Cooking tasty and healthy meals for yourself or your family is amazing. But, you cannot do that without mastering basic cooking techniques. This is where we come! More: How to pick a watermelon?
Cooking requires confident guesswork and improvisation—experimentation and substitution, dealing with failure and uncertainty in a creative way.
Paul Theroux
Mastering these skills lets you decide what you eat and keeps you healthy. Plus, it makes you feel strong and in charge. And, it’s a lovely way to show you care. But, if you’re new to cooking, it might seem tough. Learning a few simple cooking tricks can make it easier. Start with easy recipes and gradually try more challenging ones. Don’t worry if you make mistakes; it’s all part of the learning process. With practice, you’ll become a confident cook in no time! Remember, cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, having fun, and enjoying the delicious results with your loved ones. More: How to defrost a chicken fast?
Basic cooking techniques everyone should master
- Blanching:
- Blanching is a cooking method that helps veggies stay crisp while becoming tender.
- Bring salted water to a boil, add veggies, and cook briefly.
- Transfer veggies to cold water to stop cooking.
2. Steaming:
- Steaming keeps veggies colorful and flavorful while retaining nutrients.
- Place veggies in a steamer basket over boiling water.
- Steam until tender but still firm.
3. Searing:
- Searing locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust on meats.
- Heat a pan, add oil, and sear meat until browned on both sides.
- Finish cooking in the oven or on the grill if needed.
4. Braising:
- Braising is ideal for tenderizing tough cuts of meat.
- Sear meat, add liquid (like stock or wine), and simmer with a lid on.
- Cook until meat is tender and flavorful.
5. Roasting:
- Roasting cooks food evenly in the oven with dry heat.
- Rub meat with oil, and seasonings, and roast at a high temperature.
- Adjust cooking time based on meat thickness.
6. Grilling:
- Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and crispy texture to meats.
- Preheat the grill, add seasoned meat, and cook until done.
- Keep an eye on smaller cuts to prevent overcooking.
7. Poaching:
- Poaching gently cooks delicate foods in liquid.
- Heat liquid (like water or broth) to a low simmer.
- Add food, cook until done, and enjoy tender results.
Essential techniques for perfect eggs, pasta, bread, and onion slicing
Cooking Eggs requires attention to timing to achieve the desired consistency, whether it’s a runny yolk or a firm texture. Starting with eggs at room temperature helps prevent undercooking. For soft-boiled eggs, bring water to a boil and gently lower the egg into it using a spoon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes for a soft yolk. On the other hand, for hard-boiled eggs, begin with cold water and bring it to a boil. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes for a firm yolk. To prevent overcooking, transfer the cooked egg to cold water immediately after cooking. More: Boiled eggs calories and quick recipe
When Cooking Pasta, it’s important to use a sufficient amount of water to cover the pasta entirely for even cooking. Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the pasta. Boil the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches an “al dente” consistency, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Stirring within the first two minutes helps prevent sticking. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes have different cooking times, and fresh pasta cooks faster than dried pasta. More: Feel more comfortable in your body with somatic yoga
Making Bread involves kneading the dough to activate the gluten, giving the bread its characteristic stretchy texture. Prepare a clean surface by sprinkling flour, then transfer the risen dough onto it. Use your fists to “knock back” the dough into a smaller ball and place it on the floured surface. With the heel of one hand, push down and stretch the dough, then fold and repeat the process as specified in the recipe.
Slicing an Onion properly begins by cutting off the top and peeling away the outer layers until you’re left with clean, yellow onion halves. Thinly slice the onion horizontally or vertically into half-moons, depending on your preference and recipe requirements. These techniques ensure uniform slices for your culinary creations. More: Delicious Easter appetizers everyone will love
