Mastering Basic Cooking Skills: Essential Recipes and Techniques for Beginners

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll guide you through some basic cooking skills that every beginner should know. We’ll also share some essential recipes and techniques that will help you create delicious meals with confidence and ease. Whether you want to make a simple pasta dish, a hearty roast chicken, or a decadent chocolate cake, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the topics we’ll cover in this article:

• Basic Cooking Equipment
• Basic Cooking Terms
• Basic Cooking Techniques
• Basic Cooking Recipes

Let’s get started!

Basic Cooking Equipment

Before you start cooking, you need to have the right tools and utensils in your kitchen. You don’t need to buy expensive or fancy gadgets, but you do need some basic equipment that will make your cooking easier and safer. Here are some of the essential items that every beginner cook should have:

• A chef’s knife: This is the most important tool in your kitchen. A sharp chef’s knife can cut, chop, slice, dice, and mince almost any ingredient. You’ll use it for everything from vegetables to meat to herbs. Invest in a good quality knife that fits your hand comfortably and keep it sharp with a honing steel or a knife sharpener.
• A cutting board: This is where you’ll do most of your prep work. A cutting board protects your countertop and your knife from damage. It also helps prevent cross-contamination of food. You should have at least two cutting boards: one for raw meat and poultry, and one for everything else. Choose a cutting board that is sturdy, easy to clean, and large enough for your needs.

• A set of pots and pans: You’ll need a variety of pots and pans for different cooking methods and recipes. At the minimum, you should have a large pot with a lid for boiling pasta, rice, or soup; a medium pot with a lid for making sauces or stews; a small pot for heating liquids or melting butter; a large skillet for sautéing, frying, or searing; and a baking sheet for roasting or baking. Look for pots and pans that are made of durable materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or nonstick aluminum.
• A set of measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for following recipes accurately and consistently. Measuring cups and spoons help you measure dry ingredients (such as flour, sugar, or oats) and liquid ingredients (such as water, milk, or oil). You’ll need a set of measuring cups that includes 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup sizes; and a set of measuring spoons that includes 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon sizes.
• A mixing bowl: This is where you’ll combine ingredients for baking, salads, dressings, marinades, or batters. A mixing bowl should be large enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling over. It should also be easy to grip and stable on the counter. You can choose a mixing bowl made of glass, metal, ceramic, or plastic.
• A spatula: This is a versatile utensil that can help you stir, flip, scrape, or serve food. A spatula can be made of metal or silicone. A metal spatula is good for flipping food on a skillet or transferring cookies from a baking sheet to a cooling rack. A silicone spatula is good for scraping batter from a bowl or sauce from a pot.

• A wooden spoon: This is another versatile utensil that can help you stir, mix, or scoop food. A wooden spoon is gentle on your pots and pans and won’t scratch them. It can also withstand high heat without melting or burning.
• A whisk: This is a handy tool for beating eggs, whipping cream, making sauces, or aerating batters. A whisk consists of several metal wires attached to a handle. It creates air bubbles when you move it rapidly through a liquid or semi-liquid mixture.
• An oven mitt: This is a protective glove that can help you handle hot pots and pans without burning yourself. An oven mitt should cover your hand and wrist completely and be made of heat-resistant material.

These are some of the basic cooking equipment that every beginner should have in their kitchen. Of course, you can always add more tools and utensils as you learn new skills and recipes.

Basic Cooking Terms

Now that you have the right equipment in your kitchen, you need to learn some basic cooking terms that will help you understand and follow recipes. Here are some of the common cooking terms that every beginner should know:

Cooking Term	Definition and Example
Bake	To cook food in an oven using dry heat. For example, you can bake a cake, a pie, or a casserole.
Boil	To cook food in a liquid that is bubbling rapidly. For example, you can boil water, pasta, or eggs.
Broil	To cook food under direct heat from above. For example, you can broil cheese, fish, or steak.
Chop	To cut food into small pieces using a knife. For example, you can chop onions, carrots, or nuts.
Dice	To cut food into small cubes using a knife. For example, you can dice tomatoes, cheese, or ham.
Fry	To cook food in hot oil or fat over high heat. For example, you can fry eggs, bacon, or potatoes.
Grate	To shred food into fine pieces using a grater. For example, you can grate cheese, carrots, or chocolate.
Knead	To work dough with your hands until it is smooth and elastic. For example, you can knead bread dough, pizza dough, or cookie dough.
Marinate	To soak food in a liquid mixture of seasonings and/or acids to enhance its flavor and tenderness. For example, you can marinate chicken, beef, or tofu.
Peel	To remove the skin or outer layer of food using a knife or a peeler. For example, you can peel apples, potatoes, or oranges.
Roast	To cook food in an oven using dry heat and often with added fat or oil. For example, you can roast chicken, turkey, or vegetables.
Sauté	To cook food in a small amount of oil over high heat while stirring frequently. For example, you can sauté garlic, mushrooms, or spinach.
Simmer	To cook food in a liquid that is bubbling gently. For example, you can simmer soup, sauce, or rice.
Steam	To cook food by exposing it to steam from boiling water. For example, you can steam broccoli, dumplings, or fish.

These are some of the basic cooking terms that every beginner should know. Of course, there are many more cooking terms that you’ll encounter as you explore different cuisines and recipes.

