The one spoon hack you need to know to peel ginger like a pro

From kicking up the anti-inflammatory benefits in your stir fry to turning your tea into a digestion-soothing tonic, freshly peeled ginger is a superstar spice. But tackling a piece of raw ginger can be pretty intimidating: How exactly do you peel it and incorporate it into your meals? It’s actually easier than it looks.

The above video gives an up-close, step-by-step look at how to cut ginger like a pro. Here’s how it’s done: First, remove the little nubs shooting off the sides. (Tip: A dull knife just won’t cut it—literally—so make sure you’re using a sharp one.) Then, use a spoon to scrape off the skin, using your thumb to add a little force. This creates the ginger shavings you’ll use to add into your food to give it a warming, spicy kick. Use the knife to round up any edges and cut off your peeled piece.

The ginger shavings and small slices can be thrown right into your blender or incorporated in your entree—or your daily a.m. ginger shot (what a way to wake up).

If you’re on a mission to keep perfecting your knife skills, check out this video on how to cut an onion—without tearing up—and see how to cut an avocado perfectly every time.