Types Of Basic Cooking Techniques & Methods

One of the most important things to know when cooking food is to know which method or cooking technique is best to use.

Each ingredient requires a different cooking process to bring about the proper texture and taste at its best.

So here are some basic tips for different cooking styles and where find more information about each method on our site.

Looking to learn about a specific cooking method? Browse these popular categories:

Baking

Baking Category

Almost every household across America has an oven. So, learning how to bake is a great way to start your cooking adventure in the kitchen.

Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that transfers heat to your food by hot air. So to avoid drying out your favorite cake recipe or burning the bottom of your cookies, you’ll need to learn some tips and skills.

We have information on baking at the proper temperatures, tools and equipment, and how to experiment without completely destroying your recipes.

  • Commonly Baked Goods: Bread, Cakes, Cookies, Pastry
  • Baking Equipment and Gear: Oven, Baking Sheets, Baking Dishes, Aluminum Foil, Parchment Paper

BBQ And Grilling

BBQ Grilling Vegetables Meat

There’s something about barbecued or grilled food that takes its flavors to the next level. Before hosting your next party, you will need to learn the differences and how to master them.

The simple answer is that grilling is done quickly over high heat. At the same time, barbecue is a slow cooking method using indirect heat that delivers the most tender and juicy charcoal-flavored goodness.

There is much to learn about these techniques, so experimenting will be essential to your success.

  • Commonly Cooked: Meat (Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin), Vegetables (Includes Root Vegetables), Sometimes Fruit
  • Barbecue and Grilling Gear: BBQs, Grills, Grilling Utensils, Meat Thermometer, Heat Resistant Gloves, Meat claws, Skewers

Microwaving

Microwave Category

The microwave is another common household appliance that can not only reheat food but also prepare complete meals with the right recipe.

Because of the way a microwave heats food, you can do everything from defrost, boil, and even crisp up the bottom of your pizza crust when using the right platter.

  • Commonly Microwaved: Water, Hot Dogs, Soups, Stews, Chili, Milk, Leftovers, Frozen Food
  • Microwave Gear: Microwave Ovens, Microwave Safe Cookware

Juicing

juicing at home

Juicing isn’t technically a cooking method but more of a preparation method. It involves extracting juice from fruits and vegetables, typically using a slow masticating or centrifugal juicing machine.

  • Common Foods That Are Juiced: Fruits, Vegetables
  • Juicing Equipment and Gear: Juicer, Knives, Peelers, Strainers, Glasses

Cooking Methods FAQs

What Are The 3 Types Of Cooking Methods?

There are three types of cooking methods to cook food that can be categorized as the moist cooking method, dry cooking method, and the combination cooking method. Different foods will require different methods to cook them best.

Which Two Cooking Methods Preserve The Most Vitamins And Minerals?

To preserve the most vitamins and minerals in meat or vegetables, you should steam or grill them. Boiling is one of the worst ways to preserve your food’s nutrients because the nutrients will leach out into the water over time.

Which Methods Of Heat Transfer Are Involved In Cooking?

Convection is the primary method of heat transfer involved during cooking. It occurs when hot air or water circulates around the food, transferring heat to it evenly. Conduction happens when you use direct heat from a stovetop or grill, and radiation when food is cooked in the microwave.

What Are Some Common Methods Of Cooking Pork?

Pork can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, grilling, frying, and braising. The best method to cook pork depends on the cut of meat being used. Pork tenderloin is best cooked quickly using high heat methods like grilling or frying, while tougher cuts like pork shoulder benefit from slower methods like braising.

What Are Combination Cooking Methods?

Combination cooking methods use more than one type of heat for cooking food. An example is using the stovetop and oven for cooking a beef roast. The stovetop can sear the roast while the oven finishes roasting the meat slowly until desired.

What Are Moist Cooking Methods?

Moist heat cooking methods are when food is cooked using water or another liquid. Boiling, poaching, stewing, and pressure cooking are examples of moist cooking methods.

What Are Dry Cooking Methods?

Dry heat cooking methods are when food is cooked without using liquid. Grilling, baking, frying, and roasting are examples of dry cooking methods. However, a dry cooking method can sometimes include basting when roasting a chicken or applying BBQ sauce when grilling other meats.

Written By Justin Micheal

Justin is not just the creator but also an author and editor for KitchenSanity. He does the majority of the cooking at home with his wife. His friends and family look forward to eating his delicious creations, which often leads to many questions about how they can replicate his meals at home. In his writing, he shares his passion and knowledge as a home chef from his kitchen to yours.