Roasting Rookies: Essential Cooking Tips For Beginners

Maybe not everyone is meant to wield a saucepan? Are there some people whose cooking mojo is so diabolically atrocious that they should have posters with their mug shots on them plastered on kitchen doors across the nation?

At a recent team meeting, a GreenPan team member regaled us with a story of a friend whose cooking skills were arguably WOAT (Worst Of All Time) level. This mastermind of cooking criminality was so clueless in the kitchen that they didn’t own a kettle and resorted to boiling water for tea on the stove.

Surely even the world’s worst cook could handle that, right? Well, it turns out, not so much. They forgot all about the water, which eventually completely boiled off and were only alerted to the issue when smoke started billowing out of the kitchen from the now charred-beyond-recognition saucepan. That’s right, cooking fans, this person’s skills were so abjectly horrid that they burned water! Now that’s an exceptional talent.

You may laugh, but a recent study of Australians’ cooking habits uncovered the alarming fact that 35% of adults in our country have little to no idea how to cook¹. The fascinating data showed that it wasn’t that people don’t want to cook. In fact, the study found that most people would love to acquire culinary skills. However, a lack of confidence, information and correct equipment created an insurmountable barrier for many.

The take-home message is that it’s not a lack of talent holding people back from honing their cooking skills. Anyone can learn this critical life skill with some measured guidance, the right tools and a psychological boost.

We certainly subscribe to this theory, so we’re bringing you our beginners’ guide to basic cooking skills. If you’re one of those Aussies who dreams of whipping up tantalising delicacies at home, but gives up before you start and lives off takeaways, we’re here to prove you can do it.

Tip 1: The Perfect Pantry

If you’re the kind of person who opens the fridge or pantry door and finds tumbleweeds spinning across the shelves, you need to start stocking up with a range of basic, yet crucial ingredients. There’s no need to go crazy - most recipes call for a generous handful of key ingredients. Keep a reserve of these on hand, and you’ll have most, if not all, you need to start your journey:

1. Oils: Fats are an indispensable part of building the flavours and textures we love and are crucial to most cooking processes. Whether frying, roasting, baking, sauteeing or dressing a salad, you’ll need oil. You’re best bet is to have a couple of different oils on hand - a neutral flavoured oil such as vegetable or canola for basic tasks, and some good quality extra virgin olive oil when you need to impart more flavour.
   
   Level 2 Tip: If Asian food is your thing, you may want to add toasted sesame oil to this list, but always keep in mind that this wonder ingredient is used for flavour, not as a base for frying.


2. Seasonings: Salt and pepper are integral to virtually every dish. Salt helps to bring out the natural flavours in ingredients, while pepper is known as “The Master Spice” in professional chefs’ circles for its versatility and ability to enhance flavour.
   
   Level 2 Tip: Pepper contains a ton of highly fragrant essential oils. These start to evaporate as soon as the peppercorn is cracked. While ground pepper is super handy and does Yeoman’s service, freshly cracked pepper is on a whole other level. If you want the best flavour, get yourself whole peppercorns and a mill and happy grinding!


3. Herbs & Spices: Without them, food can be monotonously bland. However, you don’t need Nigella Lawson’s spice cabinet to impart great taste to your food. A small number of carefully selected herbs and spices can be mixed and matched to add variety and complexity to the recipes you’re working to master. Part of the joy of learning to cook is experimenting with different ingredients, so we encourage you to get creative. However, when you’re first embarking on your gastronomic adventure, these are our picks for essential starters:
• Essential Spices:
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Chilli powder
• Paprika
• Ginger
• Essential Herbs:
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Basil
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Level 2 Tip: Fresh herbs have far more vibrant, intense flavour than dried. While keeping a stock of these dried herbs in the pantry is great, consider buying fresh herbs or even growing them yourself if you have garden space. Many fresh herbs grow wild if adequately cared for, so you can have endless fresh deliciousness in your backyard.

4. Onions and garlic: Virtually every cuisine includes these aromatic staples. Sliced, diced, chopped or minced, you’ll find one or both in virtually every recipe. Having a supply ready to go will ensure you’re prepared. Feel free to experiment with brown, red and white onions as each has subtly different flavours.
   
   Level 2 Tips: For bonus points, branch out to shallots, spring onions and leeks when you’re ready to expand your repertoire.


5. Starches: Rice, pasta, and potatoes form the basis of many dishes. They have fairly neutral tastes and are just waiting to take on the flavours of the herbs, spices and sauces you use in your masterpiece.
   
   Level 2 Tips: For bonus points, branch out to shallots, spring onions and leeks when you’re ready to expand your repertoire.


6. Protein: Your favourite meat, fish, tofu or legumes are essential to a nutritionally balanced meal. Make sure to buy the freshest cuts and store them properly to keep them in the best condition, or freeze until needed.
   
   Level 2 Tips: Tofu gets an undeserved bad wrap in some circles. Contrary to what you may have heard, soy products do not cause men to grow breasts or reduce their fertility². If you’re not sold on tofu, there are many ways to prepare tofu so that it takes on the texture of meat


7. Vegetables & Fruits: When your Mum told you to eat your veggies, she knew what she was doing! Vitamins and minerals are necessary for good health and they’re found in spades in fruits and vegetables. Keep a steady supply of quality fruit and veg in your fridge to use whenever the urge to cook strikes.
   
