It can be daunting to cook a meal if you don’t know the meaning of recipe terms. You need to understand the terminology to make sure the dish you’re cooking comes out just the way it should. Whether you’re a novice chef looking to learn the basics or a seasoned cook trying to brush up on your skills, it’s important to know the meanings of common recipe terms.
Contents
Types of Cooking
When it comes to cooking, there are several different methods of preparation. These include:
- Baking: To cook food in an oven using dry heat.
- Boiling: To cook food in hot liquid such as water or broth.
- Broiling: To cook food directly under a heat source, such as the heat element in an oven.
- Deep-frying: To cook food by submerging it in hot oil.
- Grilling: To cook food over direct heat such as charcoal or gas.
- Poaching: To cook food in liquid that is just below the boiling point.
- Roasting: To cook food in an oven using indirect heat.
- Sauteing: To cook food quickly in a small amount of hot fat.
- Steaming: To cook food in a steam-filled chamber.
Measurements and Yields
Measuring ingredients is a critical step in any recipe. Understanding common measurements and yields is important for ensuring accuracy and consistency in the finished product. Here are some common measurements and yields:
Measurements
| Measurement | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Teaspoon | 1/3 tbsp |
| Tablespoon | 3 tsp |
| Cup | 8 fl oz |
| Pint | 2 cups |
| Quart | 2 pints |
| Gallon | 4 quarts |
Yields
Yields refer to the amount of food a recipe produces. Common yields include:
- 1 dozen: 12
- 1 loaf: 8 to 10 servings
- 1 cake: 10 to 12 servings
- 1 pie: 8 servings
- 1 pound: 16 ounces
Preparation Terms
Many recipes call for ingredients to be prepared in specific ways. Here are some common preparation techniques and their definitions:
- Beat: To mix ingredients until they are light and fluffy.
- Blend: To mix ingredients together until they are smooth.
- Chop: To cut food into small, uneven pieces.
- Cream: To beat butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy.
- Dice: To cut food into small, uniform cubes.
- Fold: To gently mix ingredients together using a spoon or spatula.
- Grind: To reduce food into tiny pieces using a food processor or grinder.
- Julienne: To cut food into thin, match-like strips.
- Knead: To work dough with your hands until it is smooth and elastic.
- Mince: To cut food into very small pieces.
- Simmer: To cook food in liquid at a temperature just below the boiling point.
Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or you’re an experienced cook, understanding recipe terms is essential for cooking success. Understanding the terminology will help you create delicious dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
So if you’re ever feeling like you’re in a “recipe rut”, don’t worry – you can always “stir things up” by learning the meanings of common recipe terms!
As the great chef Julia Child once said, “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.”
