50 Essential Cookery English Terms Every Student Must Know

Embarking on a culinary journey can be as exciting as it is challenging. For students and aspiring chefs alike, mastering cookery terms is essential to navigating recipes, understanding cooking techniques, and communicating effectively in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking to refine your culinary vocabulary, knowing the right terminology can make a significant difference. This blog post highlights 50 essential cookery English terms that every student must know.

50 Essential Cookery English Terms Every Student Must Know

Each term is explained with a clear definition, phonetic transcription, and practical examples to help you grasp their usage in everyday cooking.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll gain confidence in your cooking skills and enhance your ability to follow recipes with precision. Dive into these terms and elevate your culinary knowledge to the next level!

#1. Blanch 🌿

Definition: To briefly boil food and then plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process.

Phonetic Transcription: /blæntʃ/

Examples:

• Blanching green beans before sautéing them helps retain their vibrant color and crispness.
• You should blanch tomatoes before peeling them to make the skin come off more easily.

#2. Sauté 🍳

Definition: To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat.

Phonetic Transcription: /səˈteɪ/

Examples:

• Sauté onions in olive oil until they become translucent for a flavorful base in many recipes.
• You can sauté mushrooms to enhance their flavor and texture before adding them to your dish.

#3. Julienne 🥕

Definition: To cut vegetables or meat into thin, matchstick-sized strips.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˌdʒuːliˈɛn/

Examples:

• Julienne carrots for a crisp and visually appealing addition to salads.
• The chef used a julienne cut for the bell peppers to ensure they cooked evenly in the stir-fry.

#4. Simmer 🌡️

Definition: To cook food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈsɪmər/

Examples:

• Simmering the soup for several hours allows the flavors to meld together.
• You should simmer the sauce to thicken it without burning the ingredients.

#5. Poach 🥚

Definition: To cook food gently in simmering liquid, typically water, broth, or wine.

Phonetic Transcription: /pəʊtʃ/

Examples:

• Poach eggs in simmering water with a splash of vinegar for perfectly soft yolks.
• You can poach fish fillets in white wine to keep them moist and tender.

#6. Fold 🍰

Definition: To gently combine ingredients by turning them over with a spatula or spoon.

Phonetic Transcription: /foʊld/

Examples:

• Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mousse to maintain its light texture.
• Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter to avoid deflating them.

#7. Grill 🔥

Definition: To cook food over direct heat, usually on a grill or barbecue.

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡrɪl/

Examples:

• Grill the chicken breasts for a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.
• You can grill vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a healthy side dish.

#8. Knead 🍞

Definition: To work dough by pressing, folding, and stretching it to develop the gluten.

Phonetic Transcription: /niːd/

Examples:

• Knead the bread dough for about 10 minutes to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.
• Properly kneading the dough helps create a light and airy loaf.

#9. Roast 🥩

Definition: To cook food evenly in an oven with dry heat.

Phonetic Transcription: /roʊst/

Examples:

• Roast a chicken with herbs and vegetables for a classic, flavorful meal.
• Roasting potatoes at high heat makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

#10. Marinate 🥘

Definition: To soak food in a seasoned liquid to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈmærɪneɪt/

Examples:

• Marinate the steak overnight in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for a richer flavor.
• You can marinate tofu in a spicy sauce to add more depth to your stir-fry.

#11. Reduce 🔄

Definition: To decrease the volume of a liquid by boiling it to concentrate flavors.

Phonetic Transcription: /rɪˈdjuːs/

Examples:

• Reduce the sauce by simmering it until it thickens and intensifies in flavor.
• You can reduce the wine in a pan to create a rich glaze for meats.

#12. Dice 🍅

Definition: To cut food into small, uniform cubes.

Phonetic Transcription: /daɪs/

Examples:

• Dice the tomatoes for a chunky salsa that adds texture to your dish.
• The recipe calls for diced onions to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the stew.

#13. Whisk 🍯

Definition: To beat ingredients together using a whisk to incorporate air and achieve a smooth mixture.

Phonetic Transcription: /wɪsk/

Examples:

• Whisk the eggs and sugar until they are light and fluffy for the cake batter.
• Use a whisk to combine the salad dressing ingredients until they are well emulsified.

#14. Season 🌶️

Definition: To add spices, herbs, or other flavorings to enhance the taste of food.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈsiːzən/

Examples:

• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Don’t forget to season the steak with your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.

#15. Sift 🍪

Definition: To pass dry ingredients through a sieve to remove lumps and aerate them.

Phonetic Transcription: /sɪft/

Examples:

• Sift the flour before adding it to the cake batter to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Sifting powdered sugar helps prevent clumps in your frosting.

#16. Braise 🍖

Definition: To cook food slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.

Phonetic Transcription: /breɪz/

Examples:

• Braise beef short ribs to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
• You can braise vegetables in broth to enhance their natural flavors.

