23 Essential Cooking Tips: How to Get Better at Home Cooking in 2024

Learn how to get better at home cooking right now. Have you thought to yourself, “Why do I find cooking so stressful?” Or “How can I improve my cooking quality?” It’s totally possible to learn to cook well without going to culinary school. 

Fancy cooking gifts may help refine your abilities and the best cookbooks will help prepare you, but these tips give you the foundation you truly need to thrive in the kitchen. 

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• How to Improve Cooking Skills Easily
• How to Get Better at Home Cooking for Beginners

How to Improve Cooking Skills Easily

Is it possible to learn how to become a better cook in 30 days and how do you become a better cook at home? With these tips, you can start your journey of becoming a legitimate chef. Use these kitchen hacks to up your cooking abilities now. 

1. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes offer hands-on guidance to boost your confidence and refine your skills in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to master specific cuisines, classes can teach you practical techniques in a structured setting. Choose online Zoom cooking classes for flexibility or attend in-person workshops for a more immersive experience. 

Many classes cover foundational skills, like knife techniques, seasoning and creating complex flavors, while advanced courses dive into cuisines. Discover cooking classes in Barcelona, cooking classes in Kansas City, cooking classes in Orlando and cooking classes near you. Alternatively, you can give these classes as experience gifts to friends and loved ones. 

2. Learn the Rules of Salt

Who knew salt could be so complex? Growing up, many of us only knew basic table salt, but now there’s a whole aisle dedicated to it. With so many options, choosing the right salt and knowing how to use it effectively can enhance your cooking.

Rather than focusing on brands, understanding the main types of salt will give you more control over your cooking.

• Kosher Salt: A medium-flaked salt ideal for seasoning meats, boiling pasta and flavoring sauces. It’s also excellent for rubbing onto potatoes before roasting.

• Fine Sea Salt: This dissolves quickly, making it perfect for baking, mayonnaise or any recipe where even seasoning is key.

• Big-Flaked Sea Salt: Used to finish dishes after cooking, big-flaked salt adds a final pop of flavor. It’s perfect for sprinkling on salads or finishing off a steak.

These are general guidelines, but remember, a teaspoon of fine salt packs a stronger punch than a teaspoon of flaky salt. Always “salt to taste.” You can add more but can’t take it away.

Salt enhances flavors by making foods taste more like themselves. A sprinkle on a tomato, for example, amplifies its natural flavor. Salt also balances tastes in sweet dishes, like chocolate desserts, where a hint of salt can elevate the richness.

• Fatty Foods Need More Salt: Rich foods like French fries and ribeye steaks shine with a good amount of salt to cut through the fat.

• Balance Flavor with Salt: If your dish tastes too sweet, sour or flat, a bit more salt can bring flavors into balance. In salads, for instance, the salt in blue cheese or bacon plays a big part in balancing bitterness and richness.

3. Invest in Good Equipment

Investing in high-quality cooking tools can elevate your cooking experience, making it easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials worth splurging on:

• Chef’s Knife: A sturdy, sharp chef’s knife makes chopping faster and safer, reducing strain on your hands.

• Reliable Pots and Pans: Quality cookware distributes heat evenly, ensuring your food cooks consistently. Look for durable options, such as stainless steel or cast iron.

• Non-Stick Skillet: A good non-stick skillet prevents food from sticking, allowing you to cook with less oil and making cleanup easier.

• Measuring Tools: Accurate measuring cups and spoons are essential for precise cooking and baking, giving you consistent results every time.

• Digital Thermometer: A food thermometer ensures safe cooking temperatures and helps you achieve the perfect level of doneness for meats, fish and baked items.

While quality tools may require a bigger upfront investment, they save money and reduce frustrations over time by being durable, effective and easy to use.

4. Watch Cooking Shows or Tutorials

Is cooking at home actually healthier? It can be. By watching cooking shows or tutorials, you’ll learn that it’s definitely more fun. Plus, watching these guides is an easy way to learn tips and techniques from professionals without needing to leave home. Shows provide step-by-step guidance on preparing dishes, explaining everything from ingredient selection to plating techniques. You can learn about flavor pairings, the importance of preparation steps and even get creative presentation ideas. 

