15 Cooking Mistakes Most People Make – And How to Avoid Them

Many people love spending time in the kitchen, while others see cooking as a chore. But no matter where you stand, there's a good chance you're making some common kitchen mistakes without even realizing it.

We're here to help you eliminate them!

1. Overcrowding the Pan

Mistake: Adding too much food to the pan lowers the temperature, causing the ingredients to steam instead of sear.
Solution: Give ingredients enough space for a crispy, golden crust—cook in batches if necessary.

2. Using a Cold Pan for Frying

Mistake: Starting with a cold pan can make food stick and prevent proper browning.
Solution: Always preheat the pan for a couple of minutes before adding oil and ingredients.

3. Not Seasoning Properly

Mistake: Adding salt and spices only at the end results in bland flavors.
Solution: Season throughout the cooking process to allow flavors to develop naturally.

4. Using the Wrong Oil for Frying

Mistake: Low smoke point oils (like olive oil) burn quickly at high temperatures.
Solution: Use oils with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying and deep-frying.

5. Cutting Meat Too Soon After Cooking

Mistake: Slicing meat immediately after cooking releases its juices, making it dry.
Solution: Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute evenly.

6. Stirring Too Much

Mistake: Constantly stirring prevents proper browning and caramelization.
Solution: Let the food sit undisturbed in the pan to develop a golden crust.

7. Boiling Instead of Simmering

Mistake: Cooking sauces and soups at too high a heat can make them bitter or grainy.
Solution: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer for better texture and flavor.

8. Not Tasting as You Cook

Mistake: Only tasting the dish at the end can result in an unbalanced flavor.
Solution: Taste throughout the process and adjust salt, acidity, and seasoning as needed.

9. Using a Dull Knife

Mistake: A dull knife makes cutting harder and increases the risk of accidents.
Solution: Sharpen your knives regularly and use proper cutting techniques.

10. Overcooking Pasta

Mistake: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much sauce.
Solution: Cook pasta al dente and finish it in the sauce for better flavor absorption.

11. Using Too Little Water for Pasta

Mistake: Cooking pasta in too little water makes it stick together.
Solution: Use at least 1 liter of water per 100 grams of pasta and stir in the first few minutes.

12. Adding Garlic Too Early

Mistake: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if cooked for too long.
Solution: Add garlic toward the end of cooking for a milder, sweeter taste.

13. Cooking Cold Meat Straight from the Fridge

Mistake: Cold meat cooks unevenly, becoming dry on the outside and raw inside.
Solution: Let meat sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

14. Ignoring Oven Temperature Accuracy

Mistake: Relying solely on the cooking time in recipes without checking the actual oven temperature.
Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct cooking temperature.

15. Overcrowding the Baking Sheet

Mistake: Placing cookies or bread too close together prevents even baking and rising.
Solution: Space baked goods properly to allow heat to circulate evenly.