5 Easy Recipes to Start Your Cooking Journey

Starting your cooking journey can feel like stepping into a vast, uncharted world of ingredients, techniques, and flavors. But every master chef begins somewhere, and the first steps don’t have to be daunting. To set you on the right path, we’ve curated five simple, yet delicious recipes. These recipes not only introduce basic cooking techniques but also build your confidence to experiment and create.

1. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the epitome of simplicity in Italian cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that highlights the beauty of minimalism in cooking.

Ingredients:

• 200g of spaghetti
• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté until golden but not burnt.
3. Toss in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

This dish teaches you the importance of balancing flavors and timing, especially when working with aromatics like garlic.

2. Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick and healthy chicken stir-fry introduces basic knife skills and the art of stir-frying—a fundamental technique in many cuisines.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional)
• Cooked rice, to serve

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the chicken until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil to the wok, toss in the garlic, and sauté for a few seconds before adding the vegetables. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the wok, add the oyster sauce and sesame oil, and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice.

This dish demonstrates the importance of high heat and constant movement in stir-frying, ensuring even cooking and vibrant textures.

3. Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Perfecting scrambled eggs is a rite of passage for every budding cook. While simple, this dish requires attention to technique and patience.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add milk, and whisk until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and melt the butter.
3. Pour in the eggs and let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds.
4. Using a spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center, allowing the uncooked eggs to flow to the edges.
5. Continue this process until the eggs are just set but still soft and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve.

This recipe teaches temperature control and the importance of not overcooking to achieve a soft, custardy texture.

4. Beginner’s Pancakes

Making pancakes is a delightful way to practice measuring ingredients and mastering the art of flipping.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Maple syrup and toppings of choice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook the other side until golden.
6. Serve warm with syrup and your favorite toppings.

This recipe introduces the concept of combining wet and dry ingredients and emphasizes the importance of avoiding overmixing to maintain fluffiness.

5. Oven-Baked Salmon

Baking salmon is a foolproof way to learn about cooking proteins while yielding a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the salmon.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with a side of vegetables or rice.

This dish highlights the importance of not overcooking fish and showcases how simple seasoning can enhance natural flavors.

Conclusion

Embarking on your cooking journey with these five recipes will equip you with essential culinary skills. From mastering heat control to understanding ingredient interaction, each recipe builds a foundation for your growth as a home cook. As you gain confidence, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and techniques. Remember, cooking is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final dish. Happy cooking!