Vocabulary Words Every Chef Should Know

Cook

Definition: To prepare food using heat.

• She loves to cook pasta.
• He is cooking dinner for his family.
• I will cook breakfast in the morning.

Cook in a sentence

Bake

Definition: To cook food by dry heat in an oven.

• I love to bake cookies on the weekends.
• She plans to bake a cake for the party.
• We will bake bread together in class.

Bake in a sentence

Boil

Definition: To heat a liquid until it bubbles and turns to vapor.

• You need to boil water before adding pasta.
• The kettle will boil in a few minutes.
• Make sure to boil the eggs for ten minutes.

Boil in a sentence

Fry

Definition: To cook food in hot oil or fat.

• She likes to fry potatoes for dinner.
• He learned how to fry an egg perfectly.
• They will fry the fish until it's golden brown.

Fry in a sentence

Grill

Definition: a cooking method using direct heat

• He likes to grill burgers during the summer.
• They grilled vegetables for the barbecue.
• Understanding grill techniques enhances cooking skills.

Grill in a sentence

Chop

Definition: To cut something into smaller pieces.

• He will chop the vegetables for the salad.
• She learned how to chop onions safely.
• Chop the wood into small logs for the fire.

Chop in a sentence

Slice

Definition: to cut something into thin pieces

• She used a knife to slice the bread.
• He asked her to slice the cake for the party.
• The chef demonstrated how to slice vegetables properly.

Slice in a sentence

Mix

Definition: To combine two or more things.

• She mixed blue and yellow to make green.
• Mix the flour and sugar together.
• He mixed juice with water.

Mix in a sentence

Stir

Definition: To mix or move something gently.

• Please stir the soup while it cooks.
• He used a spoon to stir the ingredients together.
• Stir the paint before using it for the project.

Stir in a sentence

Taste

Definition: The sense used to identify flavors; a person's preference.

• I like to taste different foods from around the world.
• She has a good taste in music.
• The taste of chocolate is delicious.

Taste in a sentence

Serve

Definition: To provide food or help to someone.

• The waiter will serve us soon.
• She loves to serve her guests at dinner.
• He will serve as a volunteer at the event.

Serve in a sentence

Plate

Definition: A flat dish used for serving food.

• I put my dinner on a blue plate.
• The plate was filled with delicious pasta.
• She set the table with matching plates.

Plate in a sentence

Recipe

Definition: A set of instructions for preparing a dish.

• I found a new recipe for cookies.
• She followed the recipe to make dinner.
• He loves to share his favorite recipe with friends.

Recipe in a sentence

Ingredient

Definition: A component or element used in a mixture, especially in cooking.

• Flour is an essential ingredient in bread.
• She checked the ingredient list before cooking.
• They added each ingredient carefully to the recipe.

Ingredient in a sentence

Salt

Definition: A white substance used to flavor food; a mineral.

• I like to add salt to my popcorn.
• Too much salt can be bad for your health.
• Salt is used to preserve food.

Salt in a sentence

Pepper

Definition: A spice made from the dried fruit of the pepper plant, often used to add flavor.

• She added pepper to the soup for extra taste.
• Bell pepper is a common vegetable in salads.
• Understanding pepper can enhance cooking skills.

Pepper in a sentence

Sweet

Definition: Having a sugary taste; also means kind or gentle.

• The candy is very sweet and delicious.
• She has a sweet personality that everyone loves.
• He gave her a sweet compliment.

Sweet in a sentence

Sour

Definition: Having a sharp, acidic taste; often used for foods.

• The milk went sour because it was left out.
• She loves sour candy that makes her pucker.
• Sour lemons are used to make lemonade.

Sour in a sentence

Hot

Definition: Having a high temperature; also used to describe something popular.

• It was a hot day at the beach.
• She likes hot tea in the morning.
• The topic was hot in the news lately.

Hot in a sentence

Cold

Definition: having a low temperature; not warm

• The ice cream is cold and delicious.
• It was too cold to go outside without a jacket.
• She likes her drinks cold.

