12 Misconceptions You Should Avoid if You’re Learning to Cook

Cooking is an art, and like any art form, it comes with its own set of rules and myths that can often mislead those just starting out. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your skills, it’s crucial to distinguish fact from fiction in the culinary world. Here, we’ll dive deeper into some common misconceptions and provide practical advice to set you on the right path.

Seasoning Can Cover Up Mistakes

Many beginner cooks believe that if a dish isn’t turning out right, adding more seasoning will fix it. However, seasoning should complement the flavors of the dish, not mask any errors in cooking technique. It’s important to focus on enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than trying to overpower any mistakes. For example, if you overcook your vegetables, no amount of seasoning will restore their texture. Instead, start by mastering cooking techniques to achieve the right texture and flavor.

Practical Tips:

• Start Small: Begin with a pinch, taste, and then adjust. It’s easier to add more than to take it away.
• Understand Flavor Profiles: Familiarize yourself with the flavor profiles of common herbs and spices. For instance, rosemary pairs well with lamb, while basil complements tomatoes.
• Experiment Gradually: Try adding herbs like thyme or spices like cumin to simple dishes like scrambled eggs to understand their impact.

Sharp Knives are More Dangerous

Contrary to popular belief, sharp knives are actually safer than dull ones. A sharp knife requires less force to cut through ingredients, reducing the risk of slips and injuries. Keeping your knives sharp through regular honing and sharpening is vital for precision and control in the kitchen. Proper knife skills, along with a sharp blade, can make your cooking experience safer and more efficient.

Knife Care Tips:

• Regular Maintenance: Hone your knife briefly before each use to maintain the edge.
• Professional Sharpening: Consider getting your knives professionally sharpened every few months.
• Safe Storage: Store knives in a block or on a magnetic strip to keep them safe and sharp.

High Heat Equals Faster Cooking

While high heat can be useful for searing and achieving a crispy exterior, it’s not always the best option for cooking everything. Different dishes require different heat levels to ensure even cooking. For instance, slow-cooking a stew at a lower temperature allows flavors to meld and meat to tenderize.

Temperature Control Tips:

• Use a Thermometer: Invest in a good kitchen thermometer to monitor cooking temperatures.
• Know Your Stoves: Familiarize yourself with your stovetop’s heat levels. Medium on one stove might be high on another.
• Practice Patience: Some dishes benefit from low and slow cooking, so resist the urge to crank up the heat for faster results.

Washing Chicken Makes it Safer

Washing raw chicken can actually spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Cooking chicken to the appropriate internal temperature is the safest way to kill any bacteria. Proper handling and cooking techniques are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.

Safe Chicken Handling:

• Use Separate Cutting Boards: Designate one for meat, another for vegetables.
• Cook Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Clean Surfaces: Immediately clean any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken.

Oil Prevents Pasta from Sticking

Adding oil to pasta water might prevent sticking temporarily, but it also makes it harder for sauce to adhere to the pasta later on. Stirring the pasta while it cooks is a more effective way to prevent sticking.

Perfect Pasta Tips:

• Stir Regularly: Especially in the first few minutes, to keep pasta from clumping.
• Use Plenty of Water: This allows the pasta to move freely and cook evenly.
• Don’t Over-Rinse: After cooking, a little starch helps sauce cling to pasta.

Microwaves Ruin Nutrients in Food

While microwaving food can lead to some nutrient loss, so can other cooking methods. Microwaving can actually help to preserve more nutrients in some foods due to its quick cooking time. Understanding how different cooking methods affect nutrient retention can help you make informed decisions about meal preparation.

Nutrient Retention Tips:

• Use Minimal Water: When steaming in the microwave, use just enough water to prevent nutrient leaching.
• Opt for Quick Cook Times: Short bursts in the microwave can help preserve more nutrients than prolonged cooking.
• Cover Foods: Use a microwave-safe lid or wrap to maintain moisture and nutrition.

