If you’re going to cook, you’ll want to ensure that your food tastes great. And doesn’t leave you with any regrets.
Many cooking methods can help you do this, but which should you choose?
Some are more complicated than others, but they can all help create truly unforgettable meals with the right equipment.
Check out this guide to learn about the different types of cooking methods. And which will work best for the dinner you’re looking to prepare?
1. Boiling
Boiling is an excellent cooking method for those who want to prepare food quickly and easily. All you need is a pot of boiling water and some fresh ingredients.
Boiling is also a healthy cooking method because it requires no oil or fat. It is a gentle, different method that doesn’t destroy the nutrients in food.
However, boiling can lead to overcooking if your stove’s heat setting isn’t right. When using this cooking method, taste your food before serving it to adjust seasonings accordingly.
2. Broiling
Broiling is a great way to cook food quickly and evenly. However, it involves using direct heat, so monitoring different cooking methods is essential.
Also, your food so it doesn’t burn. Broiling is a great way to cook meats and vegetables using different cooking methods. It can be done in the oven or on the grill.
3. Pressure Cooking/Slow Cooking
Are you tired of your meals taking forever to cook? If so, you need to try pressure cooking!
Pressure cooking is a great way to cook food quickly and easily, and it can help you create better meals. Here’s how it works with these different types of cooking methods.
4. Searing
Searing meat is a common cooking technique used to brown the outside of meat while keeping the inside juicy and tender. To properly sear meat, you must have a hot oil pan.
Place the meat in the pan and do not move it for at least two minutes or until you see an excellent brown crust form.
Then, flip the meat over and cook on the other side simultaneously.
5. Braising
Braising is a cooking method that involves browning meat or vegetables in a pan and then cooking them in a small amount of liquid on low heat for an extended period.
These different types of cooking methods result in tender, flavorful dishes.
Nevertheless, braising is often used for tough cuts of meat, as the long cooking time breaks down the tough fibers and makes the meat more tender. Braising can be done in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
6. Roasting
Roasting is a great way to cook meat and vegetables alike. It involves cooking food in an oven at a high temperature, usually between 200 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
This cooking method can help brown and crisp the outside of food while keeping the inside moist.
Similarly, Roasting is an excellent cooking method for various foods. So experiment with other recipes and see what you like best!
7. Steaming
Steaming is an excellent cooking method for retaining nutrients while achieving a good amount of flavor.
It’s also relatively quick and easy compared to other cooking methods, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
You’ll need a steamer basket and a pot with a tight-fitting lid to steam food.
In addition, fill the pot with enough water to come up just below the steamer basket, then bring the water to a boil.
Add your food to the basket, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to simmer gently. Cook until the food is tender.
8. Poaching
Poaching is a great way to cook chicken, fish, and eggs. It’s a different, healthy cooking method that requires no added fat.
Plus, it’s quick and easy. Here’s how to do various types of cooking methods
9. Grilling
Grilling is a great way to cook food quickly and easily. It’s also a healthy cooking method that requires no added fats or oils.
Plus, grilled food always tastes great! Here are some tips for grilling success:
Also, preheat your grill before adding any food. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly.
Ensure your grill is clean before you start cooking; this will help prevent any unwanted flavors from being transferred to your food.
More so, When adding meat to the grill, make sure it is at room temperature.
This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
Always use tongs when handling food on the grill. This will help avoid accidental burns with any of your different cooking methods.
10. Sautéing
When you sauté, you cook food in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat.
These methods are ideal for delicate foods like fish or vegetables quickly drying out or falling apart. They’re also quick ways to cook food, perfect for busy weeknights.
11. Baking
Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that uses hot air to cook food. It is often used for different cooking methods that need to be simmered, such as meats and casseroles.
Baking can also be used to cook quick bread and desserts. When baking, it is essential to use the correct heat so the food does not overcook or burn.
12. Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is also one of the most popular cooking methods because it is quick, easy, and versatile.
Stir-frying is also a great way to add flavor to food. However, you must use oil to help the food cook evenly.
In contrast, you also need to make sure that the food is cut into small pieces so that it will cook quickly.
Finally, it would be best not to overcook the food, as it will become dry and tough.
13. Deep Frying
Deep frying is a cooking method involving immersing food in hot oil. These different cooking methods can cook various foods, such as chicken, fish, and vegetables.
This is to say deep frying can be done in a deep fryer or a pan. When deep-frying, using the correct oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan is essential.
14. Microwaving
Microwaving is a type of cooking that uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. It is fast and convenient but can also be unhealthy if used incorrectly.
In general, Microwaving can cause food to lose nutrients. So, knowing how to cook properly using different cooking methods is essential.
15. Oven Baking
Oven baking is a method of cooking that uses dry heat, typically from an oven, to cook food.
This method can be used for various foods, including meats, vegetables, and baked goods.
Oven baking is popular for many home cooks because it is relatively easy and does not require much active supervision.
Additionally, oven-baked foods often have a desirable crispy or browned exterior.
16. Barbecue
Barbecue is an excellent cooking method for those who love to cook outdoors.
It’s perfect for summertime and a great way to add flavor to your food.
Moreover, Barbecue is also healthy for different cooking methods, as it doesn’t require oil or fat. Plus, it’s a great way to entertain guests.
17. Stewing
You might think of a long, slow cooking process when you think of stewing.
But did you know that stewing can be a quick and easy way to cook? Stewing is also one of the significant different types of cooking methods.
Notwithstanding, stewing is a great way to cook tough cuts of meat, like beef chuck or pork shoulder, and tough vegetables, like carrots or potatoes.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make better meals, try stewing!
Conclusion
Though there are many different cooking methods, they all have one goal: to make the food taste better.
Some ways, like grilling, add flavor by charring the outside of the food.
Others, like sous vide, cook the food evenly and gently to retain its natural flavors. Ultimately, the best cooking method results in the tastiest food.