Cold in a sentence

Kitchen

Definition: A room where food is prepared and cooked.

• My mom spends a lot of time in the kitchen.
• The kitchen is stocked with all the necessary utensils.
• They love to cook together in the kitchen.

Kitchen in a sentence

Pot

Definition: a container used for cooking or holding plants

• She boiled water in a pot for pasta.
• He planted flowers in a pot.
• Understanding pots is important for gardening and cooking.

Pot in a sentence

Pan

Definition: A shallow cooking vessel, often with a handle; to cook food in such a vessel.

• She used a pan to fry the eggs.
• He bought a new pan for making pancakes.
• They sautéed vegetables in a large pan.

Pan in a sentence

Oven

Definition: a kitchen appliance used for baking or cooking food

• She baked cookies in the oven.
• The oven needs to be preheated before use.
• Understanding ovens helps in cooking.

Oven in a sentence

Dish

Definition: A specific food item prepared and served; also refers to the container for serving food.

• She made a delicious dish for dinner.
• The restaurant is famous for its pasta dish.
• He washed the dish after dinner.

Dish in a sentence

Meal

Definition: An occasion when food is eaten; breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• We had a big meal for Thanksgiving.
• She enjoys cooking a meal for her family.
• He likes to share a meal with friends.

Meal in a sentence

Food

Definition: Any substance that can be eaten.

• I love Italian food.
• Healthy food is important for our bodies.
• They prepared a lot of food for the party.

Food in a sentence

Drink

Definition: A liquid that can be consumed; to take in liquid through the mouth.

• I like to drink juice in the morning.
• Please drink water to stay hydrated.
• He ordered a drink at the café.

Drink in a sentence

Fresh

Definition: New, clean, and not spoiled; recently made or picked.

• She bought fresh fruits from the market.
• The air is fresh after the rain.
• He prefers fresh flowers for decoration.

Fresh in a sentence

Salty

Definition: Having a taste of salt; containing a lot of salt.

• The chips were too salty for my taste.
• She added salty seasoning to the soup.
• Salty snacks are popular at parties.

Salty in a sentence

Spicy

Definition: Having a strong flavor due to the presence of spices; hot in taste.

• The curry was too spicy for me.
• She likes spicy food with a lot of flavor.
• He added spicy peppers to the dish for extra heat.

Spicy in a sentence

Healthy

Definition: Beneficial to health; not harmful.

• Eating vegetables is a healthy choice.
• It's important to stay active and healthy.
• She follows a healthy diet every day.

Healthy in a sentence

Dessert

Definition: A sweet course served at the end of a meal.

• I love to eat dessert after dinner.
• She made a chocolate dessert for the party.
• His favorite dessert is ice cream.

Dessert in a sentence

Breakfast

Definition: The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.

• I eat cereal for breakfast every day.
• Breakfast is important for a good start.
• What do you like to have for breakfast?

Breakfast in a sentence

Lunch

Definition: A meal eaten in the middle of the day.

• They had sandwiches for lunch.
• She packed her lunch with fruits and snacks.
• Understanding the importance of lunch helps maintain energy.

Lunch in a sentence

Dinner

Definition: The main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening.

• We always have dinner together as a family.
• What are you cooking for dinner tonight?
• Dinner will be served at 6 PM.

Dinner in a sentence

Simmer

Definition: To cook food gently just below boiling point.

• She let the soup simmer for an hour to enhance the flavor.
• Simmering is a great technique for making sauces.
• The recipe called for the sauce to simmer slowly.

Simmer in a sentence

Dice

Definition: small cubes used in games, often with numbers on them

• We need to roll the dice to see who goes first.
• She won the game by rolling doubles on the dice.
• The kids love playing board games that use dice.

Dice in a sentence

Whisk

Definition: To beat or stir a substance quickly.

• I like to whisk eggs for breakfast.
• The chef used a whisk to mix the batter.
• You need to whisk the cream until it's fluffy.

Whisk in a sentence

Blend

Definition: To mix different substances together; a combination.

• She likes to blend fruits for a smoothie.
• They created a blend of different coffee beans.
• The artist used colors to blend the painting.

