Learn to cook all types of protein safely and deliciously. From perfect pan-seared chicken to tender braised beef and flaky fish, these techniques build confidence for any main dish preparation.
Master the technique for juicy, golden chicken breasts every single time. Learn proper pounding for even thickness, strategic seasoning, ideal pan temperature, and accurate doneness testing. We explain the importance of dry surfaces for searing and proper resting time. This reliable method transforms the most common protein into restaurant-quality meals that never dry out.
30-min
Create the ultimate Sunday dinner with crispy skin, moist meat, and flavorful drippings for gravy. This comprehensive guide covers trussing, seasoning under the skin, proper roasting temperature, and timing by weight. One roasted chicken feeds a family with planned leftovers for sandwiches, soup, and salads throughout the week.
Make-Ahead
Achieve steakhouse results at home using proper technique and temperature control. Learn to choose the right cut, bring meat to room temperature, develop proper crust, and judge doneness by feel and temperature. We explain compound butter finishing and pan sauce creation from drippings. Master this skill and save hundreds on restaurant steak dinners.
30-min
Cook flaky, moist fish in the oven with foolproof timing and temperature. This guide covers fillet selection, proper seasoning, pan preparation, and doneness indicators for salmon, cod, halibut, and tilapia. Baked fish requires minimal hands-on work and pairs with endless vegetable and grain combinations for quick weeknight dinners.
30-min
Transform inexpensive, tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth meals through low, slow cooking. Learn to sear meat properly, build flavorful braising liquid, and maintain gentle simmer for hours. This technique works for short ribs, chuck roast, pork shoulder, and lamb shanks. The resulting tender meat and rich sauce feed crowds with minimal per-serving cost.
Make-Ahead
Achieve proper browning and texture when cooking ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. We explain proper pan temperature, avoiding overcrowding, when to drain fat, and seasoning timing. Properly browned ground meat forms the foundation for tacos, pasta sauce, chili, and countless quick dinners. The right technique prevents grey, steamed meat.
30-min
Handle, store, and cook fish safely while maintaining quality and freshness. Learn proper refrigeration, how to identify fresh fish, scaling and filleting basics, and critical cooking temperatures. We emphasize preventing cross-contamination and proper handwashing throughout fish preparation. These safety practices prevent foodborne illness while delivering delicious seafood meals.
Safe Handling
Master the critical internal temperatures for safely cooked proteins without overcooking. Learn to use instant-read thermometers correctly, understand carryover cooking, and judge doneness for poultry, beef, pork, and fish. Proper temperature knowledge ensures food safety while preventing dry, overcooked proteins. This single skill improves every meat dish you prepare.
Safe Handling