Like many, I never grew up with the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through our house. Dinnertime was often a matter of takeout menus and quick phone calls. While we had a few family favorites in rotation, the idea of elaborate family recipes or spending hours in the kitchen was foreign. Fast forward to adulthood, and the desire to cook for myself emerged, not from tradition, but from a craving for something more – and a bit of inspiration from a cooking show marathon. If you’re like me, someone who didn’t learn to cook in childhood but is eager to start, you might feel intimidated. But trust me, Learning To Cook is a journey accessible to anyone. It’s about building a foundation, not striving for culinary perfection overnight. Here are the core principles that transformed my kitchen experience, and can kickstart yours on the path of learning to cook.
1. Master Basic Cooking Methods
Learning to cook starts with understanding fundamental techniques. Forget complicated recipes for a moment and focus on mastering roasting, sautéing, and stir-frying. These are your foundational cooking methods. Roasting is incredibly simple: toss vegetables or protein with oil and salt, and oven-bake at around 350°F (175°C). Stir-frying involves a hot pan, oil, and constant tossing of ingredients. Once these basic methods click, you unlock the ability to cook countless dishes with minimal effort. This year, my go-to was roasting butternut squash and grapes, which I then incorporated into salads and even breakfast bowls. Understanding these methods empowers you to adapt and experiment with various ingredients.
2. Explore Individual Ingredients Deeply
. Photo: Eva Kolenko
The exciting part of learning to cook is the exploration of ingredients. Treat it like a culinary adventure. Dedicate each week to a new ingredient you’ve never cooked with before. One week could be shrimp, another chicken thighs, perhaps rice noodles or even a spice like turmeric. The goal is to learn how to handle and cook with each ingredient individually. Experiment with proteins, vegetables, and spices to broaden your experience and avoid culinary ruts. Start by researching cooking methods that suit your chosen ingredient. If you’re exploring turmeric and find countless stew recipes, dive into learning a simple stew recipe. This ingredient-focused approach is key for anyone learning to cook.
3. Understand Flavor Combinations
. Photo: Alex Lau
As you become comfortable with methods and ingredients, start exploring flavor combinations. This is where cooking truly transforms into an art. Think about your favorite restaurant dishes and try to identify the underlying flavor profiles. Many cuisines are built on core flavor trios. For example, garlic, ginger, and scallion are essential in Cantonese cooking. Italian red sauce often relies on the magic of tomato, basil, and garlic. Indian cuisine frequently uses ginger, garlic, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, and curry powder. Japanese flavors often come from dashi broth or a blend of sake, mirin, and soy sauce. Understanding these flavor building blocks allows you to create diverse and delicious meals. Realizing that a shakshuka is essentially a Middle Eastern-spiced tomato sauce opens doors to variations – remove cumin and add basil for an Italian twist, or incorporate black beans and cilantro for a Mexican-inspired version.
4. Embrace Acidity in Cooking
. Photo: Peden & Munk
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a game-changer in the kitchen. Acidity is crucial for balancing flavors, especially in rich or fatty dishes. Lemon juice cuts through creaminess and fried textures, adding brightness. As you advance, experiment with different types of acids – various citrus juices, vinegars, or even brines. These can elevate your cooking significantly. Learn to taste as you cook. This practice will guide you on when and how much acidity a dish needs, whether it’s a lemon touch in the middle or a final vinegar drizzle. Acidity is an indispensable tool in learning to cook flavorful meals.
5. Cheese: Your Culinary Friend
. Photo: Peden + Munk
It’s hard to imagine cooking without cheese. Cheese adds flavor, texture, and richness to a wide array of dishes. A sprinkle of Parmesan or some feta can elevate simple salads or roasted vegetables. Recognize that vegetables might need some fat, or pasta with red sauce could benefit from added saltiness and depth – cheese often provides these elements. Keep your refrigerator stocked with various cheeses. Experiment with hard cheeses like Parmesan, softer options like feta, or melting cheeses for different culinary effects. Cheese is a versatile ingredient that enhances countless recipes when you are learning to cook.
6. The Power of Soy Sauce
. Photo: Peden + Munk
Soy sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavor enhancer that can rescue many dishes. Countless stir-fries, fried rices, and even breakfast bowls can be transformed with a dash of soy sauce instead of just salt. It adds umami and depth. For me, running out of soy sauce is a kitchen emergency! Experiment with soy sauce in breakfast dishes or use it to enhance mushroom, tofu, bacon, and greens combinations. It’s a simple ingredient with a significant impact, especially when learning to cook diverse cuisines.
7. Build a Network of Cooking Lifelines
. Photo: Peden + Munk
It’s perfectly okay to seek help when you’re learning to cook. Have people and resources you can turn to when unsure. Unclear about buttermilk types? Need searing time for a steak? A quick call to a knowledgeable friend or family member can be invaluable. Building relationships with your local butcher and fishmonger can also provide expert advice. And of course, Google is an endless source of information. Don’t hesitate to leverage these lifelines. Learning to cook is a process, and seeking guidance is a sign of a smart, resourceful cook.
Learning to cook is a rewarding journey, not a race to become a top chef. By focusing on these fundamental aspects – mastering methods, exploring ingredients, understanding flavors, utilizing acidity, embracing cheese and soy sauce, and building a support network – you’ll steadily build confidence and skill in the kitchen. Start simple, experiment often, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning to cook.