Blend in a sentence

Season

Definition: One of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, fall, winter).

• Summer is my favorite season for swimming.
• Each season has its own unique weather.
• We celebrate holidays in every season.

Season in a sentence

Garnish

Definition: an item added to food for decoration

• She used parsley to garnish the dish.
• The chef garnished the plate with colorful vegetables.
• A lemon slice is a common garnish for drinks.

Garnish in a sentence

Cuisine

Definition: A style or method of cooking, often associated with a specific culture.

• Italian cuisine is known for its pasta.
• She loves trying different types of cuisine.
• The restaurant offers a variety of Asian cuisine.

Flavor

Definition: The distinctive taste of a food or drink; also refers to a characteristic quality.

• I love the flavor of chocolate ice cream.
• The dish has a spicy flavor that I enjoy.
• She prefers a mild flavor in her meals.

Flavor in a sentence

Texture

Definition: The feel or appearance of a surface; how something feels to the touch.

• The texture of the fabric was soft and smooth.
• She liked the rough texture of the stone.
• Understanding texture can enhance art appreciation.

Texture in a sentence

Technique

Definition: A way of doing something, especially in a skillful manner.

• He learned a new technique for playing the guitar.
• The artist used a unique technique for her painting.
• We practiced the technique repeatedly to improve.

Technique in a sentence

Aroma

Definition: a pleasant smell

• The aroma of fresh bread filled the kitchen.
• She loved the aroma of coffee in the morning.
• The aroma of flowers made the garden beautiful.

Aroma in a sentence

Presentation

Definition: A display of information or ideas, often given to an audience.

• I prepared a presentation for my science project.
• Her presentation on wildlife was informative.
• We will have a presentation in class next week.

Presentation in a sentence

Marinate

Definition: To soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking to enhance flavor.

• She likes to marinate chicken overnight for extra taste.
• Marinating vegetables adds delicious flavor to salads.
• Understanding how to marinate properly improves cooking skills.

Marinate in a sentence

Tenderize

Definition: To make meat softer and easier to chew, often by pounding or marinating.

• She used a hammer to tenderize the chicken.
• Tenderizing the meat improves its texture.
• Understanding how to tenderize meat can enhance cooking.

Tenderize in a sentence

Seasoning

Definition: substances added to food to enhance flavor

• Using the right seasoning can improve a dish.
• He learned about seasoning in his cooking class.
• Understanding seasoning is key to great cooking.

Seasoning in a sentence

Emulsify

Definition: To mix two liquids that normally don't combine.

• You can emulsify oil and vinegar to make salad dressing.
• The chef showed us how to emulsify ingredients for the sauce.
• Emulsifying creates a smooth texture in certain recipes.

Emulsify in a sentence

Reduce

Definition: To make something smaller or less in amount.

• We need to reduce waste in our school.
• He is trying to reduce his sugar intake.
• You can reduce your spending by budgeting better.

Reduce in a sentence

Roast

Definition: To cook food, especially meat, in an oven or over an open fire.

• They decided to roast a chicken for dinner.
• He likes to roast vegetables for a healthy meal.
• The roast took several hours to cook perfectly.

Roast in a sentence

Blanch

Definition: To briefly boil food and then cool it quickly.

• We need to blanch the vegetables before cooking.
• Blanching helps preserve the color of the food.
• She blanched the almonds for the recipe.

Blanch in a sentence

Fold

Definition: To bend something over on itself; to arrange neatly.

• Please fold your clothes before putting them away.
• He learned how to fold a paper airplane.
• She likes to fold her notes for easy storage.

Fold in a sentence

Whip

Definition: To beat or stir quickly; also a tool for striking.

• She used a whip to motivate the horses.
• He can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• He felt a whip of the wind as he stepped outside.

Whip in a sentence

Knead

Definition: To work dough by pressing and folding it to make it smooth.

• She learned to knead the bread dough properly.
• Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough.
• He enjoys kneading dough for pizza on weekends.

Knead in a sentence

Julienne

Definition: To cut food into long, thin strips.

