15 Cooking Rules Experts Say You Should Break

Whether you’re a seasoned culinary artist or a novice in the kitchen, there’s always room for improvement. However, the world of cooking is filled with outdated rules, some of which may be holding you back from true culinary mastery. Breaking these rules could lead to time savings, increased safety, and even more delicious dishes.

Our list of 15 cooking rules you should consider breaking comes from real-world trends, expert interviews, and surveys conducted among professional chefs. We aim to challenge your culinary beliefs and inspire you to explore new cooking techniques. So, let’s dive in and break some rules.

1. Searing Meat Seals in Juices

Many of us have been taught that searing meat locks in the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. This rule is so deeply ingrained that it is often a deciding factor when purchasing cookware or selecting cooking methods. However, the fact is that searing does not seal in juices, but instead contributes to flavor through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars.

Breaking this rule can lead to more adventurous cooking methods. According to Fine Cooking, searing meat at a lower temperature for a longer period can actually result in a more evenly cooked and flavorful dish, a trend increasingly embraced by both professional chefs and home cooks.

2. You Must Always Preheat Your Oven

The rule of preheating the oven is considered a must in most baking and cooking scenarios. The idea behind preheating is to achieve a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This rule is often followed without question, but the necessity of preheating largely depends on what you’re cooking.

While preheating is essential for items like cakes or breads, it’s not always necessary for dishes such as casseroles or roasts. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, skipping preheating can save time and energy, aligning with current trends towards more sustainable cooking practices.

3. Pasta Must Be Cooked in Boiling Water

The rule that pasta must be cooked in boiling water is another widely accepted cooking norm. The theory is that boiling water cooks pasta evenly and prevents it from sticking together. This rule is often followed to the letter, especially when preparing traditional Italian dishes.

However, cooking pasta in cold water is a culinary rule-breaking trend. This method, recommended by Serious Eats, can result in perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful starchy water that can be used to enhance your sauce. It’s time to rethink this age-old rule and experiment with new methods.

4. Always Rinse Rice Before Cooking

Rinsing rice before cooking is a common practice, especially in Asian cuisine. This rule is adhered to in order to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from clumping. However, whether or not to rinse rice is a cooking debate that goes beyond cultural preferences.

Some experts, like those at Bon Appétit, argue that not rinsing rice can lead to a more flavorful end product, especially when cooking pilaf or risotto. It’s a shift from traditional methods, but one that could elevate your rice dishes to the next level.

5. Stirring Risotto Constantly

Stirring risotto constantly is a traditional rule that many cooks follow religiously. The idea is that the constant stirring releases the starch from the rice, resulting in a creamy risotto. This rule is often seen as a non-negotiable part of making authentic risotto.

However, modern chefs are challenging this rule. According to Epicurious, stirring risotto less frequently can still yield a creamy, delicious result and save you from a tired arm. It’s an emerging trend that’s changing the way we approach this classic Italian dish.

6. The Danger of Washing Chicken Before Cooking

Washing chicken before cooking is a rule followed by many home cooks. The belief is that washing can help remove bacteria and make the chicken safer to eat. However, this practice can actually spread bacteria rather than remove it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against washing chicken, as it can spread bacteria to other food, utensils, and countertops. This is a safety issue that’s important to be aware of, especially in the light of increased focus on food hygiene and safety.

7. Salt Water for Boiling Vegetables

Salted water is often used when boiling vegetables. The logic behind it is that the salted water flavors the vegetables as they cook. This is a rule that is almost universally followed, especially when boiling potatoes or other starchy vegetables.

But according to Food Network, adding salt to the water has little effect on the flavor of the vegetables. It’s a trend that’s slowly changing, as more cooks become aware that salting the vegetables directly can have a greater impact on flavor.

8. Adding Oil to Pasta Water

Adding oil to pasta water is a common practice designed to prevent pasta from sticking together. However, this rule is not as helpful as it seems. While it may prevent sticking, it also prevents sauce from adhering to the pasta properly.

Many chefs, like those at Bon Appétit, advise against using oil in your pasta water. Breaking this rule can result in pasta that holds onto sauce better, creating a more flavorful dish.

9. Always Peel Your Vegetables

Peeling vegetables is a common practice that many home cooks follow without question. The rule stems from the belief that vegetable skins can be tough, bitter, or unpalatable. However, many nutrients are found in the skin of vegetables, and peeling them can result in a loss of these beneficial compounds.

According to Harvard Health, leaving the skin on vegetables can increase the nutritional value of your meals. This aligns with the current trend toward healthier, more nutrient-dense eating.

10. Only Flip Your Steak Once

The rule of only flipping your steak once during cooking is often touted as the key to a perfect steak. The theory states that flipping the steak too often can interfere with the heat transfer, leading to a steak that’s unevenly cooked. This rule is often a point of pride among steak lovers and grill masters.

However, food scientists like those at Serious Eats argue that flipping your steak more frequently can actually result in a steak that’s cooked more evenly. It’s a trend that challenges traditional steak-cooking wisdom and could change your grilling game.