How to Master Basic Cooking Skills

 

To be able to master basic cooking skills one needs to have the right skills in the handling of the kitchen appliances, utensils and equipment. 

The skills in cooking are some of the crucial steps that one has to learn before becoming a good cook. 

Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

#1 Knife Skills: 

Proper Handling: This is how you grip the knife; make sure that your fingers are placed under the handle to avoid a cut. 

Basic Cuts: Know how to chop, dice, mince, julienned, and chiffonade. 

Sharpening: To work fast and safely, sharpen your knives. 

#2 Cooking Techniques: 

Sautéing: Sauté food by placing it in a hot pan that has a little oil. Get used to vegetables and proteins. 

Boiling and Simmering: Use to heat water for cooking pasta and to scald vegetables. Stew foods such as soups, stews, and sauces on low heat. 

Roasting: Dry heat is used to bake vegetables, meats and poultry in the oven. Begin with easy meals such as baked chicken or just boiled potatoes. 

Baking: Avoid overcomplicating the process and stick to the recipes, and measures as closely as possible. Start with simple creations such as cookies, muffin or bread. 

Grilling: Master grilling or broiling in a kitchen or on a barbecue grill. Practice with vegetable, meat and sea food. 

#3 Seasoning and Flavoring: 

Salt and Pepper: Understand when to use salt and pepper and in what amounts. 

Herbs and Spices: Try using fresh and dried herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary and spices such as cumin, paprika, and coriander. 

Acid and Fat: Counterpoint with sour (lemon juice, vinegar) and creamy (butter, olive oil) elements. 

#4 Meal Prep and Organization: 

Mise en Place: It is recommended to chop all the ingredients before cooking starts. 

Organization: It is important that your kitchen is kept clean and everything is in its proper place. Be aware of the location of tools and ingredients you will use when cooking. 

#5 Cooking Methods: 

Braising: To prepare meat and vegetables, it is recommended to stew them in a little amount of water. 

Poaching: Use stewing to cook foods that are easily broken such as eggs, fish and chicken. 

Steaming: Maintain nutrients by steaming vegetables, fish and dumplings with steam over boiling water. 

#6 Food Safety: 

Cleanliness: Clean your hands, cutlery, dishes and any surfaces often. 

Proper Storage: Ensure that the foods are stored at the right temperatures to avoid having them go bad. 

Cooking Temperatures: Actually, when preparing meats, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach safe cooking temperatures. 

#7 Practice and Patience: 

Regular Cooking: It is advisable to cook often so as to enhance your performance in the kitchen. 

Learning from Mistakes: The mistake is not a bad thing; in fact, it is one of the best tools for learning. 

Experimentation: Vary your recipes and techniques to develop yourself in the culinary field. 

By concentrating on such elements of meals preparation, you will be creating a strong base, enhancing your capabilities in preparing meals, and savoring the procedure.