What on Earth Is a Glug of Oil?
If you’ve ever watched Jamie Oliver cook, you’ll know he loves a “glug of oil.” I do too — so much so that I named an entire blog after it. But what actually counts as a glug? And why do I talk about knobs of butter like they’re a perfectly normal unit of measurement?
Let’s clear it up… in the most 'Jan' way possible.
My Cooking Style: A Bit of This, a Bit of That
I’m not a precision‑measuring kind of cook. If you’re baking a cake, then yes — you need scales, accuracy, and probably a calm personality. I don’t bake often. Make of that what you will.
But for everyday cooking? I taste as I go, scribble notes on a scrap of paper, adjust things with a pencil, and only measure properly when I’m writing the recipe up for the blog. Cooking should feel relaxed, fun, and full of flavour — not like you’re sitting an exam.
So… How Much Is a Glug?
If you really want numbers (I know some of you do):
- A glug of oil = just over a tablespoon
- A good glug = enough to make the oil bottle say “glug‑glug” as it hits it
- A knob of butter = around 10g, or “a small slice that makes you smile”
These aren’t scientific measurements — they’re the kind of instinctive amounts most home cooks use without thinking.
Why I Don’t Believe in Strict Rules
Cooking isn’t supposed to be stressful. It’s supposed to be tasty, creative, and a bit messy. Add more if you love something, skip it if you don’t, and adjust things until they taste right to you. That’s the joy of home cooking.
Once you understand flavours, you don’t need to measure every last drop. Just trust your instincts — they’re usually right.
Metric vs Imperial (The Quick Version)
- Europe & Australia → Metric
- USA → Imperial
- My measurements → Chaotic but good 🤪
UK and Australian tablespoon conversions
1 x UK or Australian teaspoon is 5ml
1 x UK tablespoon is 3 teaspoons or 15ml
1 Australian tablespoon is 4 teaspoons or 20ml
