Basic Cooking Techniques
How to Choose the Right Cooking Method for Different Ways of Cooking
Fortunately, there are many different ways of cooking food. Otherwise eating could be somewhat boring.
Whatever level of cooking you place yourself in, it’s important to be familiar with some basic cooking techniques to help you along your cooking journey. Particularly, when the method of cooking you choose to use can make a difference in the outcome of the dish.
Basic Cooking Techniques That Are Most Commonly Used
Whether you just like to dabble in the kitchen or are a seasoned cook, it’s important to have a knowledge of the basic cooking techniques available to you. That would include knowing the techniques for how to:
◊ boil ◊ simmer ◊ steam ◊ sear ◊ sauté ◊ poach ◊ roast ◊ braise ◊ broil ◊ brine
Below is a breakdown of what each one entails:
Basic Cooking Techniques You Will Most Likely Use
Boiling Cooking Method
Boiling is a frequently used cooking method often used for cooking foods such as eggs, pasta, rice, potatoes, corn on the cob, or other vegetables.
Simply bring a pot of water or other liquid to a rolling boiling. Sugar or salt can be added to the water which, by the way, raises the boiling point. When ready, submerge whatever food you want to boil into the water and boil for the specified time.
What Does it Mean to Simmer?
Similar to boiling, simmering involves boiling liquid at a gentle temperature below the boiling point. You may have heard this referred to as a slow boil. When you see small bubbles breaking through the water’s surface, you are at the simmer stage.
Simmering is often used to cook soups, stews, or tough cuts of meat for a long period of time.
Steaming Foods
Steaming is a gentle, healthy method of cooking. Basically, it uses minimal fat and retains the flavor and nutritional value of the food.
The most popular means of steaming is to use a steamer basket. Simply put the steamer basket into a pot of water, add food to the basket and bring to a simmer. You will want to put a lid on the pot to retain the moisture.
Foods that benefit from the steaming method are vegetables, fish and meats.
Searing Food
Searing is a basic cooking technique where you quickly brown the meat over high heat before cooking. This process forms a crust over the surface of the meat. Not only is the meat more appealing but it maximizes the flavor as well.
Searing is not only used for grilling meat. Other cooking methods that benefit form a good sear before cooking are braising, roasting, and sautéing.
Sauté vs. Fry
Sautéing is performed by adding foods to a hot pan or skillet coated with a small amount of oil. It is a method for cooking foods quickly while tossing it around in the pan so it doesn’t burn. This method is often used for cooking chicken, tender meats, and vegetables.
What Does it Mean to Poach Food?
Poaching is where you gently simmer food in a liquid at low heat. Poaching is typically used for delicate foods helping it to retain its shape and flavor. For example, a poached egg is uniform in size which gives it an appealing appearance. Other foods that can be poached are fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruit.
Basic Cooking Techniques for Roasting
Roasting is a cooking method performed inside the oven to cook meats and vegetables. The food is typically put into a roasting pan to ensure balanced heat for cooking foods evenly. Roasting times vary depending on the cut of meat.
What Does Braising Mean?
Braising simply means to brown or sear foods, meat in particular, in a hot oiled pan. At this point, the food is not actually cooked but the braising process acts as a sealer retaining juices for better flavor and tenderness. The meat can then be cooked by other means such as simmering on the stove or putting in a slow cooker or oven.
How to Broil
Broiling is done in the oven using the broiling setting as opposed to baking. Most ovens have a high and low setting. Foods are broiled close to the heating element where it can take advantage of the high heat.
Because this is a fast-cooking method, it needs to be closely monitored so as not to burn or overcook the food. Foods that are typically broiled are thin cuts of meat, fish, and even grilled sandwiches.
What is the Process of Brining?
Brining is primarily a solution of water and salt used to tenderize tough pieces of meat. Other liquids can be used as well as the addition of sugar and spices.
The food is soaked in the brine for several hours or overnight. The brining process results in tender, flavorful cooking. It also acts as a preservative and is often used for vegetables, such as asparagus and green beans.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Method
Now, that you are familiar with the basic cooking techniques, just what exactly determines the choice of the method of cooking to be used?
For starters, when deciding how to cook something, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
For example, do you have health concerns? If so, you might opt for steaming or sautéing opposed to frying in oil.
Perhaps you are rushed for time and would prefer the quickest method of cooking.
