As a beginner, cooking can feel intimidating and overwhelming. With so many different methods and unknown ingredients, the kitchen can appear to be a strange and complicated place. But fortunately, with proper guidance, cooking can become an enjoyable hobby or even career.

Beginner cooks can start with the basics to make cooking easier and boost confidence in the kitchen, and besides having a few simple recipes on hand, you’ll also need to know what items you must have to get started in the kitchen. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be whipping up meals like a pro in no time.

Cooking Basics for the Beginner Cook

When new to cooking, start with recipes that are designed for beginners. These recipes tend to be easy to make and use simple techniques and ingredients that are easy to find. Dishes like pasta, stir-fries, and salads are great choices for beginners because they do not require much time or effort to prepare, which can help you build your cooking skills slowly.

One-pot or sheet pan meals are great options if you are a beginner cook as well. With these recipes, you just put all the ingredients in one cooking dish, which makes preparing food easier and cleanup faster. Examples include roasted chicken with veggies, pasta, or fajitas. These meals are tasty and help you practice basic cooking skills while trying out different flavors.

As a beginner cook, it might be helpful to concentrate on mastering a handful of basic cooking techniques. Getting the hang of chopping ingredients, sautéing, simmering, and baking can establish a foundation for preparing a number of dishes. And once you become confident in these techniques, you can slowly broaden your range of culinary skills.

Kitchen Must-Haves for the Beginner Cook

Keep in mind that if a dish does not turn out perfectly, making mistakes is a natural part of learning to cook. With practice and experimentation, you can improve and develop your own unique style and preferences in the kitchen. Before you get started, having a handful of tools on hand can make learning how to cook easier, quicker, and more enjoyable. Here are seven kitchen must-haves if you are a beginner cook:

Baking Sheet

For successful cooking and baking, it is important to have a durable baking sheet in your kitchen. This is because a proper baking sheet allows uniform distribution of heat and avoids sticking. Baking sheets are useful for multiple recipes such as baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and toasting nuts. To make your cooking experience even better, choose a baking sheet with a non-stick surface which will simplify baked goods release and cleaning.

Having raised edges on a baking sheet can also be helpful because they catch any drips or spills, keeping your oven clean.

Mixing Bowls

Beginner cooks should consider purchasing a set of mixing bowls as they are a crucial kitchen tool that offers convenience and versatility. Choose a set that consists of bowls in various sizes, enabling you to handle a vast array of cooking and baking duties. These bowls come in handy when whisking ingredients, mixing batters, tossing salads, or marinating meats.

To make your cooking and baking easier, select mixing bowls that are lightweight and easy to clean. It would be best if you also chose bowls that can be stored in a nested manner to save space.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

If you are a beginner cook, it is important to have measuring cups and spoons for successful cooking and baking. To ensure that your set lasts, find ones that are sturdy and durable. Also, always choose a set with easy-to-read markings so that you can make precise measurements even after regular use.

Measuring tools that work with both dry and liquid ingredients are helpful to avoid purchasing multiple sets of tools. By using precise measurements, you can get consistent results in your recipes, whether making pastries or savory dishes.

A Chef’s Knife

When choosing a chef’s knife, focus on finding one that is both comfortable and efficient. Find a knife with an ergonomic handle that feels safe and comfortable when you grip it. A sharp and long-lasting blade made of high-quality stainless or carbon steel is also important.

By using a well-balanced chef’s knife, you can easily control and maneuver it while chopping, slicing, or dicing ingredients without any trouble. This essential tool in your kitchen will help you complete your tasks effectively and make your cooking experience more enjoyable and quick.

A Cutting Board

To choose the right cutting board, keep in mind its size and sturdiness. Go for a board that gives you enough room to chop and prepare ingredients comfortably. It is a good idea to pick a board made of either wood or plastic, as they are both knife-friendly and easy to clean.

To ensure safe and efficient chopping, it is important to choose the right cutting board. Wooden boards have a natural antimicrobial property, while plastic boards can be easily sanitized. Also make sure the cutting board is sturdy to avoid slipping during use. Choosing the right cutting board will help protect your knives and create a hygienic workspace for all your culinary adventures.

A Non-stick Skillet

Beginner cooks should also have a non-stick skillet in their kitchens, which can make a big difference. Food does not stick to the skillet due to their coating, making cooking and cleaning much easier. You can use this skillet to fry eggs or sauté vegetables with just a little oil. It is a great tool to have for many types of dishes.

The pan distributes heat evenly, so your food cooks consistently. The non-stick skillet prevents food from sticking, making it easier and more enjoyable to cook a variety of recipes with confidence.

A Trusty Saucepan

If you are a beginner cook, consider buying a versatile saucepan, which can be used for boiling water, simmering sauces, and cooking various dishes. When choosing a saucepan, opt for one with a sturdy handle that is comfortable to grip and remains cool while cooking.

To achieve perfectly cooked dishes with enhanced flavor, look for a lid that fits tightly to seal in heat and moisture. The saucepan is suitable for a variety of recipes such as soups, stews, and pasta, making it the ideal cooking pot to have in your kitchen. Its usefulness and flexibility make it a must-have tool for your culinary endeavors.