In my quest to become a better cook, I came up with 5 simple ways you can try that will help you become a better cook too:
1. Read That Recipe
There have been many times where I thought I read a recipe thoroughly but actually did not. Maybe I read baking soda when it really was baking powder or saw 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon. Once I thought I had all the ingredients on hand only to find that no, I do not have fresh thyme.
These issues would simply disappear if you make it a point to read the entire recipe, from start to finish. TWICE.
2. Practice Mise en Place
Mise en place is a French phrase that translates to “everything in its place”. It is all about preparing the food and equipment before you begin cooking. After you read the recipe, gather all of your tools, prep all of your ingredients, and clean up as you go. I purchased a bowl with a non-skid bottom made especially for scraps and garbage while you prep. It also helps to have some glass mixing bowls in various sizes on hand to hold your measured ingredients. These products help make cooking less stressful and chaotic overall.
I used to take out the first few ingredients I needed then go back to the pantry for the rest or mince my onions just before they needed to be put into the pan. Having a clean, organized workspace with everything prepped beforehand really enhances the entire cooking process. I found practicing mise en place especially handy when wok cooking. Stir fry cooking is very fast and it really helps when all of the ingredients are measured out and ready to go!
3. Keep Your Knife Sharp
A sharp knife is essential for cleaner cuts. Working with a dull knife is also a safety issue because it requires you to use more pressure which can cause the knife to slip as you cut. Some stores like Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Tabla will sharpen your knives for a small fee. There are also local knife sharpeners that you can probably find in your community. All will probably suggest you sharpen your knives at least once a year, maybe twice, depending on the frequency of use.
By the way, if you do not have a good quality chef’s knife, it is definitely worth purchasing. A chef’s knife should be 8 – 10-inch long and can be used for multiple purposes such as the slicing and dicing of fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish.
One of these days I will also practice my knife skills but this post is all about simple ways to become a better cook!
4. Learn Patience
I am not the most patient person in the world and my cooking sometimes suffers because of it. One of the worst things I do is crowd the pan when I sauté or fry. I sometimes place too many items in the pan which causes the pan temperature to lower. This creates steam and prevents the food from browning properly. So wait for your pan to get nice and hot before you start to cook and avoid crowding the pan!
Another place to practice patience is with timing. I often roast vegetables and potatoes in the oven. Sometimes in a rush to get dinner on the table, I take them out of the oven before they are caramelized. When I give them the time to really brown in the oven, it makes a tremendous difference in their taste and texture.
As they say, patience is a virtue!
5. Participate in a Challenge
Do you ever feel like cooking every day has become a chore? One way to keep it interesting is to try new recipes by participating in a challenge. Trying new techniques or ingredients also help you become a better cook. Last year I joined a Meatless Monday challenge and it was a lot of fun. Not only did I look forward to creating new meals, but I also enjoyed sharing the results with others in the community.
While these simple tips won’t turn you into Bobby Flay overnight, I guarantee they will help you become a better cook. Give these five easy tips a try and share your comments below. Do you have any tips for becoming a better cook?
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