• She decided to julienne the vegetables for the stir-fry.
• Julienne carrots add a nice texture to salads.
• He learned how to julienne ingredients in cooking class.

Julienne in a sentence

Poach

Definition: To illegally hunt or capture animals; also refers to cooking an egg in simmering water.

• They were caught trying to poach endangered animals.
• He learned how to poach eggs perfectly.
• Understanding poaching is important for wildlife conservation.

Poach in a sentence

Steam

Definition: the gas produced by boiling water

• The steam from the kettle filled the kitchen.
• She watched the steam rise from her hot soup.
• Understanding steam is important in cooking.

Steam in a sentence

Caramelize

Definition: To cook sugar or food until it turns into caramel.

• She will caramelize the apples for the pie.
• Caramelizing gives the dish a rich flavor.
• He practiced how to caramelize onions perfectly.

Caramelize in a sentence

Infuse

Definition: to fill something with a quality or substance

• They infuse the tea with fresh herbs.
• She decided to infuse the water with lemon for flavor.
• The chef will infuse the oil with garlic.

Infuse in a sentence

Chef's Knife

Definition: A versatile kitchen knife used for chopping and preparing food.

• He used a chef's knife to chop vegetables quickly.
• The chef's knife is essential for any kitchen.
• Understanding how to use a chef's knife improves cooking skills.

Cutting Board

Definition: A flat surface for cutting food.

• He placed the vegetables on the cutting board.
• A wooden cutting board is easy to clean.
• Always use a cutting board when cooking.

Cutting Board in a sentence

Mise En Place

Definition: A French cooking term meaning "everything in its place," referring to preparation.

• Mise en place is crucial for efficient cooking.
• She organized her ingredients for mise en place before cooking.
• Understanding mise en place improves kitchen efficiency.

Culinary

Definition: related to cooking or kitchens

• She attended culinary school to learn cooking.
• His culinary skills impress everyone at dinner.
• They explored culinary traditions from different cultures.

Culinary in a sentence

Gastronomy

Definition: The art and science of preparing and eating good food.

• Gastronomy focuses on the flavors and presentation of dishes.
• She is interested in gastronomy and enjoys cooking.
• Gastronomy can include studying different cuisines.

Gastronomy in a sentence

Emulsification

Definition: The process of mixing two liquids that normally do not mix, like oil and water.

• Emulsification is important in making salad dressings.
• The chef explained emulsification while preparing the sauce.
• She learned about emulsification in her cooking class.

Emulsification in a sentence

Sous-vide

Definition: A cooking method that involves vacuum-sealing food in a bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature.

• Sous-vide allows for perfectly cooked meals with enhanced flavors.
• She tried sous-vide cooking for the first time and loved the results.
• Understanding sous-vide helps in mastering culinary techniques.

Reduction

Definition: the process of making something smaller

• The reduction of plastic waste is a global goal.
• They announced a reduction in the price of tickets.
• The reduction in energy usage helps the environment.

Reduction in a sentence

Brunoise

Definition: A cooking term for cutting vegetables into very small cubes.

• The recipe called for brunoise carrots.
• She practiced her brunoise skills in culinary class.
• Brunoise is often used in fine dining presentations.

Confit

Definition: A method of preserving food by cooking it in its own fat.

• She prepared duck confit for dinner.
• Confit can enhance the flavor of meats.
• Understanding confit techniques can improve culinary skills.

Confit in a sentence

Deglaze

Definition: To add liquid to a hot pan to dissolve food particles stuck to the bottom.

• After frying the chicken, he decided to deglaze the pan with wine.
• Deglazing adds flavor to sauces.
• She learned how to deglaze the skillet during her cooking class.

Deglaze in a sentence

Chiffonade

Definition: a technique of cutting herbs or leafy greens into thin strips

• She prepared a chiffonade of basil for the dish.
• Chiffonade adds flavor and texture to salads.
• Learning to chiffonade was a fun cooking lesson.

Braise

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

• She likes to braise meat for a tender texture.
• They braised the vegetables with spices for flavor.
• Braising is a great way to enhance the taste of dishes.