   Level 2 Tips: Short on time or concerned about food waste? Did you know frozen vegetables are as healthy, if not more nutritious, than fresh? The nutrients in fresh fruits and veggies start to break down the second they pass their maximum freshness. So, if you’re eating them past their peak, you’re getting less of the good stuff. Frozen vegetables, by comparison, are typically snap frozen at the absolute peak of freshness when their vitamin and mineral content is highest. Freezing drastically slows the breakdown process, so the veggies will still be at their most nutritious when it's time to thaw and eat.
   


8. Other basics: Keep these items handy and you’ll be ready for pretty much anything:
• Flour
• Vinegar
• Milk & Eggs (vegans, see our ways to prepare tofu so that it takes on the texture of meat and vegan egg replacement info)
• Lemons
• Sugar
• Tomato paste
• Mustard
• Vinegar

Tip 2: Equipped For Success

Every tradesperson relies on top-quality tools to get the job done. Why should a home chef be any different? Kitting your kitchen out with everything you need doesn’t have to break your bank or clutter your cupboards. When you’re starting out, you’ll find that a few well-chosen items can be sufficient for you to perform most, if not all, the processes you need in the kitchen. Here are some of the must-haves:

• Skillet - Skillets can be used interchangeably with frying pans, but have the extra versatility of higher, less sloping sides. This allows them to multitask as a sort of hybrid saucepan, so you can fry and simmer as required. Many great quality items, such as our Padova non-toxic, non-stick ceramic skillet, also come with a tight-fitting lid, giving you greater temperature control and allowing you to lock in the flavours.
• Saucepan - perfect for soups, stews and saucy recipes. A great saucepan can be your best friend in the kitchen, and you’ll find yourself utilising it constantly. If you’re planning on making larger quantities, whether it’s to feed a crowd or batch-cook to store in the freezer for busy days, a sturdy stock pot is just the thing you need on your stove.
• Silicone Utensils - metal spatulas, tongs and spoons will quickly scratch and damage the surface of your cookware. Silicone is soft, gentle, and a cinch to use and clean, making it the ideal option.
• Knives - If there’s one thing not to skimp on in the kitchen, it’s your knives. You don’t need a drawer-full. Just a couple of sharp, well-balanced knives will be sufficient for your slicing, dicing and chopping. Be aware that knives do not stay sharp forever. Take them to be professionally sharpened at least once a year, and they’ll last you for decades.
• Measuring cups and spoons - Cooking can sometimes be a bit like chemistry class. If you’re following a recipe, ensure you have the tools to keep to the required measurements.
• Other essentials:
• Cutting boards
• Mixing bowls
• Storage containers
• Colander
• Vegetable peeler

As your skills develop, you may invest in additional specialty items. In the meantime, with these few items in your arsenal, you’re more or less ready for anything.

Tip 3: Appliance Reliance

Technology has revolutionised every aspect of our lives, and the kitchen is no exception. The internet is awash with weird and wonderful gadgets that claim to do everything but cook your meal for you. Most of these will end up gathering dust and cluttering your counters, so it pays to be discerning when it comes to kitchen tech. However, there are a handful of appliances in which you should strongly consider investing. The key is to avoid gimmicks and acquire items that enhance and extend your burgeoning skills. You can rely on these items to do just that:

1. Air Fryer

Initially dismissed as a fad, air fryers have defied the naysayers and stood the test of time. Their popularity derives primarily from their ability to produce everyone’s favourite fried foods with just a fraction of the fat and calories. Air fryers utilise complex chemical reactions to mimic the brown, crispy texture and flavour of frying with minimal oil. Fast and simple often means unhealthy in the kitchen, but air fryers are an exception to this rule, making them an almost perfect addition to your toolbox. While they are most commonly used for chips, wedges and nuggets, there are so many things you can cook in your air fryer, so put it through its paces and explore everything it can do to reap the benefits in your output.

2. Slow Cooker

Soups, stews and casseroles are wonderful items to add to your skillset, particularly when winter’s chill hits. They can seem intimidating for novice cooks to tackle with their multi-layered interplay of flavours and textures. However, with a slow cooker, much of the hard work is done for you. GreenPan’s advanced slow cookers combine state-of-the-art technology with sleek design and practical features. With easy one-touch presets, a large LCD display and a range of gorgeous colours, you can impress your friends and family with your newfound skills without the hassle or fuss. The hard-anodised pot lets you sear and brown ingredients in the unit before adding all your ingredients, pushing a button and waiting for divine, comforting dishes to emerge. Spend some time learning how to use slow cooker, and you’ll find it one of the best investments you can make.

3. Rice Cooker

There’s something so utterly comforting about a steaming bowl of fluffy, fragrant rice. Whether you fancy a Spanish pilaf, Italian risotto, Iraqi Kitchree or Chinese chao fan, rice is integral to virtually every cuisine. However, beginners, be warned - rice can be notoriously tricky to cook well. However, with a top-quality rice cooker, you can produce perfect rice every time and make it look easy. Any rice cooker worth its salt can cook other grains, and with a bit of know-how, it allows you to cook impressive dishes in one pot, saving time and effort and washing up.

Just The Beginning

Follow the tips above, and you’re ready to get a strong head start on your quest to pursue competence in the kitchen. Once equipped with the right tools, technology and ingredients, you’re ready to tackle your favourite recipes and discover the incredibly satisfying and liberating skill of producing delicious food.

You got this!

1. Insight Trends World, March 19, 2025: New Data Reveals a Third of Aussies Clueless in the Kitchen
2. Popular Science, February 21, 2021: Eating soy does not make men grow boobs
3. CNN Health, May 31st, 2019: Why frozen fruit and veggies may be better for you than fresh