What are the 5 basic cooking skills?

Cooking is an essential skill that everyone should learn. It not only helps you to eat healthy and save money, but it also allows you to be creative in the kitchen. However, if you are new to cooking, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

In this article, we will discuss the 5 basic cooking skills that every beginner should learn.

See also: How to make delicious Gluten-Free White Cake

What are the 5 Basic Cooking Skills?

1. Knife Skills

The first and most important skill in the kitchen is knife skills. Whether you are cooking vegetables, meat, or fruit, you need to have good knife skills to make the process easier and efficient. You should learn the proper way to hold a knife and how to cut different types of food. The three basic cuts that every beginner should learn are:

Chop

Chopping is the process of cutting food into small pieces. It is usually used for vegetables, herbs, and fruits. To chop, hold the food with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to cut through it with a downward motion.

Dice

Dicing is similar to chopping, but the pieces are smaller and more uniform. It is usually used for onions, garlic, and other aromatics. To dice, cut the food into slices, then cut those slices into small cubes.

Julienne

Julienning is the process of cutting food into thin, matchstick-like pieces. It is usually used for vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. To julienne, cut the food into thin slices, then stack them and cut them into thin strips.

2. Boiling

Boiling is a simple cooking method that involves cooking food in boiling water. It is used for pasta, rice, vegetables, and more. To boil food, bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the food and cook until it is tender. It is important to use the right amount of water and cook the food for the right amount of time to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

3. Sauteing

Sauteing is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat. It is used for vegetables, meat, and seafood. To saute, heat the oil or butter in a pan, then add the food and cook until it is browned on the outside and cooked on the inside.

4. Baking

Baking is a cooking method that involves cooking food in an oven. It is used for bread, pastries, and desserts. To bake, preheat the oven to the desired temperature, then place the food on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and cook until it is golden brown.

5. Grilling

Grilling is a cooking method that involves cooking food over an open flame. It is used for meat, seafood, and vegetables. To grill, heat the grill to the desired temperature, then place the food on the grill and cook until it is charred on the outside and cooked on the inside.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these are the five basic cooking skills that every beginner should learn. Knife skills are essential for cutting food efficiently, boiling is a simple cooking method for cooking food in boiling water, sauteing is a cooking method for cooking food in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat, baking is a cooking method for cooking food in an oven, and grilling is a cooking method for cooking food over an open flame. With these skills, you can create delicious and healthy meals in the comfort of your own kitchen.