English Vocabulary for Cooking Verbs

Have you ever wondered how to talk about cooking actions in English? Learning vocabulary for cooking verbs will make your culinary adventures more exciting! Do you want to know how to say common actions like chop, stir, bake, or boil? With these words, you can follow recipes, describe your cooking process, and talk about your favorite dishes. So, are you ready to explore the world of cooking verbs and enhance your kitchen vocabulary?

Basic Cooking Techniques

1. Boil (verb) /bɔɪl/: To cook something in hot water that is bubbling because it is heated to the boiling point.
Example: She decided to boil the eggs for breakfast.

2. Simmer (verb) /ˈsɪmər/: To cook something in liquid at a temperature just below the boiling point.
Example: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to enhance its flavor.

3. Steam (verb) /stiːm/: To cook food by exposing it to steam, usually while in a covered pot.
Example: He chose to steam the vegetables to keep their nutritional content.

4. Grill (verb) /ɡrɪl/: To cook food on a rack over heat, typically on a barbecue.
Example: They planned to grill some chicken for the outdoor picnic.

5. Roast (verb) /roʊst/: To cook food in an oven or over a fire.
Example: We’re roasting a turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner.

6. Bake (verb) /beɪk/: To cook food in an oven using heat.
Example: She likes to bake cakes for her friends’ birthdays.

7. Fry (verb) /fraɪ/: To cook food in hot oil or fat.
Example: He decided to fry the fish for tonight’s dinner.

8. Saute (verb) /soʊˈteɪ/: To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil in a pan over high heat.
Example: She sauteed the garlic and onions before adding them to the sauce.

9. Stir-fry (verb) /ˈstɝːˌfraɪ/: To cook small pieces of food quickly by moving them around continuously in a hot, lightly oiled pan.
Example: He loves to stir-fry vegetables as it is a fast and healthy method of cooking.

10. Blanch (verb) /blæntʃ/: To cook food briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer it into cold water to halt the cooking process.
Example: You should blanch the tomatoes before peeling them.

11. Poach (verb) /poʊtʃ/: To cook something gently in hot liquid, keeping it below boiling point.
Example: She decided to poach the eggs for a healthier breakfast option.

12. Broil (verb) /brɔɪl/: To cook by direct exposure to heat, such as under a grill or over a hot fire.
Example: To finish the dish, broil the top for a few minutes until it is golden brown.

Advanced Cooking Techniques

1. Braise (verb) /breɪz/: To cook food slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot or pan.
Example: She decided to braise the beef to make it tender and flavorful.

2. Stew (verb) /stjuː/: To cook food slowly in liquid in a covered dish.
Example: They’re planning to stew the vegetables to make a hearty soup.

3. Caramelize (verb) /ˈkærəməlaɪz/: To cook sugar or food until it becomes brown and sweet.
Example: He learned to caramelize onions for a richer flavor in his dishes.

4. Sear (verb) /sɪər/: To cook the surface of food quickly at a high temperature to lock in the juices.
Example: She seared the steak on each side to keep it juicy inside.

5. Flambé (verb) /flɑːmˈbeɪ/: To pour liquor over food and set it on fire for a short time to enhance its flavor.
Example: The chef decided to flambé the bananas for a dramatic dessert.

6. Glaze (verb) /ɡleɪz/: To coat food with a shiny, often sweet, mixture.
Example: He glazed the ham with honey to give it a sweet finish.

7. Marinate (verb) /ˈmærɪneɪt/: To soak food in a liquid to flavor or tenderize it before cooking.
Example: She chose to marinate the chicken overnight to make it more flavorful.

8. Season (verb) /ˈsiːzən/: To add salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to food to enhance its flavor.
Example: Don’t forget to season the vegetables before roasting them.

9. Knead (verb) /niːd/: To press and stretch dough with your hands to make it smooth and elastic.
Example: He began to knead the bread dough until it was smooth.

10. Infuse (verb) /ɪnˈfjuːz/: To steep an ingredient in a liquid to extract its flavor.
Example: She decided to infuse the cream with vanilla for her dessert recipe.

