A Beginner's Guide to Cooking Techniques

 

#1 Baking:

Basics: Cooking through the use of heat in an oven using dry heat is known as baking. 

The heat is diffused and therefore perfect for baking cakes, bread, and pastries. 

Tips: To achieve equal cooking, one should preheat the oven. 

Make sure to use the correct measures and stick to the instructions to get the best outcome. 

One should also choose the right type of bakeware because it also influences the cooking time and texture of the food. 

#2 Boiling:

Basics: Boiling is a method of preparing food by heating it in water or other liquids at their boiling point or at a temperature where bubbles can constantly burst on the surface. 

Tips: It is recommended to fill a large pot with water enough to immerse the food that you want to cook. 

It will be noted that incorporating salt into the water can help in boosting the taste. 

Stewarding is important, if food is cooked for too long it goes soft and that is not very appealing to the eyes or the palate if it is cooked for a very short time then it is hard and not easy to chew. 

#3 Sautéing:

Basics: Sautéing is a method of frying food in a small amount of oil or butter at a high heat, on medium heat. 

This is ideal for vegetables, meats, and seafoods. 

Tips: It is also recommended to heat up the pan before placing the oil in it. 

Chop foods in equal sizes so that they cook evenly, if this is possible. 

Turn the food from time to time so that you do not burn it and also to make it brown uniformly. 

#4 Grilling:

Basics: Grilling involves cooking food directly over heat, on a grill or a grill pan. 

This method allows imparting the smoky flavor and is suitable for meats, vegetables, and fruits. 

Tips: Ensure that the grill is hot, but not excessively so. Before cooking, it is advisable to oil the grates to avoid the food sticking to the grates. 

Do not apply pressure on the food as this is likely to lock in the juices. 

Grill should be monitored to avoid the situations when the fire becomes too intense and causes the flare-ups. 

#5 Roasting:

Basics: Baking employs the use of dry heat in an oven to cook food and it usually takes longer than roasting. 

It is also outstanding for meats and vegetables. 

Tips: It is recommended that you use a roasting pan with a rack to facilitate proper circulation of air. 

Marinate the food properly before roasting. 

Cover meat after it has been cooked so that the juices are distributed all over the meat.

#6 Steaming:

Basics: This method cooks food by steam created by boiling water. 

It's a tender process that requires very less water and helps retain maximum nutrients from the food material.

Tips: Use a steamer basket so the water must be at a level below the bottom of the basket. 

Over the pot must be covered tightly to trap steam inside it. 

Not overcooking, the vegetables should remain bright and a little crisp.

#7 Frying:

Basics: It involves cooking food in hot oil. 

This technique can be divided into two different methods which are deep-frying and pan-frying.

Tips: Keep the oil temperature accurate with a thermometer. 

Do not put too much food in the pan at one time as this reduces the temperature of the oil. 

Drain fried foods on paper towels to drain off excess oil.

#8 Blanching:

Basics: Blanching is a quick boil of food then plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking process.

Tips: Blanch in salted boiling water. 

When blanching, shuffle food quickly from the boiling water to the ice water. 

This is a great way to peel tomatoes or to prepare vegetables that will be frozen.

#9 Braising:

Basics: Braising is a cooking method by which food is cooked, usually slowly, in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.  It uses both dry and moist heat.

Tips: Brown the meat first for added flavor. Use flavorful liquids such as broth or wine. 

Simmer on low heat until food is tender.

#10 Poaching:

Basics: A mild cooking method in simmering liquid just below boiling.

Tips: Flavorful poaching liquid. Liquid should simmer, not boil. 

Delicate foods, such as eggs, fish or fruit are great to cook by this method.

Tips for Success:

Read the recipes thoroughly: Know what to do and have what you need at hand to avoid mistakes.

Use the freshest ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and texture in your dishes.

Have good tools: A good knife, pan, and other knives and kitchen utensils make preparation at each stage of cooking easier on you.

Practice patience: Cooking is a learned skill; with time, it gets better. 

Be easy on yourself and enjoy the process.

Knowing how to cook basic dishes is what truly opens up the doors to a great variety of delicious food. 

Follow these basics, and with frequent practice, you'll feel confident in the kitchen. Happy cooking!