How to Improve Your Cooking Skills: Tips from Professional Chefs
Want to become a better cook? Who doesn’t?! Having to offer a nice home-cooked meal to your family and friends is something to be proud of. However, many people can’t seem to find their way around the kitchen, which is why we’re here to help you. We’ve gathered some tips from professional chefs which are certain to set you on the right path of becoming a top home cook yourself!
Get the best ingredients
When you make a meal from scratch, the final product is as good as the ingredients you have to work with. If you’d like to have a quality end product, don’t be stingy while buying the ingredients. For example, if you were to bake a cake, you’d immediately notice the difference when you make it with high-grade Belgian chocolate compared to the cheapest one you got from your local supermarket.
Don’t be afraid to get messy
Most people avoid using their hands while they cook; however, feeling the food while you cook can make you a much better cook. Of course, it goes without saying that your hands should be sanitized at all times or you could even wear protective gloves. Your hands are the most valuable tool you have, and when well-trained, they can help you figure out how well done your food is. Also, if you like to bake, kneading and touching the dough is an integral part of the process. The hands-on approach is the best, so don’t be afraid to get your hands all messy! You can always check where to buy poppers to help deodorize the rest of the home after a pungent recipe! The mess will stay in the kitchen, hopefully! But the smell can follow you.
Have the best tools, pots, and pans
A great cook is measured by their ingredients, but also their tools. Fine culinary equipment should be your top priority if you’re passionate about improving your cooking skills. For example, a quality carbon steel wok will make your Asian food better than any delivery you’ve ever had. The greatest woks can boost your cooking no matter where you are because of their capacity to handle intense heat. Once you compare it to a low-grade counterpart, you’ll be sure to notice the jump in quality.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Play around with the ingredients as much as possible, it’s your kitchen after all! Experiment with different flavor combinations, no matter how untraditional they may be. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new culinary trend? Also, don’t shy away from trying out your dish after every next step. This way, you’ll know if it needs a bit more of a certain spice or if you need to balance the flavor with some acidity, for example.
Plan out your steps
It’s time to reevaluate your perspective on cooking if you believe it begins once the pan is hot. Menu planning is an important skill for a chef to possess. If you don’t plan out your meal before you attempt to make it, this is time, effort, and money – wasted. So, before you turn on the stove, make sure to know exactly what’s on tonight’s menu. You’ll have more time to double-check your recipe and make sure nothing is missing in your pantry. Imagine starting a dish and realizing halfway that you don’t really have the main component! This is why planning is crucial.
Becoming a better cook is something we should all aspire to do. By investing in quality ingredients and equipment, you’re on the right path to your first home-cook Michelin star. Additionally, make sure to know what you’ll be making ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor profiles too! Don’t forget, your hands are a cooking tool too, so don’t stay away from dirtying them up with food.