No matter how good or bad you think you are at cooking, there is always room for improvement. Even the most celebrated chefs in the world would admit they aren’t perfect, and there are always new ingredients to try, techniques to master, and culinary expertise to learn.
If you are a novice in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to try and improve your skills. Being able to cook is one of the most important skills you can have in life. It’s not a talent people are born with. It takes time and practice to improve your abilities, and you will make plenty of mistakes along the way.
Here are some tips to follow that will improve your cooking skills and make you a master of the kitchen.
- Keep your knives sharp
Any good chef worth their salt has an array of knives at their disposal, but it is crucial that you keep them sharp. A well-honed blade will allow you to be more precise and intricate with your cutting technique, and will actually make a kitchen mishap less likely. It seems counterintuitive, but a blunt blade is more likely to cause an accident than a sharp one, as it is more prone to slipping. Invest in a knife sharpener or honing steel to keep a fine edge on your blades. Choose wood and plastic cutting boards over metal and stone, which will quickly blunt your knives,
- Understand herbs and spices
Seasoning is the key to every meal, and most people have no idea what they’re doing in this respect. Amateur chefs tend to dump in a load of salt and some random herbs at the start or end of the cooking process, but you need a strategic, staged approach to seasoning to really bring out the flavor. Learn how to use different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of any meal.
- Don’t always trust the recipes
The best way to learn to cook is by following recipes and cooking videos, but as you become more experienced, you will learn to take these with a pinch of salt. If you follow them too strictly, you will be restricted from learning and growing as a cook. Use them as a guideline that you can adapt if needed. Perhaps you feel your chicken parmesan recipe would be improved with more garlic? Don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new.
- Pick the best ingredients
The reason restaurant meals taste so good is that they always use the finest ingredients available. Pay more attention to what you buy and remember that you sometimes have to spend a little more to get the best items. Shopping at farmer’s markets is an excellent way to source high-quality fresh ingredients.
- Be organized
A lack of order in the kitchen can ruin a meal. Not knowing where your colander is when you most need it or forgetting to chop the garlic in advance can lead to a culinary disaster. Having more structure will make the cooking process more efficient, and you will be less likely to make mistakes. Have a place for everything and prep all of your food before you start cooking. Clean the kitchen as you go to minimize washing up after the meal.