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AIBU?

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Original poster

How do I become good at cooking?

80 replies

Aspiringcook · 13/10/2025 13:11

I can cook basic stuff but I always find that flavour is a bit meh. Never cook anything mind blowingly tasty. Is there any hope for me or do some people just “have it” and are naturally more skilled?
Any recipe booka to recommend? I particularly like vegetarian recipes although I do occasionally eat meat and fish.
I find that this (as well as living in a small home) sometimes stops me from wanting to host people as I get quite stressed if I have to cook for many.
Would love to improve as I genuinely enjoy food and pottering around the kitchen

OP posts:
Screamingabdabz · 13/10/2025 13:17

I think start with Mary Berry recipes. They’re fairly simple and always work. (Other cook books can be hit and miss). Nigella and Delia Smith are other failproof ones. Once you’ve tried a few you’ll get to know more about the basics and grow in confidence.

BadActingParsley · 13/10/2025 13:16

it's probably not enough salt. i find watching videos helps as you can see how browned things get like onions or meat/. what do you like eating?

I'd also start with one thing and perfect it, like roast chicken...

HeyThereDelila · 13/10/2025 13:16

It’s practice and trial and error. Meat must be properly browned for mince based dishes, stews and casseroles. Wine, herbs, salt and pepper and lemon juice boost flavour. Cook with a lid off for some of your cooking time; this helps sauces reduce and intensify in flavour.

Buy a second hand copy of Delia’s Complete Cookery Course online and read recipes for free on BBC Good Food. Start off with variations on things you can already do and slowly add in new stuff. I believe anyone can be a great cook, it just takes practice.

vincettenoir · 13/10/2025 13:14

I think for most people practice helps them grow in confidence. Focus on food you like to cook and eat and adapt the recipes to your personal preferences. Stick some tunes on in the kitchen and enjoy.

redlett · 13/10/2025 13:14

I don’t have cook books but if you look online a quick search will give you any recipes you can think of.
I self taught to cook and just look up a recipe and tweak it to ingredients I prefer.

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