Learning to cook as an adult isn’t just about making food - it’s about taking control, saving money, eating in a more healthy way and discovering something new about yourself. It might feel intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, cooking can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to cook but aren't sure where to start, don’t worry. There are plenty of simple ways to dive in, even if you’ve never really picked up a knife before.

We live in a time where it’s easy to rely on takeout or pre-packaged meals, and let’s face it, they’re often not the healthiest or the most fulfilling. But cooking your own meals changes everything. It gives you the chance to experiment, to be creative, and to reconnect with the food you eat. So how do you begin this journey? Well, here are 8 practical ways to start cooking as an adult, whether you’re in it for the basics or you want to take your skills to the next level.

1. Start with Simple Recipes

Why: Jumping straight into elaborate dishes can feel like a lot, and let's be honest, it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. The trick is to ease into it. Begin with simple recipes that don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. This way, you can build confidence and get comfortable in the kitchen before trying anything too ambitious.

How: Look up easy, beginner-friendly recipes online or grab a cookbook with simple instructions. Start with dishes that are hard to mess up, like pasta, stir-fries, or roasted vegetables. Don’t stress if things aren’t perfect at first. The key is to keep trying and having fun with it. Cooking should never feel like a chore!

2. Watch Cooking Videos

Why: Some of us are better at learning by seeing than by reading. Watching cooking videos is a great way to pick up new skills, especially when it comes to technique. Whether it’s learning how to chop onions properly or making your first homemade sauce, there’s something reassuring about watching someone else do it first.

How: You don’t need a fancy class to learn. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are full of quick and easy cooking tutorials. Just search for beginner-friendly content like “easy recipes for beginners” or “how to chop vegetables” and follow along. Seeing the process in action will make it less intimidating and help you build confidence in your cooking skills.

Here are a couple of popular cooking channels on Youtube where you can learn from the pros: Gordon Ramsay (Michelin star cook with several TV shows), J. Kenji López-Alt (American chef and food writer), Chef John / Food Wishes (perfect for beginners), Chef Jean-Pierre (experienced Chef, great to learn both basic and advanced techniques).

3. Take an Online Cooking Class

Why: Sometimes it’s nice to have a structured way to learn. If you really want to get into the details of cooking - whether it’s mastering knife skills or exploring different cuisines - taking an online class can give you the foundation you need. These classes can break things down into manageable steps, and the best part? You can learn at your own pace.

How: Websites like MasterClass, Skillshare, and Udemy offer cooking classes for all levels. Some of these even let you interact with instructors in real-time, which can be a game-changer. Whether it’s learning to bake or cook a specific cuisine, these courses can help you expand your skills and give you a deeper understanding of the cooking process.

4. Cook with Friends or Family

Why: Cooking with other people takes the pressure off. It’s not about getting everything perfect - it's about sharing the experience and having fun. Plus, it’s always easier to ask someone for advice if you’re feeling stuck.

How: Plan a cooking night with friends or family who already know their way around the kitchen. Ask them to teach you a few basic skills, or take turns cooking different dishes. You’ll learn faster when you have others to guide you, and you might even discover some new tips and tricks that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

5. Experiment and Practice

Why: Like anything new, the more you practice, the better you get. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Trying out new flavors, ingredients, or techniques is part of the fun of cooking. Sure, it’s possible you’ll make a few mistakes along the way, but that’s how you learn.

How: Try to cook at least one new recipe every week. Start simple and work your way up to more complex dishes as you get more comfortable. If something doesn’t turn out as expected, that’s okay! Mistakes are just learning opportunities, and they’ll make you a better cook in the long run.

6. Invest in Good Tools

Why: You don’t need to break the bank on fancy gadgets, but having a few quality tools can make cooking a lot easier and more enjoyable. The right equipment can save you time and make your meals turn out better.

How: Start by investing in a few essentials. A sharp knife, a good cutting board, a reliable non-stick pan, and measuring cups are all you really need to get started. As you get more into cooking, you can add more specialized tools, but these basics will help you get the job done without unnecessary stress.

7. Read Cookbooks or Food Blogs

Why: Cookbooks can be an incredible resource for learning the foundations of cooking. They often teach techniques and the principles behind cooking, not just recipes. And food blogs offer real-time tips, tricks, and personal stories that can make your cooking journey feel a bit more personal.

How: Pick up a beginner’s cookbook, like Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat, which explains cooking principles in a way that’s easy to follow. If you prefer reading online, check out popular food blogs like Bon Appétit or Minimalist Baker. These sites are full of helpful advice, simple recipes, and a whole lot of inspiration.

8. Focus on One Skill at a Time

Why: Trying to learn everything at once can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on mastering one specific skill before moving on to the next. This will help you build a strong foundation, and once you’ve nailed one skill, you can move on to something more challenging.

How: Dedicate a week or two to practicing a single skill. Whether it’s learning to chop like a pro or perfecting your scrambled eggs, mastering one thing at a time will make you feel more accomplished. Once you’re confident with that skill, move on to the next. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole set of cooking techniques under your belt.

Conclusion

Cooking as an adult isn’t as hard as it may seem. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll do for yourself. By starting with simple recipes, watching tutorials, experimenting in the kitchen, and focusing on one skill at a time, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident cook. It’s not about perfection - it’s about the joy of creating something delicious and sharing it with others. So grab that knife, start chopping, and enjoy the process. Cooking is an adventure that anyone can begin, and there’s no better time than now to start.

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