So you want to know how to become a better cook in 30 days so your family and friends think you’re a whiz in the kitchen. Perhaps you just want to develop healthy eating habits or enhance your nutritional intake so you can reach fitness goals. Maybe you’re looking to be the next Master Chef or winner of My Kitchen Rules. Whatever your motive is to become a better cook, you have come to the right place.
Everyone has it in them to become a better cook in 30 days, it’s just a matter of knowing where to start and how you can master those finer skills to make your foods a culinary delight. In fact, if you devote enough time, effort, practice and patience to developing your cooking skills, then who knows how many people will be lining up to try your latest recipe.
The truth of the matter is not many people are natural chefs. Most, even the greatest of chefs, started out with limited knowledge of cooking when they first started and they had to upskill so they could master the craft. Given this, you can follow simple principles to improve your skills also. Over time and with practice, you will learn how to cook sumptuous meals.
Let’s look at the 8 steps for you to become a better cook in 30 days right now.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days Step #1 Seek out new recipes
If you often prepare the same meals, then you are not allowing yourself to experiment. Trying new dishes will improve your skills as you’ll have to use new techniques. So take the time to seek out new recipes and get adventurous.
If you’re a little apprehensive because you’re starting from scratch and you have little to no experience, then find simple recipes. This approach will help you understand cooking basics and help you to master these skills before you move on to harder dishes.
Once you have nailed the basics, then it’s time to try harder recipes that challenge these skills. Pushing yourself out of your culinary comfort zone will also boost your confidence. Plus, you can test ideas and find out where you excel.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days HOT TIP
Find recipes that match your current level of skill. And, if you’re not sure what level you’re at, then try basic recipes and move up from here. Starting simple lets you develop your basic skills so that you improve your skillset.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days Step #2 Always prep first
Once you have a recipe in mind, it is time to prep. Prepping everything first (your vegetables, protein, nuts, herbs, oils, etc) will ensure that you have everything in place and ready to be cooked when you need it. This approach prevents you from getting flustered, missing recipe steps, or burning food.
Adding vegetables or herbs later to your dish later if you wish to add flavour to your food. Late additions often result in food that is bland, and the overall result won’t be the same.
Prepping your ingredients and having everything in order will ensure that your cooking experience is stress-free. Plus, you’ll enjoy the experience. Overall you’ll be able to expect better results because you won’t be rushed off your feet.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days HOT TIP
Try easier dishes with less preparation time. As you become more skilled look for recipes that have longer or more detailed preparation.
Become A Better Cook Step #3 Take care of your knives
Having sharp knives enhances your cooking abilities. Not only do sharp knives make slicing meat and vegetables a lot easier, but they also eliminate stress and frustration in the kitchen. Plus, having sharp knives boosts your confidence as you feel like a true chef.
So, invest in a quality knife set and sharpen them regularly. It’s also recommended that you wash them after use and dry them with a cloth. Always store your knives in a block or on a magnetic strip and use a cutting board at all times when you’re using them. These practical hints will allow you to take care of your knives so they last longer and serve you well.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days HOT TIP
Find a knife set that you feel comfortable with. Test the handles and find the right-hand grip and weight for you.
Become A Better Cook Step #4 Add flavour
Sometimes home-cooked meals can taste a little bland. Often this is due to a lack of flavour. The reason restaurant meals taste so good is that the chef develops the food’s flavour.
You can achieve the same level of flavour by adding herbs, spices, and seasoning For instance, you could make a garlic herb butter sirloin steak and achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Just because you are cooking at home doesn’t mean that your steak has to taste bland. Simply changing what you cook with and adding some flavourings can instantly enhance your cooking skills.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days HOT TIP
If you don’t have herbs, spices and seasoning in your kitchen then it’s time to build up your collection. Some great basics are garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, cinnamon and ginger.
Become A Better Cook Step #5 Taste as you go
All good cooks taste as they go. This strategy enables you to get maximum flavour into your foods and helps you make them delicious. Many seasoned chefs say that this is how you get the final result perfect.
HOT TIP – Taste as you cook to get the essential balance in your dishes. You can then tweak your dishes as you go to really make the flovours pop.
Become A Better Cook Step #6 Dry your protein
If you are cooking lean meats or fish, then it can often be a good idea to dry them off with a paper towel before you start to cook them. This process helps to stop the protein from steaming. You want your protein to sear for the best texture and taste.
HOT TIP – Removing any moisture from the protein will allow you to get the best sear.
Become A Better Cook Step #7 Temper the protein
To further enhance the taste and texture of your protein, it can also help to temper it. This simply means allowing it to sit on the counter instead of in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking it.
HOT TIP – Tempering protein is extra step. While it’s not as important as drying it can certainly improve your cooking skills and the overall result of your meal.
Become A Better Cook Step #8 Rest the protein
The final step to nailing protein flavour and texture is to let it rest after it has been cooked. This only needs a minute or so. While it rests, all of the juices continue to simmer on the inside. So, when it comes to eating the meal it is tender and delicious.
Become A Better Cook In 30 Days Key Takeaways
To become a better cook in 30 days takes a little patience and consitent practice. Try carrying out the 8 steps at least once daily. If you feel strapped for time, then look for easier recipes to cook. If you follow these steps often, then you’ll find that after 30 days your meals will taste better and you’ll be cooking with greater confidence. You’ll also find that you’re more enthusiastic about cooking and healthy eating.
Just to recap, to become a better cook in 30 days follow these steps:
- Seek out new recipes – try and test recipes that push you out of your comfort zone.
- Always prep first – prepare all of your ingredients so cooking is effortless and stress-free.
- Take care of your knives – looking after knives reduces stress, frustration, and boosts confidence.
- Add flavour – use herbs, spices and seasoning to bring out your foods flavour.
- Taste as you go – tasting your food as you cook lets you get the right balance.
- Dry the protein – use a paper towel to dry your protein.
- Temper the protein – let the protein sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Rest the protein – let the protein rest after it has been cooked.
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