Learning to cook is an important life skill for a teenager.You will need to be able to cook your own meals before you know it.You will be able to keep doing cooking for the rest of your life because it is a really fun hobby.You can build a strong foundation for your future cooking career by learning basic skills, like how to chop veggies and use a stove.
Step 1: You can learn how to read a recipe.
You can either grab a cookbook or learn how a recipe is set up.It will usually include step-by-step instructions for making the recipe, a breakdown of the prep and cook times, and an ingredients list.You should pay attention to the serving size of the recipe.The majority of recipes make anywhere from 2 to 6 portions.If you only cook for yourself, you can cut the ingredients in half and still have leftovers.If there are ingredients you don't know about, look them up online.Theprep time and total cook time are listed in the recipe.This will let you know how long it will take to prepare your ingredients and cook the recipe.
Step 2: The cooking techniques are mentioned in the recipe.
If there is a technique you don't know about, look up a how-to video online to see a demonstration.Blanching, boiling, caramelizing, grilling, sautéing, seasoning, steaming, and whisking are some common techniques.Instructions on how to best prepare lots of different vegetables can be found in online videos.
Step 3: Make a shopping list.
Pick a recipe you would like to try.Check your fridge, freezer, and cupboards to see what you already have so you don't buy more food.Use your phone or a piece of paper to write down what you need to buy so you don't forget.Many basic ingredients, like oils, flours, seasonings, and sauces, may already be in your cupboard.You should ask your parent if the item is in the house.
Step 4: You can get your ingredients at the grocery store.
It is important for your parent to know where things are in the grocery store and how to find deals.The perimeter of the grocery store is where fresh ingredients can be found.Fruits, vegetables, dairy items, meats, and bulk food items can be found there.
Step 5: Go to the store with a budget.
This is a good practice when you are on your own.It is cheaper to cook for yourself than it is to eat out.If you set aside a few pieces of chicken for another meal later in the week, you can often use ingredients for one recipe for multiple meals.You should pay attention to the prices of different brands of food.For example, if you want to buy a can of beans with the same ingredients, you can buy them from a non- brand company.Learning to shop for groceries is important because you will most likely have to do it for the rest of your life.
Step 6: Divide ingredients by using measuring cups and spoons.
It is better to use a measuring spoon than to eyeball the amount in a recipe.A food scale can be useful, but a lot of home cooks don't need one.Keep the amount level with the rim of the vessel when using measuring cups and spoons.To smooth over the top of the measuring cup, you can use the flat edge of a butter knife.The measuring cup for wet ingredients should be made of glass or plastic.Measure out how much you need by putting it on the counter.
Step 7: If you develop your knife skills, you will be able to prep ingredients like a pro.
When you pick up a knife, make sure to put your index finger on the outside of the blade and grip your other fingers around the handle.The tip-fulcrum method is used when dicing up something and involves moving your hand up and down as you dice and chop.You can use an all-purpose kitchen knife for chopping, slicing, and other things in the kitchen.You can peel fruits and vegetables with a paring knife.You can slice bread with a bread knife.A bread knife will cut through soft breads without crushing them.You can find online instructions on how to dice up certain ingredients.
Step 8: Become familiar with the appliance.
Do you have a stove that uses gas or electricity?If it is a gas stove, turn on the burner by pushing in a knob.You can turn the knob to the setting you need if it is electric.You can cook things in a skillet or pan by using the stovetop.The different levels on the burner knobs, which control how high the flames go, are referred to when a recipe calls for a burner to be set to low, medium-low, or high.Make sure you turn off all the burners after using your stovetop.
Step 9: You can learn how to use the oven and broiler.
You can either use the oven to bake or roast things, or the Broil to grill or brown the top of a dish.To find out how to preheat the oven, turn on the broiler, and use the kitchen timer, check out all the buttons on your stove.You need to preheat the oven before you put your recipe inside.Once the oven is preheating, it will beep several times.The temperature and cook time will be specified by the recipe you use.
Step 10: Good Sanitation can keep you and others healthy.
It is important to clean up after yourself when working with fresh ingredients.Add leftover food to a compost pile.Use an anti-bacterial spray to clean the counter tops and the stove top.You should always wash your hands after handling meat.Before you wash your hands with soap and hot water, don't open cupboards or pick up a spatula.
Step 11: Start building your cooking skills with a few recipes.
You can find many different recipes to make if you think through what you like to eat.You could make a stir-fry if you like Asian food.If you love pasta, you should try it.Eggs, rice, pasta, taco, sandwiches, salads, basic soups, and chicken are some of the basics that are helpful to know how to make.
Step 12: For a versatile breakfast foundation, learn how to make eggs.
If you want to learn how to make great eggs, watch videos and read recipes.Try scrambled eggs over easy eggs, omelets, and hardboiled eggs.Vegetables, cheese, meats, potatoes, and other sides can be added to your eggs over time.If you can't eat eggs, try oatmeal or pancakes.
Step 13: Try different sandwich creations.
Hot or cold sandwiches can be made.You can mix meat, cheese, veggies, and spreads.Wrap your ingredients in a romaine lettuce leaf to make a sandwich.You can use the foundation of a sandwich to explore different flavors.There are a lot of different ways to prepare sandwiches.You can either bake it or grill it.You can use a grill or a panini press.
Step 14: For a well-rounded dinner, combine grains and veggies.
A good way to prepare chicken or tofu is a building block for a lot of other recipes.Inexpensive and versatile accompaniments include rice, pasta, and beans.You can add roasted or sautéed vegetables to your meal.If you want to make your dishes from scratch, avoid buying ready-made sides.Being able to make your own at home makes you a better cook.
Step 15: Instead of buying food, prepare healthy snacks.
You can practice your cooking skills by making a simple tuna salad or chopping up fruits and vegetables.You can find a recipe for your favorite snack at home.You will save money by using whole foods to make snacks rather than buying prepared foods, which will help you budget better when you are out on your own.