If you prefer a shorter time commitment, online tutorials are often focused on specific techniques or recipes, giving you the flexibility to target what you want to improve. Watching chefs in action can also inspire you to try new recipes and elevate your cooking style.

5. Try Different Recipes

Cooking the same meals can lead to routine and limit your skills. Explore different recipes to expand your palate, discover new ingredients and master various cooking methods. Begin by trying a mix of cuisines, such as Mediterranean or Asian dishes, to experiment with different spices and preparation styles. 

Gradually trying new recipes will also make you more versatile, teaching you adaptable skills like making sauces from scratch, roasting vegetables or incorporating unique flavor combinations. Stepping out of your comfort zone with recipes not only enhances your cooking skills but also keeps mealtime exciting and fresh.

6. Experiment with Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are essential to making dishes vibrant and flavorful. Experimenting with these can transform ordinary meals into something extraordinary. Start by learning which herbs pair well with certain foods—like rosemary with lamb or basil with tomatoes. You can also try creating your own spice blends, adding cumin and coriander for Middle Eastern flavors or cinnamon and cloves for warmth. 

Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro and mint add brightness, while spices like smoked paprika and turmeric bring depth. Tasting and combining different herbs and spices gives you a better understanding of flavors and teaches you how to create complex, balanced dishes.

7. Practice Mise en Place

Starting a recipe only to discover you’re missing ingredients or tools can derail a dish. Practicing mise en place—a French term meaning “everything in its place”—is essential for smooth, stress-free cooking. This habit helps you stay organized and focused, turning cooking into an enjoyable and efficient process.

The goal of mise en place is to be fully prepared before you begin cooking. Here’s how to make it work.

• Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Take notes on any special tools or ingredient preparations needed. Convert measurements if necessary.

• Gather Your Tools: Collect all the cookware and utensils you’ll need, such as cutting boards, pots, pans, spatulas and measuring cups.

Tools for Mise en Place

These essentials vary by recipe, but often include:

• Cutting boards

• Pots, pans and baking sheets

• Utensils (spoons, whisks, spatulas)

• Knives, peelers and graters

• Mixing and prep bowls

With everything in place, you can enjoy the cooking process without interruptions, improving both your experience and your results.

8. Learn How to Pair Foods

Learning food pairing is key to creating well-rounded, delicious meals. Certain ingredients naturally complement each other, enhancing each other's flavors when combined. For example, acidic foods like citrus or vinegar can brighten up rich or fatty dishes, while sweet ingredients like honey or fruit can balance spicy flavors. 

Start by pairing contrasting textures (like crunchy and creamy) or complementary flavors (like sweet and savory). Understanding the basics of food pairing will help you think creatively in the kitchen, allowing you to build balanced and exciting dishes without always relying on recipes.

9. Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is an invaluable tool for ensuring your food is cooked safely and to the perfect level of doneness. For meats, poultry and fish, precise temperatures ensure food is safe to eat without being overcooked. For example, knowing the difference between medium-rare and well-done steak can help you cater to personal preferences. 

Thermometers are also helpful for baking, where precise temperatures can determine the texture of delicate items like custards and bread. Using a thermometer removes the guesswork from cooking, giving you consistent, reliable results.

10. Document Your Cooking

Documenting your cooking process and results is a fantastic way to improve and track your progress over time. Keep a cooking journal or use an app to jot down recipes, modifications and tasting notes. Note what worked, what didn’t and any adjustments you’d make next time. 

This is particularly useful when experimenting with new recipes, as it helps you refine your techniques and recreate successful dishes. Writing down your experiences also allows you to build a personalized cookbook of your favorite meals and cooking tips, making it easy to revisit and improve your creations.

11. Use Your Pan Space Properly

Using pan space effectively is crucial for achieving evenly cooked and flavorful dishes. Overcrowding a pan causes food to steam instead of sear, resulting in a soggy texture. To avoid this, make sure there’s enough space between ingredients, especially when cooking proteins or roasting vegetables. 