Then, of course, your taste preference can be a big influence on which cooking method you want to use.
Another thing to consider, particularly if you are following a recipe, is whether you have the necessary kitchen equipment to satisfactorily make a certain dish. More on that below.
These are some of the factors when choosing a particular cooking method that could be a deal breaker as to whether that is the best choice. Being familiar with the different ways of cooking food will give you confidence in your everyday cooking.
Best Appliances to Use for Basic Cooking Techniques
Assuming you have an oven in your kitchen and some pots and pans, you can cook a substantial meal. But let’s kick it up a notch and look at options for kitchen appliances and equipment that could make your cooking experience easier and faster.
Popular Kitchen Appliances
There are countless kitchen aids and tools that can be used for any type of cooking method. However, I particularly don’t think anyone would want their kitchen stocked with every conceivable cooking apparatus in the chance that they just might want to use it someday. As an example, a rice cooker is a useful tool for someone who cooks a lot of rice. But, if rice is something you only eat once in a while, it doesn’t warrant the storage space.
But there are some kitchen items that are necessary and very useful for helping people cook with ease.
Cooking With a Microwave
Most people have a microwave in their kitchen, and I’ve yet to encounter anyone who could honestly say they don’t use it to some extent. Microwave ovens were a great invention to say the least.
That’s not to say that you would want to cook your entire meal in the microwave, although it is possible, and I’m sure there are some people who do. But I would rather mix it up.
Uses of Microwave for Basic Cooking Techniques
Using a Slowcooker for Basic Cooking Techniques
A slow cooker or what is also commonly known as a crockpot has been around for a long time and is still widely used today.
In fact, Paula Johnson, curator for the Division of Work & Industry at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., had this to say regarding the longevity of the crockpot:
“The idea of being able to produce something quickly and without a lot of mess, either prep or clean up, is a time-honored tradition.”
That is indeed true. In fact, you can cook just about anything in the slow cooker. Most common are main dishes of meat, vegetables and potatoes. While it cooks all day, your kitchen smells heavenly and come dinner time, you’re pretty much set.
Likewise, the slow cooker comes in handy for keeping side dishes warm when you need to free up space in your oven or on your stove top.
These practical ovens are also great for appetizers when you have guests over. Make your favorite dip and the slow cooker will attend to it. All you have to do is keep the crackers or bread coming.
Advantages of an Instant Pot
An instant pot is similar to a pressure cooker. By the way, if you happen to remember horror stories about exploding pressure cookers back in the day, they don’t make them like that anymore. The ancient models didn’t come equipped with the safety features like they have on today’s models. Likewise, the Instant Pot goes through vigorous testing before hitting the market to assure it is safe to use.
With that said, the advantages of an Instant Pot make it a popular kitchen accessory. For one, it is fast. That in itself was enough to attract buyers. You could have dinner on the table in far less time than using the stove or oven. But to be fair, it does take 10 to 20 minutes to heat up before the clock starts running.
A big advantage of the Instant Pot is it is easy to use and very versatile. For example, in addition to pressure cooking, it can cook, steam, sauté and boil. And due to its popularity, you won’t have any problem finding recipes on the internet for preparing meals in your Instant Pot.
Should You Buy an Instant Pot?
Cooking with Cast Iron Cookware
You may likely have some cast iron cookware in your kitchen passed down from your mother or grandmother. Long recognized for its longevity and durability, cast iron continues to embrace just about every cooking technique there is.
Basic Cooking Techniques Using an Electric Skillet
There’s nothing fancy about my electric skillet but I love it. Honestly, I wouldn’t be without one. Here are some of the things I like about it:
- It frees up cooking space on your stove.
- Temperature is easily controlled.
- I like its flexibility— move it to the dining table or plug right into your kitchen island outlet.
- It has a non-stick surface for easier cooking and cleaning.
- The deep dome lid has a steam vent to prevent splatter and simplify cooking.
In my opinion, electric skillets are a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen.
Why Utilizing Basic Cooking Techniques to Cook Different Foods at Home is Important
This article has covered many of the basic cooking techniques that will help you to cook your favorite foods. Understanding the difference in methods of cooking make it easier to comprehend recipe instructions and cook in a timely and efficient manner. Likewise, cooking at home is beneficial to health and nutrition and will help you to save money as well.