
- Butter for baking
- Herbs and spices in larger dishes
- Sauces and condiments
Tips for Measuring
- Always use level tablespoons unless the recipe specifically calls for "heaping" or "rounded"
- For sticky ingredients (like honey or molasses):
- Spray the spoon with cooking oil first
- The ingredient will slide right off
- For butter: Look for the tablespoon markings on the wrapper of stick butter (1 stick = 8 tablespoons)
Digital Conversion
When typing recipes or notes:
- tbsp = tablespoon
- Tbs = tablespoon
- T = tablespoon
Common Recipe Examples
- "2 tbsp olive oil to sauté vegetables"
- "1 tbsp vanilla extract in cookie dough"
- "3 tbsp butter for making a roux"
Remember: Accuracy in measuring is crucial for successful cooking and baking. Using actual measuring spoons rather than regular eating spoons will give you much more consistent results!