Learn Cooking Lingo

Learn Cooking Lingo

It is important that anyone who prepares meals know the different cooking terminology. A dish may be prepared in a number of ways, and each of the preparation method can result in varying flavors.

These are some of the many cooking terms recipes may call for:

When a recipe calls for a food item to be grilled, this typically means the food should be cooked over an open flame. Whether it is charcoal or gas, a grill is the best place to do your grilling.

When a recipe calls for a food item to be broiled, this means the food should be cooked by direct exposure to flame or a heat element. Typically, "broil" is a setting on any oven. However, it is important to place the food on the top rack when using the broil setting.

People often confuse frying and deep-frying. Keep in mind that frying can be done in a frying pan with oil or butter. The food is cooked in the fat. Deep-frying, on the other hand, means the food must be submerged in boiling oil until it is cooked. Deep-frying is typically done by placing the food in a basket and submerging the basket in a vat of boiling oil. Deep-frying is used to cook French fries, breaded chicken tender and funnel cakes.

Sautéing can evoke strong flavors from your food and is different from frying. When you sauté food, the food is cooked quickly in a small amount of fat (oil or butter). A frying pan is the best way to execute this cooking method.

If you prepare meals on a regular basis, familiarize yourself with the different cooking and preparation terms. Know at least the basic cooking terms so you can prepare and cook dishes as their recipes intended. Before you start cooking a new recipe or dish, read through the recipe instructions first. Take note what the cooking terms and make sure you know exactly how to execute them. This is particularly important when you are preparing a dish where timing is crucial.



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