For stir-frying, work in small batches to get a nice char and keep vegetables crisp. Using the right-sized pan for your ingredients ensures consistent cooking, better flavor and a more professional-looking dish. Manage pan space well and you’ll cook with more precision and achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

12. Learn Basic Techniques 

Mastering a few basic cooking techniques can elevate your dishes and broaden your recipe repertoire. Here are ten essential methods to get you started:

• Blanching: Quickly boiling food, then plunging it into ice water preserves color and nutrients. Tip: Blanching helps remove skins from vegetables and membranes from meats.

• Poaching: Gently cooking ingredients like eggs or fish in a flavorful liquid just below boiling point. Tip: Add stock, herbs or spices to the poaching liquid for extra flavor.

• Boiling: Perfect for pasta and hearty vegetables. Tip: Stop the cooking process by immersing in cold water to avoid overcooking.

• Steaming: Retains moisture and nutrients, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes. Tip: For added flavor, use broth or juice instead of water.

• Braising: A slow-cooking method where food is simmered in a small amount of liquid. Tip: Add flour or pureed vegetables to thicken the sauce as it cooks.

• Roasting and Baking: Great for meats, vegetables and baked goods. Tip: Season and sear meats before roasting for extra flavor.

• Grilling and Broiling: Use direct heat to quickly cook foods, adding smoky or charred flavors. Grilling Tip: Experiment with different woods for varied flavors. Broiling Tip: Prop open the oven door slightly to keep the broiler on.

• Pan Frying: Creates a crispy crust and juicy interior, ideal for meats and veggies. Tip: Season your batter or breading with spices for more depth of flavor.

• Sautéing: Quick-cooks food in a small amount of oil, keeping flavors fresh. Tip: Deglaze the pan after sautéing to create a flavorful sauce.

• Deep Frying: Fully submerging food in oil produces a crispy exterior. Tip: Experiment with different batters to achieve varied textures.

Mastering these techniques gives you a solid foundation to create restaurant-quality dishes and experiment with flavors and textures.

How to Get Better at Home Cooking for Beginners

13. Learn Basic Knife Skills 

Mastering basic knife skills will make food prep faster, safer and more enjoyable. Start by learning a few essential cuts: the chop (for rough cuts), the dice (for even, bite-sized pieces) and the mince (for fine cuts). 

Practice proper hand positioning. Your non-dominant hand should hold the food in a “claw” shape to protect your fingers. Invest in a quality chef’s knife, and keep it sharp; a sharp knife requires less force, reducing the risk of accidents. Try to practice these skills with various vegetables and herbs to build speed and confidence in the kitchen.

14. Plan Your Meals in Advance

Meal planning saves time, money and reduces food waste. Start by mapping out meals for the week based on what you already have and what’s in season. Make a shopping list that aligns with these meals, including staple ingredients and versatile items that work across multiple dishes. 

Planning ahead also allows you to make healthier choices, as you’re less likely to rely on quick, processed options when you’re organized. For beginners, choose simple recipes or build on leftovers to keep meal prep efficient.

15. Start with Simple Recipes

Begin with recipes that have fewer ingredients and straightforward instructions. Dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta with a basic sauce or scrambled eggs are good starting points for building confidence. Look for recipes that teach fundamental cooking techniques, such as roasting, sautéing and boiling. 

Mastering these basics will develop a strong foundation that prepares you for more complex recipes later on. Gradually increase the difficulty as you feel more comfortable, experimenting with spices, sauces and ingredient combinations.

16. Learn to Use Leftovers Creatively

Repurposing leftovers can make meals more exciting and reduce waste. Transform last night’s roasted veggies into a veggie-packed frittata or use leftover chicken in a quick stir-fry. You can also combine leftovers into wraps, salads or soups to keep meals fresh and varied. Be creative with sauces and seasonings to give leftover ingredients a new flavor profile, making each dish feel unique. This approach saves time and money and keeps meals interesting throughout the week.

17. Understand Cooking Times and Temperatures

Proper cooking times and temperatures are critical for food safety and flavor. Here’s a quick guide to safe cooking temperatures, following the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s recommendations.

