Cooking 101: Basic cooking techniques everyone should know

Words: Thekgo Raseala/Bona Magazine

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Cooking is a love language. It nourishes the people we care about, brings communities together and creates a sense of home.

But as sentimental as cooking can be, it is also a skill that requires practice, patience and an understanding of the techniques and methods that make a dish look and taste good.

Here is a list of basic cooking techniques everyone should know to improve their cooking.

1. Chopping and slicing

Cutting is one of the most basic yet essential cooking techniques to master. According to GASMA, it affects uniformity, texture and cooking time. For beginners, learning to chop and slice correctly also promotes kitchen safety and precision during meal preparation.

There are different types of cutting techniques, each with a specific purpose:

• Julienne

  : thin, elongated strips, ideal for vegetables.

• Brunoise

  : small uniform cubes, widely used in aromatic bases.

• Chiffonade

  : thin strips of layered leaves, perfect for herbs and spinach.

2. Sautéing

This is essentially shallow frying food.

This technique is ideal for cooking aromatics such as onions and garlic, as well as vegetables, mushrooms and thin cuts of meat over medium-high heat while preserving their texture. Mastering it helps bring out the ingredients’ flavours and achieve consistent results.

3. Roasting

Roasting is a simple way to take your dishes to the next level. The key is learning how to marinate your ingredients and choosing the right temperature. This technique uses hot, dry air in an oven or air fryer to cook food, helping develop rich flavours and delicious textures.

4. Grilling

Grilling may seem simple, but using the right tools, temperature and ingredients can transform a dry lamb chop into a tender, juicy one. A hot cast-iron or stainless-steel pan, for example, helps create a golden crust while keeping the meat succulent.

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Picture: iStock

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