Cooking isn’t merely about satisfying our hunger but also about learning new flavors, cooking techniques, and inventive ways to prepare food. You could get more adept at preparing delicious meals at home.

Previously a necessary task, cooking is now seen as an exciting activity that engages all our senses. The sizzling noises of ingredients in a hot pan, the delicious aromas that fill the kitchen, and the tantalizing flavors you play with are a few of the gastronomic experiences you get to enjoy while cooking.

Whether you’re a beginner chef or a seasoned pro, there are recipes for everyone. You can create hearty meals that uplift you or elaborate and inventive dishes to demonstrate your culinary prowess. Trying out new recipes is the first step to developing your cooking skills. Make a memorable Sunday breakfast for your family, dazzle your guests with a mouthwatering supper, or practice creating meals that make you happy.

Becoming a Better Cook

While anyone can look up a recipe online and prepare meals, becoming an expert chef or cook demands time and investment. Some recipes also require patience, skillful techniques, and cooking tricks, which isn’t easy for anyone. But mastering some dishes will enable you to improve your culinary skills and become a better cook, for instance, Ghormeh sabzi. The delectable Ghormeh sabzi is an outstanding example of balancing flavors and textures. This dish is ideal if you love herbs and want to improve your culinary abilities.

Now, let’s check out two other recipes you can try to become a better cook:

1. Classic Roast Chicken

With beautiful golden skin and juicy, tender meat, this dish will impress everyone and sharpen your cooking skills.

Ingredients:

• One whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Two tablespoons of softened butter
• Pepper and salt
• Fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, or thyme)
• Lemon, cut in half
• Four peeled garlic cloves

Instructions:

• Turn on your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
• After removing the giblets from the chicken’s cavity, use paper towels to dab and pat the chicken dry.
• Generously season the cavity with some salt and pepper. Then, stuff with half of the lemon, some garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.
• Cautiously loosen the skin covering the chicken breast and rub softened butter under it, careful not to tear it. It will help keep the breast meat moist.
• Rub the entire chicken with more softened butter, ensuring an even coating.
• Season the chicken properly with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs.
• Squeeze the remaining lemon all over the chicken for extra flavor.
• Place the chicken breast side on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings behind the back.
• Roast the chicken for about 20 minutes in the preheated oven per pound, plus 15 minutes, so the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Once ready, remove the chicken from the oven and pack it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. It allows the juices to meld, resulting in a juicy and tender chicken.
• Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides.

2. Beef Stir-Fry

Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, this dish will sharpen your knife skills, enhance your timing, and teach you the art of achieving that sought-after wok hei (wok breath) – the essence of a well-executed stir-fry.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced beef (You can go for flank or sirloin)
• Two tablespoons of soy sauce
• One tablespoon of oyster sauce
• One tablespoon cornstarch
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• One onion, thinly sliced
• One bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Two cloves of garlic, minced
• One teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions:

• Marinate the sliced beef in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Heat your wok (a large skillet will also work) over high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the surface.
• Once the oil is simmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Allow it to sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Put the beef on a plate and set aside.
• Pour the rest of the oil into the same wok. Add the chopped ginger and crushed garlic—about 30 seconds or until aromatic, sautéed.
• Add the broccoli florets, bell pepper, and onion slices. Stir-fry the veggies for two to three minutes or until they are still crisp but somewhat soft.
• Toss the seared steak back into the pan and combine everything. Drizzle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra spice when seasoning.
• To ensure the meat is cooked to your optimum level of doneness and the flavors merge, stir-fry for an extra 2 minutes.
• Add fresh cilantro or green onions as a garnish after removing from the heat.
• Steamed rice or noodles should be used to serve your delicious beef stir-fry.

Conclusion 

Trying these delectable recipes allows you to make meals with detail and technique, improving your culinary skills. Each meal teaches significant skills beyond the kitchen, from understanding the science of textures to mastering the art of harmonizing spices. Remember that being a great cook demands time, patience, and ongoing learning as you enjoy the tasty results and see your abilities advance. So, put on your apron and start preparing one or all of the recipes we have mentioned above.