Recipes Must be Followed Exactly

Recipes are more like guidelines than strict rules. Feel free to adjust seasonings, cooking times, and ingredients based on your preferences. Cooking is a creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Creative Cooking Tips:

• Trust Your Palate: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking.
• Substitute Freely: Swap ingredients based on what you have available, like using yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add Personal Touches: Incorporate family flavors or spices to make recipes your own.

Frequent Taste Testing is Unsanitary

Taste testing your dish as you cook is essential for adjusting seasonings and ensuring the final result is delicious. As long as you use a clean utensil each time, there’s no need to worry about contamination.

Taste Testing Tips:

• Use Disposable Spoons: Keep a stash of disposable or clean spoons handy for quick tasting.
• Taste at Every Stage: Check flavors when you add major ingredients or seasonings.
• Adjust in Increments: Make small adjustments to avoid over-seasoning.

Thawing Meat at Room Temperature is Safe

Thawing meat at room temperature can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. The safest methods for thawing meat are in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave.

Safe Thawing Guidelines:

• Plan Ahead: Transfer meat from the freezer to the fridge a day in advance.
• Cold Water Bath: Submerge sealed meat in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
• Use the Microwave Safely: If time is short, use the microwave’s defrost setting, but cook immediately after.

Boiling Vegetables Removes All Nutrients

While some nutrient loss can occur when boiling vegetables, it’s not as significant as some people believe. Steaming, sautéing, or roasting vegetables are also great cooking methods that can help retain more nutrients.

Vegetable Cooking Tips:

• Quick Blanching: For a nutrient boost, blanch vegetables briefly before sautéing.
• Roast for Flavor: Roasting can enhance flavor without significant nutrient loss.
• Sauté with Care: Use a minimal amount of healthy oil for sautéing to keep vegetables light and nutritious.

Using Expensive Cookware Makes You a Better Cook

While high-quality cookware can make cooking more enjoyable, it won’t automatically make you a better cook. Skill and technique are far more important than the price tag on your pots and pans.

Cookware Tips:

• Invest Wisely: Start with versatile pieces like a good chef’s knife and a sturdy skillet.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Master basic techniques like sautéing, roasting, and boiling.
• Upgrade Gradually: As your skills grow, gradually add to your collection with pieces that suit your cooking style.

Cut Chicken to Check Doneness

Many beginners think that cutting into chicken to check if it’s done is the best method. However, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without sacrificing juiciness.

Checking Doneness Tips:

• Use a Thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone.
• Look for 165°F (75°C): This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while retaining moisture.
• Practice Makes Perfect: With experience, you’ll develop an eye for doneness, reducing the need for cutting.

Additional Misconceptions and Tips

Myth: Salt Water Boils Faster

It’s a common belief that adding salt to water makes it boil faster. While it does raise the boiling point slightly, the difference is negligible and not enough to speed up the process significantly. The real benefit of adding salt is flavor enhancement.

Myth: Marinating Tenderizes Meat

Marinades can add flavor to the surface of the meat, but they won’t penetrate deeply enough to tenderize it. Instead, consider using techniques like brining or using a meat mallet to tenderize tougher cuts.

Myth: You Can Substitute Baking Soda for Baking Powder

Baking soda and baking powder are not directly interchangeable. Baking soda is a base that needs an acid to activate, whereas baking powder contains both an acid and a base. Using one in place of the other without adjustments can lead to flat or overly dense baked goods.

Practical Baking Tips:

• Understand Leavening Agents: Know when to use baking soda versus baking powder in recipes.
• Precision Matters: In baking, measurements are crucial. Invest in a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For better texture and consistency, bring ingredients like eggs and butter to room temperature before baking.

By understanding these misconceptions and following practical advice, you’ll enhance your culinary skills and enjoy the process of creating delicious meals. Remember, cooking is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about the final dish. Keep experimenting, learning, and most importantly, savoring every moment.