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  4. 30 Kitchen Skills to Master Before You Turn 30

30 Kitchen Skills to Master Before You Turn 30

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By Kelly Vaughan Updated February 05, 2021
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cutting board with citrus ginger cucumber beet oranges
Credit: Kate Mathis

Can you cut up a chicken or frost a cake? Learning to cook is an ongoing process, but these are the techniques we think you should know and use now.

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cutting board with citrus ginger cucumber beet oranges
Credit: Kate Mathis

Whether you're living on your own for the first time or want to curb a habit of ordering takeout every day, there are some basic cooking and baking skills that everyone should learn by the time they turn 30. While these skills are beneficial on their own, they'll be even more helpful when you learn how to pair them together. Knowing how to make homemade vegetable stock, dice vegetables, and cut up a whole chicken are all useful skills, but put them together and you're well on your way to making homemade soup. You can whip up a fresh batch of buttercream, then follow our instructions for properly filling and frosting that layer cake you baked.

You may have even heard that a sharp knife is a cook's best tool, which is why we believe that an essential skill every home cook should know is how to sharpen knives of any size. Pro chefs will say that they should be sharpened after each use, but aim for once a week at a minimum. Another skill that will keep your cookware in good shape is learning how to clean a cast-iron skillet. This versatile pan can be used for both sweet and savory recipes and is a must-have for home cooks of every level.

We will also teach you how to make homemade pie crust, properly cook both fresh and dried pasta, and season any dish with salt. From here, you can cook anything for anyone, anytime. Ahead, we're sharing 30 of the most essential skills for home cooks to learn by the time of their 30th birthday.

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How to Measure Wet and Dry Ingredients

set of dry measuring cups
Learn How to Measure Wet and Dry Ingredients

Know this: Not all measuring tools are created equal and not all ingredients—whether it be a liquid, something dry, or a sticky in-between substance such as honey or molasses—can be measured using the same tools. It's important that you own both short measuring cups for dry ingredients and glass measuring cups for liquids.

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How to Season with Salt

person tossing salt
Credit: Jenny Huang
Learn How to Season with Salt

Different types of salt—think kosher, flaky, or sea—have different levels of saltiness, so it's important to use the right type for your recipe. Learn how to accurately measure salt and season a dish using this essential ingredient.

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How to Cut Vegetables

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Why Knife Skills Are So Important

What does it mean when a recipe calls for the onion or a carrot to be diced, and how do you get all the pieces the same size? Once you master this technique, use diced vegetables as the base for mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onions) and add them to soups, stew fillings, or pasta.

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How to Fill and Frost a Cake

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Credit: Chris Court
The Best Technique for Swoopy Cake Frosting

With the right tools and techniques, you can cut, layer, and decorate a cake that looks perfectly Instagram-worthy. Hint: We suggest investing a rotating cake stand, a long serrated knife, an offset spatula, and an ice-cream scoop to get filling and frosting right every time.

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How to Make Pie Crust

Easy Pie Crust
Credit: Clive Streeter
Our Favorite Pie Crust

The best pies all start with a flaky, homemade crust. Learn how to make buttery pastry for sweet or savory pies.

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How to Make Stock

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Simple Tips for Stocks and Broths

The base for great homemade soups and a vital ingredient in risotto and so many other dishes, stock takes time to cook but is easy to make. Make a big batch of vegetable, chicken, or beef stock, then store it in quart containers in the freezer.

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How to Cook Pasta

Pasta Carbonara recipe
Credit: Bryan Gardner
Why You Should Always Salt Your Pasta Water

A delicious plate of pasta boils down to three things: salt, the proper size pot, and timing. Learn the difference between fresh and dried pasta and how to cook each variety, too.

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How to Gauge When Meat is Cooked

seared strip steaks with braised peppers and onions
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
Our Test Kitchen's Meat Temperature Chart

Learn the right temperature for rare to well-done meat using a meat thermometer and the touch of your finger.

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How to Make a Vinaigrette

Dijon Mustard and Vinaigrette
Credit: Johnny Miller
Martha's Favorite Vinaigrette

A simple blend of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper are all you need for a vinaigrette. Add in mustard or honey and your favorite fresh herbs for a delicious homemade salad dressing.

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How to Make a Roux

making a roux
Credit: Justin Walker
Roux Recipe

For soups and sauces, this is the essential thickener. It's a starchy base made from equal parts of butter and flour.

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How to Butcher a Whole Chicken

simple roast chicken
Credit: Lennart Weibull
Cutting a Chicken

Save some cash by cutting up a whole chicken for a braise or stew. It's an easy technique to learn; do it a couple of times and you'll master dividing a chicken into eight (or ten) tidy pieces.

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How to Mix the Perfect Cocktail

margarita lime orange
Credit: Martyna Szczesna
12 Classic Cocktail Recipes

Shaken or stirred? On the rocks or served neat? In a highball or a collins glass? Knowing these bartending basics will ensure a delicious martini, margarita, or bloody Mary every time.

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How to Chop an Onion

slices of onion on wooden countertop
Credit: Emily Roemer
Your Guide to Chopping Onions

Don't cry! From dicing to slicing, chopped onion is an essential ingredient for so many recipes.

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How to Brew Coffee

two cups of black coffee and a Chemex
Credit: Courtesy of ChefSteps
Learn How to DIY Cold-Brew Coffee

Start your morning off right with a perfect cup of coffee. Whether you prefer it hot or iced, made in a traditional drip coffee maker or French Press, we'll teach you how to make a delicious cup of joe.

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How to Roast Vegetables

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Credit: Bryan Gardner
Learn How to Roast Any Vegetable

Hearty root vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, and carrots take longer to roast than other types of vegetables such as asparagus or shredded Brussels sprouts. Learn the proper temperature, type of pan, seasoning, and cook time for roasting vegetables.

