How to Become a Better Cook
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How to Become a Better Cook doesn’t mean mastering complicated dishes. It’s about building skills, understanding techniques, and working smarter in the kitchen. Simple habits, like keeping a sharp knife and tasting as you go, can make a huge difference.
Become a Better Cook
Learn how to be a better cook with my simple tips, essential skills, and practical advice. Master classic techniques, work smarter, and you’ll enjoy cooking more.
Pro Tip:
One of the best tips for improving your cooking is to focus on techniques, not recipes. You can cook almost anything without constantly checking instructions if you know how to sear, roast, or poach. It builds confidence and makes cooking feel less stressful.
This is my son Lincoln. We taught him to cook at nine to earn the Cooking Badge in Boy Scouts. Lincoln is 23 now and makes homemade pasta, pizza dough, grills, and smokes like a pro. He also teaches a cooking class to his fraternity at college.
He isn’t afraid to tackle anything in the kitchen because we encouraged him to try and gave him confidence along his journey.
Tips for Getting Better
- Read Before You Start: Always read the full recipe so you’re not caught off guard.
- Use a Sharp Knife: It’s safer, faster, and makes prep easier.
- Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end. Add a little salt or acid while cooking to balance flavors.
- Clean as You Go: A tidy workspace helps you stay organized and enjoy cooking more.
- Source Good Ingredients: Quality ingredients can make even simple dishes taste better.
- Learn Fundamentals: There are a few fundamentals to learn that will immediately level up your cooking abilities. They are: learn how to deglaze a pan, learn the mother sauces, learn to make pastry, learn to poach eggs, make stock from scratch, bake with yeast, roast the perfect potato, make a salad dressing from scratch, learn how to stir fry
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fancy equipment?
No, but a few good tools—like a sharp knife, sturdy pans, and a reliable thermometer—make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
How do I get better without taking classes?
Practice often, watch videos, and focus on understanding techniques like sautéing, roasting, and baking.
How can I tell when food is correctly seasoned?
Taste at different stages of prep. A small pinch of salt or a splash of acid can make a big difference if flavors feel flat.
Becoming a better cook Conclusion
Preparing food takes practice, patience, and attention to the basics. Focus on learning techniques, using the right tools, and working with the best ingredients you can find. Small changes in how you cook can lead to big improvements over time.