Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Essential Cooking Techniques
40
Flashcards
0/40
Marinating
Soak food in a flavored liquid mix (marinade) to tenderize and add flavor before cooking.
Simmering
Cook food gently in liquid just below boiling point, around 85-95°C (185-205°F), where small bubbles rise to the surface.
Deglazing
Add liquid (often wine) to a pan to dissolve food residues after sautéing or searing for enhanced flavor.
Flambéing
Add alcohol to a dish and ignite to introduce a rich, caramelized flavor and dramatic presentation.
Emulsifying
Combine two liquids that ordinarily do not mix, such as oil and vinegar, to create a homogeneous mixture.
Macérating
Soften or breakdown food by soaking in a liquid, often alcohol, syrup, or vinegar, to enhance flavor.
Proofing
Allow yeast dough to rise before baking, which develops the final texture and flavor of bread.
Baking
Cook food by surrounding it with hot air in an oven, typically at temperatures from 175-220°C (350-425°F).
Frying
Cook food by submerging it in hot oil, usually at temperatures of 160–190°C (320–375°F).
Folding
Gently mix a lighter mixture into a heavier one to retain volume, such as incorporating whipped cream or egg whites.
Chiffonading
Cut leafy vegetables or herbs into thin, ribbon-like strips, often used for garnishes.
Tempering
Gently raise the temperature of a cold or room-temperature ingredient by slowly adding hot or boiling liquid.
Blanching
Briefly submerge food in boiling water and then immediately place it into ice water to halt the cooking process.
Zesting
Remove the very outer colored layer of citrus fruit skin, rich in oils and flavor, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Stewing
Similar to braising, but involves smaller, uniform pieces of meat or vegetables, submerged in liquid and cooked slowly.
Stir-Frying
Cook food quickly on high heat in a wok or frying pan with constant stirring or tossing.
Poaching
Cook food by submerging it in a liquid at a temperature between 70-85°C (160-185°F), without reaching a boil.
Shucking
Open the hard outer shell of mollusks (like oysters and clams) to access the meat inside.
Boiling
Cook food submerged in water or another liquid at a temperature of 100°C (212°F) until done.
Steaming
Cook food by exposing it to steam coming from boiling water, without the food touching the water itself.
Deep-Frying
A form of frying in which the food is completely submerged in hot oil.
Smoking
Cook or flavor food by exposing it to smoke from burning or smoldering material, often wood.
Whisking
Beat ingredients together with a whisk to mix, aerate, and increase volume.
Sautéing
Cook food rapidly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat while moving it around constantly.
Caramelizing
Cook sugar or foods containing sugar (like onions) until they become brown and develop a complex flavor.
Reducing
Simmer or boil a liquid until its volume is decreased through evaporation, often to intensify flavors or thicken.
Julienning
Cut vegetables into short, thin strips, resembling matchsticks, for uniform cooking and presentation.
Mincing
Cut or chop food into very small pieces, finer than diced or chopped sizes.
Broiling
Cook food by exposing it to direct radiant heat from above, similar to grilling reversed.
Searing
Brown the surface of food quickly at high temperature to develop flavor and color through caramelization.
Grilling
Cook food on a grill over direct heat, often from charcoal or gas, to impart a charred flavor.
Glazing
Coat foods with a glossy mixture (often a reduction of stock, sugar, or icing) to enhance flavor and appearance.
Dicing
Cut food into uniform cube-shaped pieces, with varying levels of size (fine, medium, large).
Kneading
Work dough with hands to develop gluten, leading to elastic and smooth texture.
Filletting
Cut the bones from fish or meat to create a boneless piece suitable for cooking.
Braising
Cook food slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot after searing or browning it.
Roasting
Cook food by surrounding it with hot air in an oven, usually at high heat above 220°C (425°F), to brown the exterior.
Clarifying
Remove impurities from a liquid, such as butter or broth, to make it clear and increase its purity.
Gratinating
Top a dish with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then brown it in an oven or under a broiler.
Puréeing
Blend, grind, or mash food until it becomes a thick, smooth paste.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.