1. Introduction
Many men might wonder “I want to start cooking, but I don’t know where to begin” or “How should I behave when using my partner’s kitchen?” Jumping straight into serious cooking can lead to difficult cleanups and create extra work for your partner. In this article, we’ll introduce steps for beginner men to start cooking smoothly.
2. Practical Points and Examples
- **”First, understand kitchen rules”**Before starting to cook, confirm the rules of your partner’s kitchen. For example,
- “Learn how to use and where to store cooking utensils”
- “Understand kitchen usage (securing workspace and traffic flow)”
- “Know the cleanup routine in advance” Being mindful of these points will help avoid creating extra work for your partner. Start by checking “where everything is” and keeping organization in mind.
- **”Start with simple menus”**For your first cooking attempts, it’s recommended to start with simple dishes that are hard to mess up. For example,
- “Just stir-frying”: sautéed vegetables, fried rice
- “Just boiling”: pasta, miso soup
- “Just frying”: fried eggs, toast. Start with dishes that can be made without using a knife, and gradually level up for smooth skill development.
- **”Prepare thoroughly”**It’s said that 90% of cooking is preparation, making mise en place crucial. For example,
- “Prepare all ingredients and seasonings before starting” (to avoid rushing during cooking)
- “Check the recipe in advance” (following along makes it smoother)
- “Have cooking utensils ready to use” (cutting board, knife, frying pan, etc.) Such preparation allows you to cook smoothly without getting flustered.
- **”Stay organized while cooking”**While cooking, sinks and workspaces tend to get messy. However, when the kitchen gets dirty, cleanup becomes a huge task. Therefore,
- “Clean up items as you finish using them”
- “Dispose of garbage frequently”
- “Wipe counters regularly” Developing these habits makes post-cooking cleanup easier. It also helps you be more considerate when cooking together with your partner.
- **”Cooking includes cleanup!”**A common beginner’s mistake is focusing too much on cooking and forgetting about cleanup. Even when your partner cooks, it’s unfair if “you cook but leave cleanup to them.” Therefore,
- “Wash dishes gradually while cooking”
- “Return items to their original places immediately after use”
- “Wipe sink and stove clean, returning them to their original state” Developing these habits will make you feel more comfortable about cooking again.
3. Tips and Points to Note
- **”Don’t improvise right away”**Until you’re familiar with cooking, focus on following recipes exactly. Improvising like “adding a bit more soy sauce” or “substituting ingredients” often leads to failures. Master the basic recipe first, then try variations for better success.
- **”Don’t ask your partner too many questions”**Constantly asking “How do I do this?” or “Where is this?” can become burdensome for your partner. Confirm rules in advance and minimize questions. It’s important to try figuring things out on your own as much as possible.
- **”Level up gradually without pushing yourself too hard”**People who aren’t good at cooking tend to give up when attempting difficult dishes right away. Start with “simple stir-fries” or “arranged ready-made meals,” and gradually expand your repertoire to make it sustainable.
4. Summary and Next Steps
To make a smooth cooking debut in your partner’s kitchen, it’s essential to “follow kitchen rules,” “start with simple dishes,” “prepare thoroughly,” “stay organized,” and “complete cleanup properly.” Begin with simple dishes that only require stir-frying, frying, or boiling, and gradually build your basic cooking skills. By enjoying cooking with your partner, the kitchen will become a comfortable space, and cooking will become even more enjoyable.
