Beginner’s Mind: Cooking Tips for Inexperienced Cooks

Cooking
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Embarking on your culinary journey for the first time? It’s all good! The kitchen realm can seem awfully intimidating for those who have only seen it from the outside so far; but once you get in there and start experimenting, you soon find that it’s pretty fun. However, if you still find the experience unsettling, here are five simple tips to make your initial kitchen endeavors enjoyable and stress-free.

Start With Basic Recipes

No need to jump straight to level five cooking! Start at level one with straightforward recipes featuring minimal ingredients and steps. Over time, you’ll be able to gradually build your skills, and then start tackling more complex dishes.

Invest in Essential Tools

Before you start experimenting, it’s really important to acquire basic kitchen tools that’ll make your life easier. Items like a good knife, a decent cutting board, and reliable pots. Quality tools can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Master Basic Cooking Techniques

You might find this silly, but it’s highly recommended to take the time to learn fundamental techniques like chopping, sautéing, and boiling. These basic skills form the foundation for countless recipes.

Taste as You Go

This is a pro tip as much as it is a beginner’s tip, as it never ceases to be relevant. Don’t be afraid to taste your food while cooking! This will help you to adjust seasoning as needed, develop your palate, and perfect your dishes.

Organize Your Workspace

Decluttering is everything (just ask Marie Kondo). Before you start cooking, set up your workspace by removing what you don’t need and gathering ingredients and utensils in an accessible location. A tidy kitchen makes the cooking process much smoother.