How to Read a Recipe
What is a Recipe? A recipe is a set of instructions for cooking. Properly written recipes allow for easy completion of the desired dish.
Here are the five essential parts of a well-written recipe:
1. Ingredients including measurements - The ingredients of a recipe are all of the foods and flavorings that are combined to create a dish. This can be used is what you will want to review so you can add any items to your shopping list that you do not already have.
2. Yield - number of servings
3. Time and temperature - How long at what temperature?
4. Container size and shape - What container (pot, pan, bowl, baking dish, shape, ect)
5. Step by step directions - Written in sequential order. Directions can be written in two ways; in paragraph form or numerical form. It is suggested to read the instructions one time before starting to make the dish so you know what is coming next and are not caught off guard when you are actually cooking the dish!
Remember:
Read the recipe first. Take a good look at the recipe. Don’t just skim it; read it through from start to finish. As you read, visualize doing the steps, which will help when you’re prepping and prevent that dreaded yikes-I’m-missing-an-ingredient moment. A recipe is loaded with info, like tips and serving sizes, so you’ll know exactly how many people it will feed and whether there are any shortcuts you can take. Tip: Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are laid out so you can prep them efficiently and in order of their use in the recipe.
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Know the assumptions. All recipes are written using certain conventions, which define the characteristics of common ingredients. The rules vary from place to place, and these assumptions are often not specified in the ingredient list. For example, when our recipes call for “eggs,” we mean large eggs. “Flour” means all-purpose (we specify whole wheat and other kinds), “sugar” means granulated sugar (other types, such as brown, are mentioned specifically) and “butter” means salted butter.
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Figure out the timing. Check the “prep time” and “total time” listed at the top to be sure you have enough time to complete the recipe. Look for hints, such as the words “meanwhile” or “at the same time,” which indicate that two or more steps can happen simultaneously. Our recipes also show hands-off periods — look for phrases like “let rise,” “refrigerate until chilled” or “marinate for 30 min.,” which indicate moments when you can step away. Tip: Our prep times and total times don’t cover ingredient-list requirements, such as bringing refrigerated butter up to room temperature, so add those activities to your timetable.
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Plan ahead. Missing a prep instruction can leave you scrambling in the middle of a recipe. Keep your eyes peeled for time-consuming steps, such as using an already prepared ingredient (like cooked chicken or rice), thawing a frozen ingredient or preheating the oven. A lot of y’all had trouble with the homework like adding preheated time into the total time the recipe required. We just wanted the total timing for the 3 batches stated but it was nice seeing how y’all had a sense to also add preheating timing to the total time (2 hrs 15 + preheating).
Learn up on new techniques. If you’re trying out a skill for the first time, look up how-tos before you start like how to use a knife, roasting, stir frying etc. Especially if you’re a visual learner. Don’t try new things right when you’re about to do the recipe as it can end in chaos.
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Lay out your tools. You guys read up about “Mise en place” or “putting in place” isn’t just for ingredients. Making sure you have the right pans and other equipment ready makes the cooking process go smoothly and quickly.
Make notes about the dish/recipe. Jot down any special prep instructions, and highlight cooking times or other important info you’ll be looking for as you cook
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Take notes of how much you’re making by reading the servings after the title. That way you’ll know to cut the recipe in half or add more depending on how many people you’re cooking for. The ingredients list can also a shopping list in case you do not have your ingredients at home. You might also need to replace ingredients in case of allergies or if you have none in your area available to you, so understanding each ingredient and the importance in the dish can go along way especially cooking with Korean ingredients.