Basic Cooking Techniques

Now that you know some basic cooking terms, you need to learn some basic cooking techniques that will help you prepare and cook food properly. Here are some of the common cooking techniques that every beginner should know:

How to boil water: 

Boiling water is one of the simplest and most essential cooking skills. You’ll need it for making pasta, rice, soup, tea, coffee, and more. To boil water, you need a large pot with a lid, a stove, and a source of water. Fill the pot with enough water for your recipe and place it on the stove over high heat. Cover the pot with the lid to speed up the boiling process. When the water starts to bubble rapidly, it is boiling. You can then add salt or other ingredients as needed. Be careful not to overfill the pot or let it boil over, as this can cause spills and burns.

How to chop an onion: 

Chopping an onion is one of the most common and useful prep skills. You’ll need it for making soups, sauces, salads, stir-fries, and more. To chop an onion, you need a chef’s knife, a cutting board, and an onion. Peel the onion and cut off the root and stem ends. Cut the onion in half and place one half flat side down on the cutting board. Hold the onion with your non-dominant hand and make vertical cuts from the top to the bottom of the onion, leaving some space at the root end. Then make horizontal cuts from one side to the other, parallel to the cutting board. Finally, make crosswise cuts from one end to the other, perpendicular to the cutting board. Repeat with the other half of the onion.

How to fry an egg: 

Frying an egg is one of the easiest and most versatile cooking skills. You can enjoy a fried egg for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. To fry an egg, you need a small skillet, a spatula, some oil or butter, an egg, and some salt and pepper. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil or butter. Crack the egg into a small bowl or cup and gently slide it into the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the white is set and the yolk is still runny. You can flip the egg over for another minute if you prefer it more cooked. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.

How to roast a chicken: 

Roasting a chicken is one of the most satisfying and rewarding cooking skills. You can make a delicious and nutritious meal for your family or friends with minimal effort. To roast a chicken: 

1. You need a large baking sheet or roasting pan, some oil or butter, some herbs and spices, a whole chicken (about 4 pounds), some salt and pepper, and a meat thermometer. 
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking sheet or roasting pan with some oil or butter. 
3. Rinse your chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also stuff some aromatics (such as garlic, lemon, onion, or rosemary) inside the cavity for extra flavor. 
4. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. Place your chicken breast side up on your prepared baking sheet or roasting pan and roast for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). 
5. Let your chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

These are some of the basic cooking techniques that every beginner should know. Of course, there are many more cooking techniques that you’ll learn as you practice and experiment with different recipes.

Basic Cooking Recipes

Now that you know some basic cooking terms and techniques, you need to learn some basic cooking recipes that will help you practice and apply your skills. Here are some of the easy and delicious recipes that every beginner should try:

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce: 

This is a classic and simple pasta dish that you can make in less than 30 minutes. You’ll need a large pot, a medium pot, a colander, a wooden spoon, a chef’s knife, a cutting board, and the following ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and parmesan cheese. To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, stirring occasionally. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and return it to the pot. Drizzle some olive oil over the spaghetti and toss to coat.
2. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, heat some olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes with their juice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil to taste.
3. Serve the spaghetti topped with the tomato sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

Roasted Chicken with Vegetables: 

This is a hearty and healthy meal that you can make in one pan. You’ll need a large baking sheet or roasting pan, some oil or butter, some herbs and spices, a whole chicken (about 4 pounds), some salt and pepper, a meat thermometer, and your choice of vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, onions, or broccoli). To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking sheet or roasting pan with some oil or butter. Rinse your chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also stuff some aromatics (such as garlic, lemon, onion, or rosemary) inside the cavity for extra flavor. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
2. Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with some oil or butter, salt, pepper, and more herbs and spices if desired. Arrange them around the chicken on your prepared baking sheet or roasting pan.
3. Roast for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). Let your chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the vegetables.

Chocolate Cake: 

This is a decadent and moist cake that you can make in one bowl. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, a measuring cup and spoons, a 9×13 inch baking pan, some cooking spray or oil, and the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, water, and chocolate frosting. To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray or grease your baking pan with some cooking spray or oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and water. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
4. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Enjoy your chocolate cake! 🍰

How to make a salad: 

1. Rinse the lettuce under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in the salad bowl.
2. Rinse the tomatoes and cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and the cucumbers into slices and add them to the salad bowl.
3. Peel the carrots and grate them using a grater. Add them to the salad bowl.
4. Cut the cheese into small cubes or shred it using a grater. Add it to the salad bowl.
5. Sprinkle some nuts over the salad for some crunch and flavor.
6. Drizzle some dressing of your choice over the salad and toss to coat.

Making a salad is one of the easiest and healthiest cooking skills. You can make a salad with any combination of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheese, or meat. To make a salad, you need a large salad bowl, a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a colander, and the following ingredients: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, cheese, nuts, dressing of your choice. To make this recipe, follow these steps:

How to make a sandwich: 

Making a sandwich is one of the most convenient and customizable cooking skills. You can make a sandwich with any kind of bread, filling, spread, or topping. To make a sandwich, you need a bread knife, a cutting board, a toaster (optional), and the following ingredients: bread slices (such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or rye bread), ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. To make this recipe, follow these steps:

1.     Toast the bread slices in a toaster or oven until lightly golden and crisp, if desired. You can also use fresh bread if you prefer.
2.     Cut the ham and cheese into thin slices using a bread knife and a cutting board. Wash the lettuce and tomato and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the tomato into thin slices as well.
3.     Spread some mayonnaise and mustard on one side of each bread slice. You can adjust the amount and type of spread according to your taste.
4.     Layer the ham and cheese on one bread slice, covering the spread evenly. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the cheese for extra flavor.
5.     Layer the lettuce and tomato on another bread slice, covering the spread evenly. Press the two bread slices together with the fillings in between.
6.     Cut the sandwich in half diagonally or into four triangles using a bread knife. Enjoy your sandwich! 🥪