Simple Strategies to Help You Be a Better Cook

No matter the route you take, these tips will help you stay on the path to becoming a better cook and give you some creative freedom in the kitchen.

How often have you stood in the kitchen just wishing you were a good cook? Fortunately, you can be a better cook without putting too much time and effort into it. You won’t even need to do a cooking class! (But definitely take one if it’s something you’re interested in — they’re fun!) Becoming a better cook is all about knowing where to start and being consistent. Focus on the basics and work your way up from there. There are plenty of simple recipes to try, whether you find them online or in a cookbook. You could even start with a dish you already know how to make, such as a simple grilled cheese, and try new and different spins on it! No matter the route you take, these tips will help you stay on the path to becoming a better cook and give you some creative freedom in the kitchen.

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How to Be a Better Cook (Photo: Person cutting vegetables with knife)
Credit: Alyson McPhee

Be a Better Cook with These Simple Strategies

Try New Recipes

It’s always beneficial to try new recipes when you want to be a better cook. They might not be perfect the first time you make them, but you’ll get better and better each time. All you’ll really need to do is follow the instructions, and you’re good to go. Look for recipes you find appealing, especially those that are great for beginners, like this teriyaki salmon recipe you’ll love. Over time, you’ll gain knowledge and advance to more challenging dishes. You’ll be a better cook before you know it!

Experiment with Ingredients

Different recipes aren’t the only things you can play around with. You can experiment with ingredients, too! Instead of following a recipe the way it is, try switching an ingredient or two with something you think could taste nicer. It’s worth experimenting with this after you’re done experimenting with different recipes. Cooking is more forgiving than baking since there are more opportunities to flavor foods to taste instead of precise measurements. As you gain more experience with certain foods and spices, you’ll be surprised by how much your cooking intuition kicks in.

Invest in Your Equipment

Trying to be a better cook doesn’t always mean focusing just on the food. Sometimes, what you’re cooking with matters just as much as what you’re cooking. Make sure you have good-quality equipment to cook your food with. Sharp stainless steel knives, high-quality pots and pans, and similar equipment will all be needed. The quality of your equipment could have an impact on the quality of your food, so do your research and choose wisely!

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