Those just starting in the kitchen should prioritize mastering the basics, which will lay the groundwork for all their subsequent endeavors. Contrarily, cooking is one of the trickiest activities to categorize. The terms “art,” “science,” and “survival tool” all apply as alternate descriptors. Prepare a meal by yourself or with others. Practice makes perfect, so the more you cook, the better you’ll become.
Nobody is born with the ability to whip up a gourmet meal. People like you, who are looking for a solid foundation in kitchen jargon, will have to begin your culinary education at square one. The right way to cook chicken, what is veal, and how to serve steak rare are just a few examples. This article is for you if you want to become a better cook but lack the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to cook like a pro.
1. Maintain Your Knives Sharp
When first starting in the kitchen, it’s important to master the basics, such as how to peel and chop an onion, mince garlic, and chop a head of romaine lettuce for salads. Only a trained chef can understand the myriad technical factors that go into making a precise cut. For any job in the food industry, you need to know how to use a knife safely and effectively.
Using sharp knives does not just make slicing, dicing, and chopping more fun and efficient. It is also safer because the knife is less likely to slip off a vegetable and into your finger. Most home cooks should sharpen their knives twice a year. Most people prefer to have their knives sharpened by a professional, but if you’re up for the effort, you may buy some stones and do it yourself.
2. Be Safe in the Kitchen
In a commercial kitchen, where things move quickly, accidents can happen if you’re not careful. Keep an eye on your health while working in the busy kitchen. By mastering these skills, you will be able to keep up with the pace and ensure your safety. If you want to start strong and build a lasting career as a chef, you need to know the fundamentals.
3. Work or Cook Clean
Maintain a tidy environment. Freshen up your stock and rotate your food frequently. An item that has been sitting on a shelf for an extended period, months or even years, should be avoided at all costs. You should dispose of or use things that have been collecting dust for more than six months. Discipline is the key to becoming an expert at cleaning as you go.
In time, people will get used to this, just as when they clean up after themselves when they finish. The point is for you to carry it out with minimal conscious effort. You can focus on what you’re doing while cooking by clearing the kitchen as you move around.
Conclusion
It will be difficult to carry out if you have no prior experience in the kitchen. If you’re a home cook who wants to improve your skills and become better at preparing meals, you can use the list above as a jumping-off point to learn new techniques and tactics you can put to use right away.
