Learning to cook can feel like a daunting task, especially if you didn’t grow up in a kitchen filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals. For years, I navigated the culinary world primarily as a diner, constantly eating out as part of my job covering restaurants and food culture for Bon Appétit. Eating out was the norm, cooking at home? Less so. Delivery menus and quick staples were the extent of my kitchen adventures. But, inspired by a certain cooking competition show, I decided to take matters into my own hands and teach myself how to cook. It turns out, mastering the basics is more accessible than you might think. Here’s what I learned on my journey from kitchen novice to someone who can confidently whip up a meal from almost any ingredient.
1. Master Basic Cooking Methods
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The foundation of cooking lies in understanding fundamental methods. Roasting, sautéing, and stir-frying are your initial building blocks. Roasting is incredibly straightforward: toss vegetables or protein with oil and salt, and roast in the oven at around 350°F (175°C). Don’t be afraid to adjust the temperature slightly based on your oven and ingredients. Stir-frying involves high heat, oil, and constant movement in a pan or wok. These simple techniques are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of ingredients, giving you the confidence to start experimenting. For example, roasting butternut squash with grapes creates a naturally sweet and savory dish that can be transformed into various meals throughout the week, from salads to breakfast bowls.
2. Explore Ingredients Systematically
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Learning to cook should be an exciting exploration of flavors and ingredients. To avoid getting stuck in a cooking rut, dedicate time each week to a new ingredient. Choose something you’ve never cooked with before – perhaps shrimp, chicken thighs, rice noodles, or even a spice like turmeric or Chinese five spice. The goal is to learn how to handle and utilize diverse ingredients. Start by researching basic recipes or cooking methods suitable for your chosen ingredient. If you pick turmeric, and find many stew recipes, then focus on learning a simple stew. This systematic approach broadens your culinary horizons and builds your ingredient knowledge.
3. Understand Flavor Combinations
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Once you’re comfortable with basic methods and a range of ingredients, start experimenting with flavor combinations. Think about the dishes you love at restaurants and try to identify common flavor profiles. Many cuisines are built on core flavor trios or bundles. For Cantonese cooking, garlic, ginger, and scallion are essential. Italian red sauces often rely on tomato, basil, and garlic. Indian cuisine frequently uses ginger, garlic, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, and curry powder. Japanese flavors might come from dashi broth or a combination of sake, mirin, and soy sauce. Understanding these foundational flavor combinations allows you to adapt recipes and even create your own dishes. Realizing that a shakshuka is essentially a Middle Eastern-spiced tomato sauce opens up possibilities to create Italian-inspired or Mexican-style variations by simply adjusting the spices and adding complementary ingredients.
4. Acid is Your Friend (Especially Lemon)
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Never underestimate the power of acid in cooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up almost any dish, especially those that are rich or fatty. Lemon’s acidity cuts through creaminess and adds a layer of freshness. As you become more skilled, explore other acids like different citrus juices, vinegars, or brines. Taste your food as you cook and learn to recognize when a dish needs a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. This simple step of tasting and adjusting is a game-changer in learning to cook intuitively.
5. Cheese Adds Depth and Flavor
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Cheese is a fantastic ingredient to enhance flavor and texture in countless dishes. A sprinkle of Parmesan or feta can elevate simple salads or roasted vegetables. Cheese adds fat, salt, and umami, contributing depth to your cooking. If a dish feels like it’s missing something, consider whether a little cheese could be the answer. Keep your refrigerator stocked with a variety of cheeses to experiment and add that extra layer of deliciousness to your meals.
6. Soy Sauce is a Secret Weapon
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Soy sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavor enhancer that can rescue many dishes. It’s packed with umami and saltiness, making it perfect for stir-fries, fried rice, and even breakfast bowls. When a dish lacks depth or flavor, a dash of soy sauce can often be the solution. Experiment with adding soy sauce to different types of meals to discover its versatility and flavor-boosting capabilities. Running out of soy sauce can feel like a culinary emergency, so always keep it in stock!
7. Build Your Culinary Lifeline
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It’s perfectly okay to seek help when you’re learning to cook. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family members who are confident cooks for advice. A quick question to a knowledgeable friend or a family member can save you from kitchen mishaps and provide valuable insights. Building relationships with your local butcher and fishmonger can also be incredibly helpful. And, of course, the internet is a vast resource – don’t underestimate the power of a quick Google search. Having these lifelines will boost your confidence and make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
Learning to cook is a journey of exploration and discovery. By focusing on fundamental methods, experimenting with ingredients, understanding flavor combinations, and embracing helpful resources, anyone can learn to cook delicious meals. Start with these tips, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of becoming a more confident cook.