#17. Deglaze 🍷

Definition: To loosen and dissolve browned bits from the bottom of a pan using a liquid.

Phonetic Transcription: /dɪˈɡleɪz/

Examples:

• Deglaze the pan with white wine to create a delicious sauce for your chicken.
• Use broth to deglaze the pan after sautéing onions to incorporate all the flavors.

#18. Chiffonade 🌿

Definition: To cut leafy vegetables or herbs into thin, ribbon-like strips.

Phonetic Transcription: /ʃɪfəˈnɑːd/

Examples:

• Chiffonade basil leaves for a fresh garnish on your pasta dish.
• You can chiffonade spinach to mix into soups or salads for a delicate touch.

#19. Zest 🍋

Definition: To grate or peel the outer skin of citrus fruits to add flavor.

Phonetic Transcription: /zɛst/

Examples:

• Add lemon zest to your cookie dough for a burst of citrus flavor.
• The recipe calls for orange zest to enhance the marinade for the chicken.

#20. Fold in 🥗

Definition: To gently incorporate ingredients into a mixture without deflating it.

Phonetic Transcription: /foʊld ɪn/

Examples:

• Fold in the chopped nuts to the batter carefully to maintain its light texture.
• Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the muffin batter for a sweet surprise.

#21. Baste 🍗

Definition: To brush or spoon liquid over food while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Phonetic Transcription: /beɪst/

Examples:

• Baste the turkey with its own juices to ensure a golden and crispy skin.
• You can baste the roast with a mixture of butter and herbs to enhance its flavor.

#22. Cream 🍨

Definition: To beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Phonetic Transcription: /kriːm/

Examples:

• Cream the butter and sugar together to create a smooth base for cookies.
• You should cream the ingredients until the mixture is pale and airy for a lighter cake.

#23. Glaze 🍰

Definition: To apply a shiny coating, often sweet, to food for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡleɪz/

Examples:

• Brush a glaze over your cake to give it a beautiful, glossy finish.
• Use a balsamic glaze to add a sweet and tangy flavor to your grilled vegetables.

#24. Stir-fry 🍜

Definition: To cook food quickly in a wok or pan over high heat with a small amount of oil while stirring continuously.

Phonetic Transcription: /stɜːr faɪ/

Examples:

• Stir-fry the vegetables with garlic and ginger for a quick and tasty meal.
• You can stir-fry beef strips with bell peppers and onions for a delicious and fast dinner.

#25. Poaching 🍲

Definition: Cooking food gently in a liquid at low temperatures just below boiling.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈpəʊtʃɪŋ/

Examples:

• Poaching pears in red wine creates a flavorful dessert with a tender texture.
• You can poach chicken breasts in broth to keep them moist and easy to shred.

#26. Confection 🍬

Definition: A sweet food item, typically involving sugar, such as candy or pastry.

Phonetic Transcription: /kənˈfɛkʃən/

Examples:

• The bakery specializes in delightful confections like macarons and truffles.
• Homemade confections such as fudge can be a great gift for special occasions.

#27. Temper 🍫

Definition: To melt and cool chocolate to stabilize it for a glossy finish and prevent it from seizing.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈtɛmpər/

Examples:

• Temper the chocolate before dipping strawberries to achieve a smooth and shiny coating.
• You should temper the chocolate to avoid it becoming dull and streaky when it hardens.

#28. Caramelize 🍮

Definition: To heat sugar until it melts and turns brown, developing a rich flavor and color.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈkærəməlaɪz/

Examples:

• Caramelize onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to your dish.
• You can caramelize sugar to make a delicious sauce for your crème brûlée.

#29. Whip 🥄

Definition: To beat ingredients vigorously to incorporate air and increase volume.

Phonetic Transcription: /wɪp/

Examples:

• Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks for a light and fluffy topping.
• Use a whisk to whip egg whites for meringue to create a light and airy texture.

#30. Simmer 🥘

Definition: To cook food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling.

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈsɪmər/

Examples:

• Simmering the stew allows the flavors to develop fully and the meat to become tender.
• You can simmer the sauce to thicken it and concentrate the flavors.

#31. Braise 🍲

Definition: To cook food slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot.

Phonetic Transcription: /breɪz/

Examples:

• Braise beef short ribs for a hearty and flavorful dish.
• You can braise vegetables in a flavorful broth to enhance their taste.

#32. Sear 🔥

Definition: To quickly cook the surface of food at a high temperature to create a caramelized crust.

Phonetic Transcription: /sɪər/

Examples:

• Sear the steak to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.
• You should sear the pork chops before finishing them in the oven for a perfect texture.

#33. Reduce 🥣

Definition: To decrease the volume of a liquid by boiling to concentrate its flavor.

Phonetic Transcription: /rɪˈdjuːs/

Examples:

• Reduce the sauce to achieve a rich and concentrated flavor.
• Simmering the wine will reduce it and enhance its sweetness for a perfect glaze.

#34. Dice 🍲

Definition: To cut food into small, uniform cubes.

