How to Read a Recipe Properly
Stop realising halfway through that you're missing an ingredient or equipment.
4 min read
BasicsMost people dive in without reading the full recipe. Reading properly saves time, prevents mistakes, and makes cooking smoother.
1
Read the Entire Recipe First
Read every step before starting. Prevents surprises like 'chill for 2 hours' in step 6.
2
Check for Prep Work
Look for 'softened butter', 'room temperature eggs', or specific equipment needed.
3
Understand Ingredient Descriptions
'1 cup chopped onion' = chop then measure. '1 cup onion, chopped' = measure then chop.
4
Note Timing Opportunities
Look for downtime where you can chop, wash dishes, or make a sauce.
5
Trust Visual Cues
'Until golden brown' is more reliable than 'bake 20 minutes'. Ovens vary.
6
Check the Yield
How many servings? Scale if needed. Larger batches may need more cooking time.
Pro Tips
- Mise en place: prep all ingredients before you start cooking.
- Save recipes that worked and note what you changed.
- Watch a video if unsure about technique.