11. Deglaze (verb) /diːˈɡleɪz/: To add liquid to a pan in which food has been fried or roasted, in order to loosen the food particles stuck to the bottom.
Example: He deglazed the pan with wine to make a flavorful sauce for the steak.

12. Reduce (verb) /rɪˈdjuːs/: To boil a liquid until it decreases in volume through evaporation, often to concentrate the flavor.
Example: She decided to reduce the balsamic vinegar to create a thicker, more intense dressing.

Food Preparation

1. Chop (verb) /ʧɑːp/: To cut food into smaller pieces, not necessarily of equal size.
Example: She began to chop the onions for the stir-fry.

2. Slice (verb) /slaɪs/: To cut something into thin, flat pieces.
Example: He carefully sliced the bread for the sandwiches.

3. Dice (verb) /daɪs/: To cut food into small, square pieces.
Example: She diced the tomatoes for the salad.

4. Peel (verb) /piːl/: To remove the outer layer or skin from a fruit or vegetable.
Example: He started to peel the oranges for the fruit salad.

5. Grate (verb) /ɡreɪt/: To shred food into small pieces by rubbing it on a grater.
Example: She grated some cheese to put on top of the pasta.

6. Crush (verb) /krʌʃ/: To press something very hard so that it is broken or its shape is destroyed.
Example: He crushed the garlic to add to the sauce.

7. Mince (verb) /mɪns/: To cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces, typically using a machine.
Example: She decided to mince the meat for the homemade burgers.

8. Puree (verb) /pʊˈreɪ/: To blend or mash food until it forms a smooth, creamy substance.
Example: He chose to puree the vegetables for the baby food.

9. Blend (verb) /blɛnd/: To mix different food items together until they combine to become one substance.
Example: She started to blend the fruits for the smoothie.

10. Whisk (verb) /wɪsk/: To beat a mixture with a whisk to make it light and frothy.
Example: He began to whisk the eggs for the omelette.

11. Beat (verb) /biːt/: To mix food by stirring it quickly and continuously.
Example: She decided to beat the butter and sugar together for the cake.

12. Fold (verb) /foʊld/: To mix a light ingredient, like whipped cream or beaten egg whites, with a heavier one without releasing air bubbles.
Example: He carefully folded the beaten egg whites into the cake batter.

Baking Specific Techniques

1. Cream (verb) /kri:m/: To mix ingredients, often butter and sugar, until they become a smooth, creamy blend.
Example: She started to cream the butter and sugar together for the cookie dough.

2. Whip (verb) /wɪp/: To beat food rapidly to incorporate air and produce expansion, as in heavy cream or egg whites.
Example: He decided to whip the cream for the topping of the dessert.

3. Knead (verb) /ni:d/: To work and press dough with your hands so it becomes elastic.
Example: She began to knead the dough for the bread.

4. Mix (verb) /mɪks/: To combine two or more ingredients together so they blend evenly.
Example: He started to mix the ingredients together for the salad dressing.

5. Blend (verb) /blɛnd/: To mix different food items together until they combine to become one substance.
Example: She started to blend the fruits for the smoothie.

6. Sieve (verb) /sɪv/: To put a food product through a sieve or strainer to remove lumps or large particles.
Example: He began to sieve the flour for the cake batter.

7. Roll out (verb) /roʊl aʊt/: To make a dough flat and thin by using a rolling pin.
Example: She started to roll out the dough for the pizza base.

8. Preheat (verb) /priːˈhiːt/: To heat an oven to a particular temperature before putting the food in.
Example: He decided to preheat the oven for the cookies.

9. Proof (verb) /pru:f/: In baking, to let a yeast dough rest and rise before baking.
Example: She started to proof the dough for the cinnamon rolls.

10. Grease (verb) /ɡri:s/: To apply a layer of fat, such as butter or oil, to a pan or dish to prevent food from sticking.
Example: He began to grease the baking dish for the lasagna.

Congratulations on expanding your English vocabulary for cooking verbs! Now you can confidently express and understand various cooking actions like chop, stir, bake, and boil. This knowledge will help you follow recipes, share cooking experiences, and explore new culinary techniques. Keep practicing these words to become a skilled chef and enjoy the delicious world of cooking!