In every kitchen, heat, ingredients, and techniques come together to create delicious flavors. Different cooking methods can turn raw ingredients into amazing dishes, much like a painter's brush on a canvas.
From the sizzle of a hot pan to the slow simmer of a pot, each method reflects tradition, new ideas, and the deep connection between food and culture.
So, what are the methods of cooking? If you love cooking or want to become a chef, learn about the methods that turn ideas into flavorful and aromatic dishes.
1. Air Frying
Air frying has become very popular as a healthier option to regular frying. An air fryer uses a fan and heat to create a crispy texture without much oil.
The benefits include fewer calories, less mess, and quicker cooking times. Air frying is great for enjoying foods like pork, shrimp, chicken, or donuts with less guilt. It gives a nice crunch while lowering fat and calories, making it a hit with those who are health-conscious.
2. Roasting
Roasting cooking method is the process of cooking foods, such as meat or vegetables, in the oven at a high temperature. This method adds deep flavor and caramelizes the ingredients.
Roasting is one of the best cooking methods for meat and poultry. It makes meat tender with a crispy outside and enhances its natural sweetness. A perfectly roasted chicken or tray of vegetables can turn a simple meal into something special.
3. Grilling
Grilling is often linked to outdoor gatherings and the tempting smell of food cooking. Whether using charcoal, gas, or an electric grill, it involves cooking food over an open flame or heat source.
Grilling cooking method adds a smoky flavor and creates distinct grill marks on meat, seafood, and chicken. It is also one of the best cooking methods for vegetables, especially for those who struggle to eat them. It is also a great cooking method for fish, chicken, and other seafood for even more flavor.
From juicy steaks to grilled corn, this method enhances the taste of ingredients while making the cooking process fun and hands-on.
4. Stir-Frying
Stir-frying, a common method in Asian cooking, is a quick method that preserves ingredients' bright colors and crunchy textures. It uses high heat to cook small, evenly cut pieces of food in a wok or pan. Constant stirring helps cook the food evenly without overcooking.
This method makes dishes like cabbage stir fry or ground beef broccoli stir fryer in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.
5. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has changed home cooking by combining several cooking methods in one device. This electric pressure cooker can sauté, steam, slow-cook, and even make yogurt.
Its pressure cooking feature reduces cooking time, allowing you to make tender meats, fish, pork, or chicken much faster. Its versatility and ease of use have made it a favorite in kitchens worldwide.
6. Poaching
Poaching is a gentle way of cooking food in liquid at a low temperature. It is often used for delicate items like eggs, fish, and fruits. The liquid can be water, broth, or milk, and the low heat helps preserve the food's natural flavors and textures without overcooking.
This is one of the best cooking methods for eggs. Poached eggs on an English muffin or a tender piece of poached salmon are examples of how this method can enhance a dish.
7. Blanching
Blanching is a quick cooking method where food is briefly boiled and then cooled in ice water. It's often used to partially cook vegetables like broccoli or asparagus before stir-frying or freezing.
This technique helps keep vegetables' bright colors and makes peeling fruits like tomatoes and peaches easier.
8. Searing
Searing is a fast, high-heat cooking method mainly used for meats. It browns the outside of the meat, locking in juices before finishing with roasting or grilling.
This method creates a tasty crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It gives a well-seared steak or pork chop its delicious flavor and texture.
9. Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick cooking method where small pieces of food are cooked in a shallow pan with a little fat over high heat. This fast process helps keep the ingredients' color, texture, and flavor intact. It's often used for vegetables, seafood, and thinly sliced meats.
To sauté successfully, it’s important to keep the food moving in the pan to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
10. Boiling
Boiling is one of the simplest cooking methods. In this method, ingredients are cooked in boiling water. It’s used for making pasta, blanching vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs. Depending on how long you cook, you can achieve different results, like al dente pasta or soft-boiled eggs. It is a great cooking method for potatoes, yams, or rice. You can also boil chicken to use in stir-fries or salads.
11. Frying
Frying cooks food by submerging it in hot oil. Deep frying creates a crispy outside and soft inside, while shallow frying uses less oil for dishes like pan-fried fish or latkes.
Though frying gives deliciously crispy results, it's best enjoyed in moderation due to the higher calorie and fat content. This is a great cooking method for chicken.
12. Baking
Baking cooking method is a key method in kitchens worldwide. It uses oven heat to turn raw ingredients into tasty dishes. Baking uses dry, indirect heat to ensure even cooking while developing rich flavors and textures.
Baking offers endless possibilities and combines art and science to create various delicious dishes straight from the oven.
13. Sous Vide
Sous-vide, meaning "under vacuum" in French, has become a popular method for its precision and consistency. In this technique, food is vacuum-sealed in bags and cooked in a water bath at a controlled, often lower, temperature than usual cooking methods.
The slow, gentle cooking ensures the food is evenly cooked throughout, keeping its flavors and textures intact. Sous-vide allows for precise control over doneness, making it perfect for dishes like tender steaks or smooth custards.
14. Braising
Braising is a slow, gentle cooking method that turns tough cuts of meat and sturdy vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes. The process starts by searing the food to create a caramelized crust, then cooking it in a small amount of liquid, like broth or wine, in a covered pot at a low temperature for a long time.
This method lets the ingredients cook in their own juices, creating rich flavors and tenderness. It's perfect for comfort foods like pot roasts, stews, and braised short ribs.
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Great article! I started a low carb diet last month to help with some nerve pain and I am always on the lookout for new recipes to be successful. Being Zimbabwean, your site is a God-send and I look forward to trying and reading more recipes. Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks so much, Ticha!