How Many Tbsp in An Ounce, and Why Use Ounces

How Many Tbsp in An Ounce, and Why Use Ounces

If you are like me, maybe you work better in the kitchen when using measurements like “cups” or “tablespoons”. Sometimes though, I find myself using recipes that don’t necessarily say anything about these, but mark everything in ounces. This can be troubling since I’m often caught in the middle of making a dish and looking for the conversion can be hard.

Tablespoon

Instead, I now find myself searching: how many tbsp in an ounce? Or, how can I use tbsp instead of ounces? These are questions that can be answered fairly easily, but knowing why ounces are important can also help along the way when you cook.

Let’s find out!

Tablespoons vs. Ounces

If you are wondering, “how many tbsp in an ounce?” as you read your recipe, then it’s time to really find out.

One ounce equals to 2 tablespoons. Now that you know your life will be much easier when working with ounces. In case you were wondering about some of the other common measurements, one ounce equals 0.125 cups–which you probably won’t need since it isn’t too much–and if you want to use teaspoons, then you should know one ounce equals to 6 teaspoons.

Pretty simple, right? Don’t forget it for next time!

But… Why Use Ounces?

Ounces are considered to be an accurate measurement for liquid ingredients in cooking. In the United States, this measurement is commonly used for all sorts of settings, from cooking to science and more. It’s important to know since many of good recipes and chefs will write using ounces.

Also in the United States, ounces are used for mass. And here is where we can all agree to disagree, since we do know that grams can be accurate. However, it’s best to understand ounces since they will be present in most of your American cookbooks, recipes, TV shows etc.

It’s also very important to note that not all mass measurements apply to liquid measurements. Though in baking, for example, using grams is very accurate since we can just measure and then weigh, when we talk about adding spices, or liquid ingredients, measuring grams can be tough, and that’s where ounces–or tablespoons in some cases–come to our rescue!

Keep in mind that you will know when a mass ounce can be interchangeable with grams or cups, since the ingredient listed will most likely be solid. If it’s a liquid, then it will most likely be in fluid ounces and can be measured with a kitchen tool, or converted to tablespoons.

Are Ounces More Accurate Than Tablespoons?

Yes, they are. The problem with tablespoons is that often times we use either a real tablespoon or a tablespoon measure which can fluctuate.

Tablespoon and teaspoon with baking soda

Commonly, a tablespoon will hold 15 grams, but market-bought tablespoon measures will range from something completely inaccurate like 9 grams or 18 grams. When your recipe specifies how many ounces, you will know exactly how much you need to use, especially if you have a measuring cup that can do the work for you.

When To Use Ounces

Any time you are using any liquid ingredient you can rely on using ounces, some simple examples would be when making broth, soup, stews, and smoothies. But other examples include pasta, casseroles, stir-fry and all sorts of baking!

Here are some delicious examples that will include many references to either mass ounces, or fluid ounces:

Butternut Squash Soup: A Great Holiday Saver!

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces butter
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 stalk celery- chopped
• 1 chopped carrot
• 2 diced potatoes
• 1 butternut squash- peeled, seed and cubed
• 32 ounces of chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prep time: 25 minutes/ Cook time: 45/ Servings: 6

1. Melt the 2 ounces of butter in a big pot. Add vegetables and butternut squash until browned, add 32 ounces of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and leave simmering for around 30 minutes.
2. Transfer all to blender, blend evenly, serve and enjoy with a piece of your favorite bread!

If you prefer you can watch how it’s made, but if you don’t feel like making soup, then how about a delicious holiday treat?

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces butter (2 sticks)- beat
• 4 ounces (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 6 ounces (¾ cup) confectioner’s sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 18 ( 2 ¼ cup) ounces flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Beat the 8 ounces butter along with granulated sugar and confectioner’s sugar until fluffy. Add the 2 egg yolks, vanilla and orange zest, and beat some more.
2. Separately, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, and then add to butter mix. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Take mix and roll them into small balls on your baking sheet and then press to make them flat. Add decorative sugar if you want and bake for around 18 minutes in oven at 350° Take out, let cool and enjoy!

Again, you can watch them being made if you would like to.

Remember that these recipes are my own and thus I use ingredients that I like, feel free to add or change whatever you want. Mostly, I just wanted to show you how in a normal recipe, you might encounter ounces, cups, or tablespoons measure units.

Again, how many tbsp in an ounce?

I’m sure by now you won’t forget, but one ounce equals to 2 tablespoons. You can save this somewhere on your fridge, maybe make a little not, or simply memorize it. The good thing about working with ounces is that you will most likely always have a measuring cup handy to do the work for you.

If you don’t have a way to measure other than using cups, or grams, then the conversion is the way to go. What did you think? Makes more sense to use ounces? Still want to use tablespoons better?

I want to hear what you think! Don’t forget to leave a comment below.