Phonetic Transcription: /daɪs/

Examples:

• Dice the onions for even cooking in your soup or stew.
• You can dice the apples for a uniform texture in your pie filling.

#35. Poach 🥚

Definition: To cook food gently in simmering liquid, such as water or broth.

Phonetic Transcription: /pəʊtʃ/

Examples:

• Poach eggs in vinegar for a perfect breakfast dish.
• Poaching fish helps maintain its delicate texture and flavor.

#36. Broil 🔥

Definition: To cook food using direct heat from above, usually in an oven.

Phonetic Transcription: /brɔɪl/

Examples:

• Broil the salmon for a crispy top and tender interior.
• You can broil cheese on top of your casserole to achieve a golden, bubbly crust.

#37. Fold in 🍜

Definition: To gently mix ingredients into a batter or mixture without deflating it.

Phonetic Transcription: /foʊld ɪn/

Examples:

• Fold in the whipped cream to add a light texture to your mousse.
• Carefully fold in the nuts and chocolate chips into the cookie dough.

#38. Steep 🍵

Definition: To soak an ingredient in liquid to extract flavor.

Phonetic Transcription: /stiːp/

Examples:

• Steep the tea leaves in hot water to release their flavor.
• Steep the herbs in broth to infuse it with aromatic qualities.

#39. Grate 🧀

Definition: To shred food into small pieces using a grater.

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡreɪt/

Examples:

• Grate cheese to sprinkle over your pasta dish for a melty topping.
• You can grate ginger to add a fresh, spicy flavor to your stir-fry.

#40. Mix 🥄

Definition: To combine ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

Phonetic Transcription: /mɪks/

Examples:

• Mix the flour and sugar together before adding the wet ingredients to your recipe.
• Thoroughly mix the batter to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated.

#41. Glaze 🍪

Definition: To apply a thin, often sweet, coating to food for a shiny finish.

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡleɪz/

Examples:

• Glaze the ham with a honey mixture for a sweet and sticky exterior.
• Use a lemon glaze on your cake to add a refreshing citrus flavor.

#42. Cream 🍮

Definition: To beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Phonetic Transcription: /kriːm/

Examples:

• Cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs to make a smooth batter.
• For a rich frosting, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy.

#43. Churn 🍦

Definition: To stir or beat a liquid, especially cream, to make it thicker or turn it into ice cream.

Phonetic Transcription: /tʃɜːrn/

Examples:

• Churn the ice cream mixture in a machine to create a smooth, creamy texture.
• You can churn the cream to make fresh butter for your bread.

#44. Brown 🥩

Definition: To cook food until its surface turns brown, often to enhance flavor.

Phonetic Transcription: /braʊn/

Examples:

• Brown the beef before adding it to the stew for added depth of flavor.
• You should brown the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.

#45. Sift 🌾

Definition: To pass dry ingredients through a sieve to remove lumps and aerate them.

Phonetic Transcription: /sɪft/

Examples:

• Sift the flour before mixing it into your cake batter to avoid lumps.
• You can sift powdered sugar to ensure it mixes smoothly into your frosting.

#46. Roll 🥐

Definition: To flatten dough or other ingredients with a rolling pin.

Phonetic Transcription: /roʊl/

Examples:

• Roll out the dough to the desired thickness for your pie crust.
• Roll the cookie dough into balls before baking for evenly shaped cookies.

#47. Roast 🍗

Definition: To cook food evenly in an oven with dry heat.

Phonetic Transcription: /roʊst/

Examples:

• Roast vegetables with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful side dish.
• You can roast a whole chicken to create a juicy and delicious main course.

#48. Toss 🥗

Definition: To mix ingredients gently with a lifting motion.

Phonetic Transcription: /tɔs/

Examples:

• Toss the salad with your favorite dressing just before serving to coat the leaves evenly.
• You can toss the pasta with sauce to ensure it’s well combined.

#49. Steam 🍲

Definition: To cook food using steam from boiling water.

Phonetic Transcription: /stiːm/

Examples:

• Steam the vegetables to preserve their nutrients and color.
• You can steam fish fillets in parchment paper to keep them moist and tender.

#50. Chill ❄️

Definition: To cool food or ingredients in the refrigerator to firm them up or stop cooking.

Phonetic Transcription: /tʃɪl/

Examples:

• Chill the dough in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle.
• You should chill the pie before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Cookery English Terms Table

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing these 50 cookery English terms can significantly enhance your culinary skills and confidence in the kitchen. From basic techniques like sautéing and simmering to more advanced concepts such as tempering and caramelizing, each term plays a crucial role in creating delicious and well-prepared dishes.

Mastering these terms not only helps in following recipes accurately but also improves your ability to experiment and innovate in your cooking.

As you continue to explore and apply these terms, you’ll find yourself becoming more proficient and creative in your culinary endeavors. Keep practicing, and let these terms guide you to culinary excellence!

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