How to Become a Better Cook: 4 Easy Tips
If you want to improve your cooking skills, there are several things you need to know. Here are some great tips on how to become a better cook.
Currently, there are over 145,000 professional chefs employed in the United States. It’s wonderful to go out to a nice restaurant and have a delicious meal prepared for you by such a professional.
Yet, getting such a meal is not always possible. Instead, being confident that you can prepare delicious meals for yourself is really the winner. It’s not as difficult as it seems; it just takes learning a few tips and tricks.
If you’re interested, keep reading below to learn how to become a better cook.
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Table of Contents
Incorporate Spices and Herbs
If you want to upgrade your cooking, you should be using more than just salt and pepper. This can add depth to your dishes as you explore more flavoring.
Instead of having simple fried chicken feet, you can transform it into an exciting and delicious meal with just a few dry spices. Using spices and herbs is also an excellent way to expand the flavor without adding extra calories.
To start, buy two or three spices that are common in your favorite recipes. Experiment with them, and then keep adding to your collection. Don’t be afraid to get spicy!
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Respect Your Knives
When learning how to cook, you’ll find that a knife is one of the most important tools in the kitchen, if not the most important. It’s something you will use with almost any recipe, so it’s essential that you respect it.
A sharp knife is a safe knife. The duller the knife, the more pressure you need to apply, which makes it more likely for you to end up hurting yourself. When you keep your knives sharp, you’ll have a more efficient and easier time in the kitchen.
Always handwash your knives, as the heat from the dishwasher can make them dull. Sharpen them before and after use. Keep them in sleeves if possible or in a knife block.
Only use wood or plastic cutting boards, as marble and glass can chip or break a knife.
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Mise en Place
One of the most important cooking tips is learning “mise en place.” This, in French, means “putting in place.” This means gathering all your ingredients and having everything prepped before cooking.
The vegetables are chopped, the potatoes are peeled, and every element is measured out. This allows you to fully focus on what you’re cooking at the time, so you can ensure every part is perfect.
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Taste as You Cook
If you’re not tasting it as you cook, how can you know it’s delicious? To level up your cooking skills, you must taste every part of your dish along the way.
Flavors can develop and change as you cook, so you should be able to catch if something is off. As moisture evaporates, your dish may get saltier than expected. Or, you may just need to add that extra spice or a little more pepper.
The only way you’ll know is if you’re tasting, and you don’t want to leave it up to the end before it’s too late to change.
How to Become a Better Cook: Your Guide
When it comes to cooking for beginners, everything can seem a little daunting and overwhelming. Learning just a few tips on how to become a better cook can make a huge difference, and you’re already there with this guide.
Have fun with cooking, and make sure to put your own flair on it. Cooking is for everyone, so don’t ever feel like you don’t belong just because you’re still learning.
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