11 Dishes That Everyone Should Know How To Cook

11 Dishes That Everyone Should Know How To Cook

Learning how to cook has become one of my favourite creative hobbies during my adult life. It has allowed me to experiment with various flavours and cultures in the kitchen, and has granted me the chance to make memories with loved ones. Growing up, my mother did most of the cooking while my dad was the master in the bbq department. Therefore, as time went on I realized how important it was to know basic recipes that can be both fun and delicious to recreate and share with those who have taught me everything I know today.

Since many of us are still beginners in the kitchen, I thought it would be a great idea to introduce some simple recipes that can be used for anytime of the day. Ideally, these meals can be enhanced with your personal style and cuisine palate. Be sure to cook everything with love and care no matter if it’s just for one or six plates at the table. Check out these 11 dishes that are sure to make you a better cook in the kitchen!

1. A Breakfast Smoothie

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A classic breakfast smoothie is a must know recipe to have. Whether you’re adding your favourite fruits, veggies, yogurt, or herbs, it’s important to know how to make a refreshing smoothie to start your morning off right. Want to learn more about how I make my morning smoothies? Check out The Best 3 Breakfast Drinks To Brighten Up Your Day to learn more!

2. Waffles or Pancakes

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There’s nothing better than waking up on a Sunday morning and making fresh pancakes or waffles for breakfast. If you’re on a healthy journey you can use organic oats and bananas as a protein base for your nutritional version. I as well consistently add fresh berries in my batter for a tart finish.

However, when I’m not eating the ‘healthy’ alternative when making pancakes and waffles, I know to always add chocolate chips and drizzle it with maple syrup and sour cream for the perfect combination. Yes, I said maple syrup and sour cream in the same sentence – do not judge it until you try it!

3. A Quick Salad

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Trust me, the only reason that you don’t like salads is because you’re not using the right ingredients. Once you know the main components, it will be like second nature when you’re at the grocery store to pick up the essential items for your next salad recipe.

Step 1 – experiment with your greens! Try kale, romaine, arugula, and spinach, and don’t be afraid to mix them all together for a versatile base. If you’re tossing in red cherry tomatoes then try adding different colours by using orange, yellow, or green bell peppers. Use cucumbers, avocados, mangos, radishes, and carrots for a refreshing add on. Additionally, don’t stray away from CRUNCH – whether it’s your favourite tree nut, garlic croutons, seeds, or dry veggies, it is sure to elevate your salad to the next level of flavour.

BONUS: Although it is more than okay to purchase store bought salad dressing, it is however tastier to make a quick homemade vinaigrette to add to your salad bowl using olive oil, vinegar, S&P, oregano, and lemon juice to finish off your new favourite lunch dish.

4. Glazed Salmon

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In my household, we don’t usually eat red meat. So, as a protein substitute we stick with salmon and other seafood options. My dad has made salmon steaks over the grill for many years and it always comes out perfect every time. Salmon cooks very quickly so the prep and cook time is usually not longer than 15-20 minutes.

I always marinate my glazed salmon in honey, garlic, lemon, soy sauce, S&P, and melted butter for about 15 minutes. When it’s finally cooked, you can add black and white sesame seeds on top of your salad, rice bowl, or roasted veggies. Enjoy!

5. Roasted Chicken

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Chicken is one of the most resourceful proteins out there. You can make it grilled, roasted, fried, schnitzel, or kabab style for any feast of the day. I personally enjoy eating chicken in any form and am always aiming to uplift my chicken recipe to the next step.

My go-to classic marinate is S&P, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning & soy sauce for about 30 minutes. The great thing with chicken is it still tastes great the next day, so leave some leftovers for your following meals.

6. A Simple Side Dish

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Potatoes are seriously my weakness. Mashed, fried, roasted, sweet, or grilled – I can’t get enough! Knowing how to make a simple side dish will test your cooking skills and allow you to actually have a complete meal with every component on the plate. If potatoes aren’t your thing, then try rice or some fresh veggies like broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower.

I mainly marinate both my side veggies or potatoes with S&P, oregano, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli flakes, and olive oil for about 5 minutes. I cook them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and toasty.

7. An Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

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Pasta is already one of the easiest dishes to create, so why not learn how to make the perfect pasta sauce to match it with ? Check out my go-to pasta sauce recipe!

  • 2 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3-5 cloves garlic minced or put through a garlic press
  • 2 Tsp of dried basil
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes about 1/4 tsp
  • 1/2 tsp of Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp of sugar
  • 2 tsp of butter
  • 1 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cups of water

Mmm bon appétit !

8. A Basic Soup

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Nothing says happiness and warmth like a fresh homemade soup. It’s crucial to know how to construct a basic chicken noodle soup and have the recipe in your back pocket for a cold winter’s day. You can also try My 3 Ingredient Tomato Soup to keep you cozy and full during the holiday season.

9. Avocado Toast

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Yes, millennials – avocado toast. But don’t worry, you don’t have to pay $15 for it at your next brunch date when you can make it right at home! Avocados are not only healthy, but super tasty and filling.

I tend to use toasted whole wheat bread with mashed avocados that are quickly tossed in lemon juice, S&P, chili flakes and everything bagel seasoning when I have some in the cupboard. You can also add a drizzle of honey or sriracha for a unique twist.

Don’t forget to top it off with a fried egg that is cooked to your liking for a magical bite!

10. Fried Rice

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Rice can be such a bland dish to eat, so why not make it exciting with a culinary spin? Check your fridge for additional ingredients to use so that you get a little bit of everything in each bite. I usually make my fried rice using these 13 elements:

  • Rice
  • Shrimp
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Corn
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Scrambled egg (last 5 minutes of cooking)
  • Sesame Oil
  • Soy Sauce
  • S&P
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Chili Flakes

11. Classic Desserts

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The ONLY way to finish off any of the dishes listed above is with something sweet. Now, I’m certainly no baker but I aim to make healthy versions of chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal bites, banana bread, and fruit popsicles every week.

You can always use ingredients that are gluten and dairy free but still satisfy your sugar cravings. I personally love adding any type of nuts or peanut butter to my dessert, but it’s totally optional depending on your tastebuds and allergy requirements.

So, Which Dish Will You Master In The Kitchen?

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