Okay yall, how to start cooking at home… man I never thought I’d be typing this but here I am sitting in my apartment in Austin Texas right now its late Feb and the AC is fighting the weird warm spell outside and I’ve got this half eaten sandwich next to me that I actually made myself without setting off the smoke alarm this time (win!).
I used to survive on nothing but takeout and frozen stuff from the store seriously my fridge looked sad as hell with just condiments and old milk. Then my bank account started yelling at me and I was like okay fine how to start cooking at home it cant be that hard right? Spoiler it kinda was at first and I made some dumb mistakes but whatever I’m still here and eating better most days.
Why I Finally Tried Figuring Out How to Start Cooking at Home
Wasnt some big lightbulb moment or anything. I was just sick of spending so much on delivery apps and feeling kinda gross after every meal you know? Plus I kept scrolling and seeing people make these easy looking dinners and thought hey maybe I can pull that off. Turns out no not right away but close enough after a few tries. My very first scrambled eggs? Yeah I put them in a cold pan and just waited… nothing happened for like forever. Heat is important people I felt so stupid haha but learned quick.
Stuff You Actually Need (Dont Buy the Fancy Junk Yet for How to Start Cooking at Home)
Look dont run out and drop a ton of cash okay? I did that once and regretted it. Here’s what saved me:
- One decent knife from Target (sharp enough not to cry over)
- A cutting board yeah I spelled it right this time
- Couple non stick pans (life saver)
- Measuring cups cuz eyeballing is how disasters happen
- Basic spatula wooden spoon whatever
Thats literally it. No need for air fryers or whatever unless your already hooked.
Super Cheesy Grilled Cheese Recipe for Kids! | I’m the Chef Too
Like this grilled cheese here? My first few were kinda burnt on one side but still tasted bomb once I figured the heat thing out. Butter both sides people trust me.
Easy Wins to Get Going with How to Start Cooking at Home
Start stupid simple so you dont quit after day one.
- Grilled cheese – bread cheese butter pan medium flip when it looks good. I ruined four before getting it but now its my go to lazy dinner.
- Scrambled eggs – low heat stir a lot add cheese at end. Dont ask about the first batch.
- Pasta – boil water salty like sea add pasta drain mix with jar sauce and whatever veggies are dying in the fridge.
For real inspo go check Budget Bytes site their stuff is cheap and actually works when your starting out no fancy chef talk.
Big Mistakes I Made (So You Can Skip Em in How to Start Cooking at Home)
Oh god where to start. Forgot to preheat the pan? Everything stuck like glue and I had to scrape for hours. Added salt at the wrong time? Bland as cardboard. Tried a stir fry too soon? Chicken was rubber veggies raw. Ate it anyway cuz hungry and stubborn lol.
One time the eggs looked like this mess in the pan…
What my skillet looks like after making scrambled eggs : r/castiron
See? Total crime scene but hey I cleaned it (mostly) and tried again the next day. Progress right?
And heres my pasta attempt that actually turned out okay ish…
Rigatoni with Eggplant Puree
Not perfect but tasted way better than takeout that night.
How Not to Burn Out While Learning How to Start Cooking at Home
Do it like twice a week max at first. Make extra for leftovers so you feel like a pro. I blast music now while chopping it makes the whole thing less annoying. Taste everything as you go I used to be scared but nah just fix it. Sometimes I still over salt but ketchup fixes most things honestly.
Anyway I think thats enough rambling from me on how to start cooking at home. Its not about being perfect or Insta worthy its about not hating your dinner and saving a few bucks while your at it. I still mess up bad sometimes last week the rice was mush but whatever. Youll get there or not no pressure.
