1. Don't be intimidated by cooking
You might be afraid of cooking. That's okay. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and you're not alone. Cooking intimidates a lot of people, especially with all the information out there on how to do it properly. There are many different methods for cooking food, but that doesn't mean you have to know them all. You probably don't want to take up cooking as a hobby or profession and spend your free time figuring out new recipes and techniques, but you also don't have to be intimidated by it.
Trying out one new recipe a week can give you more confidence in the kitchen and help you learn some tricks along the way. It can also open the door to trying out more recipes, learning about various ingredients, and trying new foods.
2. Be curious about food
To be a good cook and appreciate a great meal, you need to be curious about food and have an adventurous spirit. You've got to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. An avid cook is always learning, always tasting new foods and new recipes.
Type of food. A good cook doesn't limit himself to one type of cuisine. He or she has a passion for all kinds of food, from the local favorites to exotic dishes from faraway lands.
Cooking methods. One of the most important skills in the kitchen is knowing how to prepare different types of foods using different cooking methods. If you want to become an excellent cook, you must master all the basic cooking techniques: baking, grilling, roasting, and boiling are just a few examples of basic techniques that every home cook should know how to do well. Then there are more advanced methods like steaming, poaching, and sauteing that can turn simple ingredients into culinary delights.
Flavor enhancers. Cooking isn't just about making things taste good — it's also about enhancing the flavor of ingredients so that they reach their full potential. A great cook knows how to add subtle enhancements like salt and pepper or powerful boosters like garlic or truffle oil that can make the simplest food.
3. Be social (and ask for help)
If you're having friends over for dinner, don't let that stress you out. Ask for help. When people who are good cooks hear about your cooking plans, they often want to pitch in. Just put it out there: "I'm making a pot roast this weekend; does anyone have roast-cooking tips?" People have so many favorite recipes and ways of doing things that they're usually happy to share their expertise. You'll likely get some great advice!
4. Don't fret about mistakes
The art of cooking, like anything else, is just a skill that needs to be practiced.
When cooking, don't worry too much about making mistakes. When you first start cooking, you will inevitably burn or overcook things. This is completely normal and will happen to everyone at one point or another. It's best to keep calm and learn from your mistakes rather than getting frustrated.
5. Organize yourself
If you're not organized it's likely that you'll rush. This means that recipes will be used incorrectly or left out altogether. Being organized helps to ensure that things don't go wrong and that you know what steps to take next. If you're dealing with multiple dishes then make sure that everything is ready before you start so that you don't have to stop.
6. Work cleanly
Always work with a clean and tidy work surface, with all of your ingredients laid out and ready for use. If you need to measure something, do it neatly on paper so you can refer back to it when needed. When prepping ingredients, always wash them first so that they're ready for cooking.
7. Use good quality ingredients
When using fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, make sure they're of good quality. Poorly sourced produce won't taste as good as the best stuff and can often be more expensive too!
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