A Complete Guide To Cooking For Beginners: With Easy Recipes

Want to hone your skills? Consistency is key! Like anything we do, cooking improves with practice. Set aside time each week to experiment in the kitchen and watch your confidence soar. Embrace the journey rather than fixate on perfection right from the start. The goal here is to get yourself acclimated to the kitchen environment. Approach this with a positive mindset and a “can-do” attitude to help make the process of learning easier.

Behind every great meal is a set of reliable pots and pans. Investing in quality cookware and utensils not only simplifies the learning curve but also enhances the joy of cooking. Consider opting for high-quality, non-stick cookware to enjoy the convenience of cooking without the hassle of clean-up afterwards. Consider reputable brands like Pretty Major, which offers cookware with durable ceramic nonstick coating, ensuring a smooth and seamless cooking experience. With their multifunctional 8-in-1 usage, these cookware sets seamlessly adapt to various cooking methods and are compatible with all cooktops, enriching your culinary toolkit with unparalleled versatility and convenience

A sharp knife is every chef’s best friend. Investing in high-quality knives will help ease your cooking process and avoid accidents from happening in the kitchen. However, along with having the proper equipment, it is equally vital to master the right knife techniques. Acquiring proficiency in these skills enhances efficiency and precision during food preparation and reduces the risk of mishaps in the kitchen. Understanding the correct handling and grip techniques offers better control over the knife, reducing the likelihood of slips and cuts occurring during the food preparation process. Cultivating such safe practices not only safeguards yourself in the kitchen but also elevates your culinary skills.

It is easy to find recipes that draw you into the kitchen with excitement and enthusiasm. And so, it can be tempting to dive headfirst into tackling these complex dishes. However, resist the urge to do so and begin with simple, straightforward recipes. These foundational dishes not only build confidence in the kitchen but also enhance proficiency in the kitchen. By mastering the basics first, you will acquire valuable skills and techniques that will serve you well as you gradually expand your culinary repertoire.

While creativity is a vital aspect of cooking and it is highly encouraged, however, beginners should adhere closely to recipes. This approach allows you to grasp flavour combinations and cooking methods effectively and thoroughly. Over time, as you gain confidence in the kitchen, feel free to experiment and add your personal touch to the recipe!

With the Internet at our fingertips, inspiration and assistance are always readily available—so make the most of it! Browse cookbooks, scour the web for recipes, tips and tricks, and don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for guidance! Finding a community around your cooking endeavours can be immensely beneficial. Not only does it keep you accountable but it also offers invaluable support and encouragement throughout your culinary journey. Remember, reaching out for help and sharing experiences is all part of the process of learning and growing in the kitchen.

Cooking is sure to be an adventure filled with ups and downs. Practice being patient with yourself whether that is dedicating countless hours to practise at home or granting yourself grace when faced with challenges and mistakes. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes but also don’t forget to celebrate your victories along the way, no matter how big or small.

Here are 3 recipes you might want to start with:

1. To prepare the stir-fry sauce, start by whisking together cornstarch and water in a medium-sized bowl until smooth. Incorporate chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil and red pepper flakes into the mixture. Whisk thoroughly before setting it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken (in batches if necessary), seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
5. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots, cooking and stirring occasionally until they reach a crisp-tender texture. Add ginger and garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
7. Whisk and pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, gently stirring to coat evenly.
8. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally and let it boil for a minute.
9. Serve the stir fry with rice and/or chow mein if desired.

1. In a deep pan or pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Saute onions until they become soft before adding the minced garlic and continue sautéing for 30 seconds.

2. Add in your cherry tomatoes and sauté for an additional minute.

3. Pour the stock over the dry ingredients and add the pasta, seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Maintain a low to medium heat and allow the pasta to boil for 7-8 minutes.

6. Stir in spinach until wilted.

7. Remove from heat and give the pasta one final mix before serving.

1. Peel and dice potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. In a medium pot, cover the potatoes with cold water and add 2 tbsp of kosher salt. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, cover it with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and continue simmering until a skewer easily pierces the potato.

4. Drain the water completely and return the pot to medium heat to evaporate any remaining liquid. Remove from heat when dry.

5. Lightly mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in rice vinegar and freshly ground black pepper to the pot before setting aside to cool.

6. While the potatoes cool, boil carrot slices until tender. Drain and set aside.

7. Boil the egg over medium heat. Once boiling, set a timer for 11–12 minutes and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. When the timer goes off, cool the egg in cold water. Peel and chop the boiled egg into smaller pieces. Set aside.

8. Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp kosher salt over the cucumber slices, kneading them with your hand to release any moisture. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid and set aside.

9. Thinly slice ham and set aside.

10. Combine all ingredients with the cooled potatoes. Add Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise and mix well.

11. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving.

The first step to any new venture is always the hardest, and cooking is no exception. However, with unwavering persistence and dedication, you will soon cultivate the confidence and proficiency needed to excel at cooking in the kitchen. Throughout this journey, it is important to practise both patience and compassion with yourself, embracing every success and setback. So keep exploring, keep experimenting, and above all, just keep cooking!