Cooking Basics With Gordon Ramsay | Part One

TL;DR

Learn essential knife skills and cooking tips from a chef, including how to keep your knife sharp, slice vegetables with a peeler, make homemade chicken stock, chop an onion, and cook meat perfectly.

Transcript

first up how to keep your knife sharp it's far harder working in the kitchen with a blunt knife than it is with a sharp knife the secret behind keeping a sharp knife sharpen it before and every time you use it first grip the steel feel really comfortable about holding the still imagine you're holding a tennis racquet or you're playing squash you've... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍳 A sharp knife is essential for efficient and safe cooking.
• 🔪 Wetting a kitchen cloth or towel underneath your chopping board prevents it from slipping.
• 👋 A veg peeler can be used for more than just peeling vegetables.
• 🐔 Homemade chicken stock adds depth of flavor to dishes and is easy to make.
• 🍖 Dusting meat in flour before cooking helps with even browning and thickening sauces.
• 🤎 Browning meat before slow cooking adds flavors to the dish.
• 🍖 Using chunky vegetables as a trivet prevents meat from boiling in its juices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do I keep my knife sharp?

To keep your knife sharp, grip the steel with your fingers behind the butt of the steel. Use long, slow strokes at a 45-degree angle. Sharpen the knife before and after every use.

Q: How can I prevent my chopping board from slipping?

Wet a kitchen cloth, towel, or paper towel and place it underneath your chopping board. This will provide a non-slip surface, allowing you to chop with confidence.

Q: What are some uses for a veg peeler?

A veg peeler can be used to slice thin ribbons of vegetables, create parmesan shavings, and make chocolate curls. It's a versatile tool for various cooking techniques.

Q: How do I make homemade chicken stock?

Start by placing a chicken carcass, onions, leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt in a pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities, then let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Strain the stock and use it as a base for soups and sauces.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Keeping your knife sharp is essential for efficient and safe cooking. Hold the steel at a 45-degree angle and grip it with your fingers behind the butt of the steel. Use long, slow strokes to sharpen the knife.

• Wetting a kitchen cloth or towel and placing it under your chopping board helps prevent it from slipping or rocking while you chop ingredients.

• The veg peeler is a versatile tool that can be used to slice ultra-thin ribbons of vegetables, make delicate parmesan shavings, or create chocolate curls.