Braise in a sentence

Mirepoix

Definition: a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery used as a base in cooking

• The chef started with a mirepoix for the soup.
• They learned how to prepare mirepoix in culinary class.
• Mirepoix adds flavor to many dishes.

Umami

Definition: A savory taste, one of the five basic tastes, often associated with foods like soy sauce.

• Tomatoes have a rich umami flavor.
• He enjoys foods that have a strong umami taste.
• Understanding umami enhances culinary appreciation.

Al Dente

Definition: A cooking term meaning pasta that is firm to the bite.

• The spaghetti was cooked al dente, just the way I like it.
• She prefers her vegetables al dente for extra crunch.
• Cooking it al dente keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.

Al Dente in a sentence

Gastrique

Definition: A sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar and sugar, often used in fine dining.

• The chef prepared a delicious dish with a gastrique that complemented the meat.
• A gastrique can elevate the flavors of many meals.
• Learning to make a gastrique is a valuable skill for aspiring cooks.

Terrine

Definition: A dish made from meat, fish, or vegetables that are cooked and served in a mold.

• They enjoyed a delicious terrine as an appetizer.
• The chef prepared a terrine with layers of vegetables.
• Terrine can be served cold or warm.

Terrine in a sentence

Coulis

Definition: A thin sauce made from pureed fruit or vegetables, often used as a garnish.

• The dessert was served with a raspberry coulis.
• She learned to make a coulis in her cooking class.
• Coulis adds flavor and color to dishes.

Braising

Definition: a cooking method that involves browning food and then cooking it slowly

• Braising can make tough meats tender.
• They learned about braising in cooking class.
• Braising is great for stews and soups.

Braising in a sentence

Charcuterie

Definition: A selection of cured meats and other food items.

• They prepared a charcuterie board for the party.
• Charcuterie often includes cheeses and fruits.
• She loves trying different charcuterie styles.

Charcuterie in a sentence

Sous-chef

Definition: a chef who is the second in command in a kitchen

• The sous-chef helped the head chef prepare the meals.
• He aspired to become a sous-chef in a fine restaurant.
• The sous-chef managed the kitchen when the chef was away.

Palate

Definition: the roof of the mouth; also refers to a person's sense of taste

• He has a refined palate for gourmet food.
• The chef experimented to delight the palate.
• Her palate was trained to recognize different flavors.

Palate in a sentence

Infusion

Definition: the process of adding a substance to a liquid

• The infusion of fruits in water creates a refreshing drink.
• They discussed the infusion of technology in education.
• Her herbal infusion was soothing and fragrant.

Infusion in a sentence

Poaching

Definition: The illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife.

• Poaching threatens endangered species around the world.
• Efforts are being made to stop poaching in national parks.
• Understanding poaching is important for wildlife conservation.

Poaching in a sentence

Searing

Definition: Extremely hot; also refers to cooking food quickly at high heat.

• The searing heat of the sun made it hard to stay outside.
• He enjoyed the searing taste of spicy food.
• Searing the meat locks in the juices.

Searing in a sentence

Beurre Blanc

Definition: A French butter sauce made with white wine and shallots.

• Beurre blanc is perfect for fish dishes.
• The chef served salmon with beurre blanc sauce.
• She learned to make beurre blanc in cooking class.

En Papillote

Definition: A French cooking method where food is cooked in a folded pouch of parchment paper.

• The fish was prepared en papillote for added flavor.
• She likes to cook vegetables en papillote for a healthy meal.
• En papillote keeps the food moist and tender.

Aromatics

Definition: substances with strong smells, often used in cooking

• The recipe called for various aromatics.
• Aromatics enhance the flavor of many dishes.
• They learned about aromatics in their cooking class.

Aromatics in a sentence

Fermentation

Definition: The process of converting sugar into alcohol or acid using microorganisms.

• Fermentation is used in making bread and yogurt.
• She learned about fermentation in her science class.
• Understanding fermentation helps in food production.

Fermentation in a sentence