We’ve come to terms with the fact that we will never be top chefs, but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate fresh ingredients, a nice cut of meat, and properly paired wine. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or just sick of the same frozen dinners you have on rotation, we have some pointers that will make learning your way around the kitchen a breeze.
Gather the Proper Accouterments
You don’t have to drop a ton of cash on expensive cookware. But you’re more likely to enjoy cooking if you have sharp knives and non-stick pots and pans that make cleanup easy.
Master the Methods
Once you begin to master different cooking methods, you’ll gain more confidence in the kitchen. Start with simpler methods like sautéing, stir-frying, roasting, searing, and steaming.
Stock Your Pantry
If you’re always missing ingredients, there’s a chance you’ll settle for takeout yet again. You don’t need a ton of spices and oils to make quality meals. The best thing to consider when stocking your pantry is what flavors you savor. Some people keep pasta, avocado oil, and garlic powder in their pantry, while others prefer beans, extra-virgin olive oil, and cayenne.
Experiment With Ingredients
The best part of learning to cook is that you can choose your own adventure with each dish you prepare. Start by selecting an ingredient you love, then do some research and find an easy recipe.
Read the Whole Recipe
Speaking of recipes, it’s important to read the entire thing before you start cooking. Trust us: Nothing is more heartbreaking than finding out something needs to sit for a couple of hours or marinate overnight before you can finish the meal.
Play With Flavors
Once you’ve mastered methods and know what ingredients you like, it’s time to play with fresh herbs and spices. Start by learning the holy grail of ingredients for your favorite cuisine, then slowly add what you think your dish could benefit from.
Keep It Simple
Keep in mind that cooking is all about how the food tastes. Overly complicated dishes don’t always mean they will taste better, so set yourself up for success by opting for simple recipes.
Allow Yourself Patience
Even the most experienced chefs make mistakes in the kitchen. You’ll make mistakes – and that’s okay. Remember that if you don’t like what you’ve prepared, you can always order pizza and try again tomorrow.