165°F

• Poultry (chicken, turkey)

• Stuffing containing meat

• Stuffed meats or pasta

• Dishes with previously cooked foods

155°F

• Ground meats (beef, pork)

• Injected or tenderized meats

• Ground seafood

• Eggs held for service

145°F

• Whole seafood (fish, shellfish)

• Beef, pork, veal, lamb (steaks and chops)

• Roasts

• Eggs served immediately

135°F

• Hot-held ready-to-eat foods

• Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes to be hot-held

Avoid the Danger Zone: Bacteria grow best between 41°F and 135°F. Keep cooked food out of this zone for longer than four hours to ensure safety.

How to Accurately Measure Temperature

1. Calibrate your thermometer by placing it in ice water (it should read 32°F).

2. Insert it into the thickest part of the food, avoiding bones and edges.

3. Regularly calibrate your thermometer for accurate results and safe cooking.

18. Get Comfortable with Substitutions

Knowing how to substitute ingredients helps you cook with what you have on hand and adjust recipes to your taste. For instance, if you’re out of heavy cream, a mixture of milk and butter can often work as a substitute. Swap vegetables based on availability, like using spinach instead of kale or zucchini for bell peppers. Experiment with spices and herbs as well; dried herbs can often stand in for fresh ones. Learning substitutions will make you a more flexible and confident cook.

19. Practice, Practice, Practice 

Like any skill, cooking improves with practice. Set aside time to cook regularly, even if it’s just one new recipe a week. Repeating techniques like chopping, sautéing and seasoning will build muscle memory and help you learn the nuances of cooking times and textures. With consistent practice, you’ll feel more comfortable experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Over time, your instincts in the kitchen will sharpen, making it easier to cook intuitively without always relying on recipes.

20. Taste as You Go

Tasting your food as you cook is essential for developing a well-balanced dish. Start with light seasoning and add more gradually; this way, you’re less likely to over-salt. Check flavors after each major step, especially after adding new ingredients or seasonings. Adjust as needed, adding a splash of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to brighten flavors or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. This habit helps you create dishes with depth and flavor, making your food more enjoyable.

21. Organize Your Kitchen

A well-organized kitchen saves time and makes cooking more enjoyable. Follow these steps to maximize your kitchen’s efficiency:

Clear It Out and Clean It Up

1. Empty Everything: Take everything out of your cabinets, pantry and drawers to assess what you have.

2. Thoroughly Clean: Wipe shelves, drawers and surfaces before organizing. Consider replacing shelf liners if needed.

Sort, Toss, Recycle and Donate

1. Create Categories: Sort items into “Keep,” “Recycle,” “Donate,” and “Trash” categories. Organize “likes with likes” (e.g., all baking supplies, appliances or spices together).

2. Evaluate Small Appliances: Keep only frequently-used items. Specialty items, like a waffle maker, may take up valuable space if rarely used.

Think About Placement

1. Strategic Placement: Keep everyday items within easy reach and group items by use. For example, store dishware near the dishwasher, and place cooking utensils close to the stove.

2. Create Functional Zones: Set up areas like a coffee station or baking zone, where you keep related items together for easy access.

Add Organizing Tools

1. Drawer Organizers: Use dividers in drawers to keep utensils and tools sorted and accessible.

2. Vertical Storage: Hang hooks or racks inside cabinets, or use a pot rack to free up cabinet space.

3. Clear Containers and Labels: Use clear containers for pantry items to see contents easily. Label each container to avoid mix-ups.

22. Make Homemade Stock 

Homemade stock is a great way to add depth to your cooking while reducing kitchen waste. It’s also surprisingly easy to make.

23. Use High Quality Ingredients 

Starting with high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in your cooking. Fresh, ripe produce, good-quality meats and fresh herbs bring vibrant flavors and textures to your dishes. When possible, choose local, seasonal ingredients for the best taste and nutritional value. 

Higher-quality ingredients also often need less seasoning or preparation, making it easier to achieve delicious results with minimal effort. Even basics like olive oil, vinegar and spices can enhance your cooking when you invest in quality options.

These tips will help you discover how to improve your cooking skills easily and quickly. Soon you’ll be chopping, simmering and cooking up a storm. To learn even more, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!