Question 1

What does 'frying' mean in cooking?

Accepted Answer

Frying means cooking food in hot oil or butter. It's how you cook foods like French fries or fried chicken to make them crispy and tasty.

Question 2

What's the difference between baking and roasting?

Accepted Answer

Baking and roasting both use an oven, but baking is usually for bread, cakes, and cookies. Roasting is for veggies and meats, making them crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Question 3

Why is it important to wash fruits and vegetables?

Accepted Answer

Washing helps remove dirt and germs that can make you sick. It's an easy way to keep your food clean and safe to eat.

Question 4

How do you measure ingredients?

Accepted Answer

For dry stuff, like flour or sugar, you use measuring cups. For wet stuff, like milk or water, you use a liquid measuring cup with a spout. This helps make sure you're adding the right amount.

Question 5

What's a whisk used for in cooking?

Accepted Answer

A whisk is a tool that mixes things together, like eggs. It’s great for making things smooth or adding air to make them fluffy.

Question 6

Why do you need to preheat the oven?

Accepted Answer

Preheating makes the oven hot before you put the food in. This helps things cook evenly from the start and can make food taste better.

Question 7

What is boiling?

Accepted Answer

Boiling is when you heat water until it's bubbling. It's used to cook pasta, eggs, and other foods quickly.

Question 8

How can you tell if meat or fish is cooked?

Accepted Answer

Cooked meat or fish changes color: chicken turns white, beef gets brown, and fish flakes easily. Some people use a special thermometer to check it’s hot enough to be safe.

Question 9

Why is it important to keep raw and cooked food separate?

Accepted Answer

Raw foods can have germs that might spread to cooked food. Keeping them separate helps keep food safe and prevents sickness.

Question 10

What does 'chopping' mean?

Accepted Answer

Chopping means cutting food into small pieces. People chop veggies like onions or carrots to make them ready to cook.

Question 11

How do you make food not stick to a pan?

Accepted Answer

You can use a little oil or butter in the pan before cooking. This slippery layer keeps food from sticking and makes it easier to flip.

Question 12

What should you do if you burn food?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the heat and let it cool before cleaning up. It's okay to make mistakes; you can try again and keep an eye on it next time.

Question 13

Why should you use a timer when cooking or baking?

Accepted Answer

A timer helps you remember when food is done so it doesn’t burn. It’s an easy way to keep track of cooking time.

Question 14

What does 'grilling' mean?

Accepted Answer

Grilling means cooking food on a grill, which gives it a smoky flavor. It's how you cook burgers, hot dogs, or grilled veggies.

Question 15

What's the safest way to cut food with a knife?

Accepted Answer

Always keep your fingers curled away from the blade, and use a sharp knife. This makes cutting easier and safer.

Question 16

What does 'sauté' mean?

Accepted Answer

Sauté means cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter. It's used for cooking veggies or meat in a pan over medium heat.

Question 17

What are spices and why are they used?

Accepted Answer

Spices are things like cinnamon, pepper, and paprika that add flavor to food. They make dishes more exciting and tasty!

Question 18

Why should you clean up as you cook?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning as you cook keeps the kitchen tidy and makes it easier to find what you need. Plus, it’s less work to do after you're done cooking!

Question 19

How can you tell if an egg is fresh?

Accepted Answer

Place it in a bowl of water; if it sinks, it’s fresh. If it floats, it's old and should not be eaten.

Question 20

What is the best way to cook pasta?

Accepted Answer

Boil water in a big pot and add some salt. Then put the pasta in and cook until it’s soft but still a little firm, which is called 'al dente.'

The Basics of Cooking: Techniques, Ingredients, and Safety - 20 FAQs Explained Simply