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How to Make Scrambled Eggs

Slow Scrambled Eggs
Credit: Johnny Fogg
Scrambled Eggs 101

The secret to perfectly cooked scrambled eggs is a nonstick pan, plenty of butter, and cooking them over a low heat for five to ten minutes. The result is creamy curds every time.

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How to Pit an Avocado

avocados-med107845.jpg
Credit: Scheimpflug Digital
Choosing the Perfect Avocado

Avoid injuries by learning how to remove the pit of an avocado before scooping out the flesh and slicing it for salads or mashing it for guacamole.

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How to Sharpen Knives

three knives on a dark grey cutting board
Credit: Justin Walker
Four Steps to Your Sharpest Kitchen Knives Ever

A sharp knife is a cook's best tool—a dull one, on the other hand, can be dangerous. Use a honing steel and sharpening block and learn how to sharpen your own chef's knives at home.

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How to Roll Out Cookie Dough

Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Stars
Credit: Bryan Gardner
The Easiest Way to Roll Out Cookie Dough

Cookie dough that's too thick won't bake properly, but a dough that's too thin may result in the cookies falling apart or burning. Learn how to roll out a fresh batch of cut-out cookie dough and prevent the dough from sticking to a cutting board.

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How to Melt Chocolate

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Credit: Bryan Gardner
Our Expert Guide to Melting Chocolate

For shiny, silky chocolate, use a double boiler on the stove to melt it slowly. From here, add it to baked goods, turn it into homemade chocolates and truffles, or drizzle it on ice cream.

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How to Make Whipped Cream

Infused Whipped Cream
Credit: Getty Images
Make Perfect Whipped Cream Every Time with Our Top Tips

Skip store-bought and make your own whipped cream with just two ingredients: heavy cream and sugar. Add flavored extracts such as vanilla, almond, rose, or lemon to enhance the flavor of homemade whipped cream.

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How to Cook Crispy Bacon

bacon
Credit: Peter Ardito
How to Cook Crisp, Smoky Bacon

Our favorite method for cooking bacon is on a sheet pan in the oven. Not only does it get more evenly crispy than if it were cooked in a skillet on the stove, but it also prevents grease splatters.

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How to Make Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes with butter
Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe

To create creamy mashed potatoes that are never gummy, heat the milk and butter separately in a saucepan before adding them to cooked potatoes.

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How to Choose Pots and Pans

Straight-Sided Skillets
Essential Pots and Pans for Getting Dinner on the Table

Every beginner cook should own one to two saucepans, a nonstick pan, skillet, and stockpot. From stainless steel to copper, find the right material and set of cookware for your cooking needs.

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How to Cook Rice

cooked brown rice in pot
Credit: Bryan Gardner
Learn How to Cook Different Types of Rice

Learn how to properly cook brown, white, basmati, and sushi rice, and every variety in between. Whether you eat it on its own, use it as the filling for burritos, or the base of a healthy grain bowl, rice is one of the most versatile things you can make.

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How to Bread Anything

Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Credit: Johnny Miller
Crispy Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Breading chicken cutlets, fish fillets, pork or lamb loins, and even mozzarella sticks is as simple as one, two three. That is, a trio of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for a crispy, craggy crust that can then be baked or fried.

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How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet

antique cast iron pan rusty
Credit: Tsuji / Getty Images
Expert Tips for Caring for Your Pots and Pans

Cleaning a cast iron skillet may seem intimidating, but all you need is very hot water and steel wool to scrub it clean. Care for it properly and it will last a lifetime.

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How to Make Buttercream

Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Credit: Johnny Miller
How to Make the Easiest and Fastest Buttercream

Instead of purchasing frosting in a can, make your own for cookies, cupcakes, layer cakes, and more. All you need is powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla to make homemade buttercream.

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How to Make Pizza Dough

person kneading pizza dough
Credit: Lennart Weibull
Quick and Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Take pizza night to the next level with homemade pizza dough. We promise it's easier than you think and well worth the effort.

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How to Poach an Egg

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Learn How to Poach an Egg

Master this technique and you're well on your way to making diner-worthy eggs Benedict for breakfast.

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    1 of 31
    2 of 31 How to Measure Wet and Dry Ingredients
    3 of 31 How to Season with Salt
    4 of 31 How to Cut Vegetables
    5 of 31 How to Fill and Frost a Cake
    6 of 31 How to Make Pie Crust
    7 of 31 How to Make Stock
    8 of 31 How to Cook Pasta
    9 of 31 How to Gauge When Meat is Cooked
    10 of 31 How to Make a Vinaigrette
    11 of 31 How to Make a Roux
    12 of 31 How to Butcher a Whole Chicken
    13 of 31 How to Mix the Perfect Cocktail
    14 of 31 How to Chop an Onion
    15 of 31 How to Brew Coffee
    16 of 31 How to Roast Vegetables
    17 of 31 How to Make Scrambled Eggs
    18 of 31 How to Pit an Avocado
    19 of 31 How to Sharpen Knives
    20 of 31 How to Roll Out Cookie Dough
    21 of 31 How to Melt Chocolate
    22 of 31 How to Make Whipped Cream
    23 of 31 How to Cook Crispy Bacon
    24 of 31 How to Make Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
    25 of 31 How to Choose Pots and Pans
    26 of 31 How to Cook Rice
    27 of 31 How to Bread Anything
    28 of 31 How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet
    29 of 31 How to Make Buttercream
    30 of 31 How to Make Pizza Dough
    31 of 31 How to Poach an Egg

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    30 Kitchen Skills to Master Before You Turn 30
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