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40 Cooking and Recipe Related Words with their meanings

English Vocabulary

40 Cooking and Recipe Related Words with Their Meanings is a useful vocabulary list for English learners who want to talk confidently about food and cooking.

In this post, you will learn common words used in recipes, kitchens, and daily cooking conversations.

Each word is explained in clear and easy language, making it perfect for students, beginners, and home cooks.

Whether you enjoy cooking, follow recipes in English, or want to improve your food-related vocabulary, this list will help you understand and use cooking terms correctly.

Let’s get cooking!

Bake – To cook food in the oven using dry heat. Think cookies and cakes!

Boil – To heat a liquid until it bubbles and cooks the food. Perfect for pasta or eggs.

Sauté – To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat. Ideal for veggies or meat.

Simmer – To cook food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Great for soups and stews.

Grill – To cook food over direct heat. A popular method for burgers and veggies.

Roast – To cook food in the oven with dry heat, often with a bit of oil. Think roasted chicken or potatoes.

Fry – To cook food in hot oil or fat. You can deep fry or pan fry, like for fries or chicken.

Steam – To cook food using steam from boiling water. A healthy method for veggies and fish.

Mix – To combine ingredients until evenly distributed. For cakes, doughs, or salads.

Chop – To cut food into smaller pieces with a knife. Perfect for prepping veggies or meat.

Dice – To cut food into small, uniform cubes. Great for ingredients in salads or sauces.

Mince – To cut food into very fine pieces. Used for garlic or onions to add flavor.

Whisk – To mix ingredients using a wire tool. Useful for beating eggs or combining dressings.

Fold – To gently combine ingredients without deflating them. Common in baking to mix batter.

Knead – To work dough with your hands to develop gluten. Essential for making bread or pizza dough.

 

Grate – To shred food into small pieces. Useful for cheese, vegetables, or zesting fruits.

Marinate – To soak food in a flavorful liquid before cooking. Adds taste to meats, veggies, and more.

Season – To add herbs, spices, or salt to enhance flavor. Key for making your dish tasty!

Garnish – To add a decorative or flavorful touch to a dish. Like fresh herbs on a plate of pasta.

Broil – To cook food under direct heat. Often used for melting cheese or crisping up foods.

Preheat – To heat the oven or pan before you start cooking. Ensures even cooking from the start.

Sear – To cook the surface of food at a high temperature. Creates a flavorful crust on meats.

Blanch – To briefly boil food and then cool it quickly. Used for vegetables to preserve color and texture.

Deglaze – To add liquid to a pan to lift up browned bits from cooking. Creates delicious sauces.

Reduce – To simmer a liquid until it thickens. Perfect for making sauces and glazes.

Zest – To scrape off the outer peel of a citrus fruit. Adds fresh flavor to recipes.

Simmer – To cook gently in a liquid at a low heat. Used for making rich soups and sauces.

Poach – To cook food gently in simmering liquid. Often used for eggs or delicate fish.

Scramble – To cook eggs while stirring. Great for a quick breakfast dish.

Stuff – To fill food with another ingredient. Think stuffed peppers or turkey.

Blend – To combine ingredients into a smooth mixture. Ideal for smoothies or soups.

Roast – To cook food in an oven with dry heat. Often used for meats, vegetables, or nuts.

Reduce – To thicken a liquid by simmering it. Essential for sauces and soups.

Temper – To gradually mix a hot ingredient into a cooler one. Used to prevent curdling in sauces.

Sift – To pass dry ingredients through a sieve. Ensures smooth and lump-free baking.

Julienne – To cut food into thin, matchstick-sized strips. Great for vegetables in stir-fries.

Proof – To let dough rise before baking. Essential for making bread and rolls.

Toss – To mix ingredients gently. Often used for salads or pasta dishes.

Grill – To cook food on a grill over direct heat. Perfect for summer BBQs.

Simmer – To cook food at a low, gentle heat. Often used for making stocks or sauces.

Happy cooking! 🍴😊

Here are some effective ways to remember new words:

Use the word in context: Write sentences using the new word.

Visualize: Create a mental image associated with the word.

Mnemonics: Use memory tricks like acronyms or rhymes.

Repetition: Review the word regularly over time.

Group words: Organize related words together.

Word association: Link the new word to one you already know.

Write it down: The act of writing helps reinforce memory.

Teach others: Explaining the word to someone else solidifies your understanding.

Use flashcards: Test yourself regularly.

Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes: Understanding word parts can help you guess meanings.

Use the word in conversation: Practical application aids retention.

Create a story: Weave new words into a memorable narrative.

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Manoj Sharma is an English teacher and soft skills trainer with more than 10 years of experience in teaching students of different age groups and levels. He specializes in spoken English, vocabulary building, grammar, phrasal verbs, and daily-use English.

Through his website Love You English, he helps learners speak English confidently using simple explanations, real-life examples, and easy learning techniques. His goal is to make English learning practical, enjoyable, and stress-free for students, job seekers, and professionals.