Beginner Cooking Mistakes to Avoid in the Kitchen (and How to Fix Them!)

Oops! Are You Making These Beginner Cooking Mistakes?

We’ve all been there, burning the garlic, forgetting to season the soup, or realizing halfway through that we’re missing an ingredient. Totally normal beginner cooking mistakes. (Been there, done that — more than once!)

Cooking is a journey, and like any good adventure, it comes with a few funny “oops” moments. But don’t worry, you can totally skip some of the common pitfalls with a little kitchen know-how.

Let’s chat about the most common beginner cooking mistakes and how to fix them, so you can enjoy cooking with confidence and heart. ❤️

1. Not Reading the Recipe First

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is jumping straight into cooking without reading the recipe all the way through. It’s so easy to overlook important steps, like chilling the dough or marinating overnight until it’s too late. I’ve been guilty of this more times than I’d like to admit! I get so excited to start that I end up missing an ingredient or two… and it drives me crazy!

💡 Fix it:
Before turning on the stove, read the recipe all the way through. Gather and prep your ingredients — that’s your mise en place (fancy French for “everything in its place”). Trust me, this one step makes cooking smoother and stress-free!

2. Skipping the Seasoning

Under-seasoning can make your dish fall flat. Salt brings out the natural flavors, and a little pepper or herbs can turn “meh” into “yum.”

💡 Fix it:
Season in layers — a pinch while sautéing, another as it simmers, and a final taste before serving. It makes a big difference!

You’ll love this post → Top 10 Must-Have Spices for Every Kitchen

3. Using the Wrong Pan

My husband might not agree with me on this one—he’s not a fan of collecting kitchen gear. But believe me, every pan serves its own purpose! A nonstick skillet is perfect for eggs or pancakes, but if you want that gorgeous golden sear on meat, you’ll need something sturdier.

Personally, I love having a versatile pan that can do it all—like a good stainless steel skillet. It’s my go-to for searing, sautéing, simmering, and even oven cooking. Durable, easy to clean, and perfect for everyday use. Using the right pan really makes a difference in how your food turns out!

💡 Fix it:
Use the right cookware for the job:

• Stainless Steel for searing and sautéing (my personal favorite!).
  
• Nonstick for delicate foods like omelets or fish.
  
• Dutch Oven for soups, stews, and cozy one-pot meals.
  

🛒 My favorite stainless steel cookware set → Check it out on Amazon
🛒 Need a Dutch oven? This one’s perfect for Chicken Tinola Soup and stews → See my pick

Check out this Chicken Tinola Soup recipe I posted last week! Check the recipe here

4. Overcrowding the Pan

If you crowd the pan, food steams instead of browns — leaving you with soggy results.

💡 Fix it:
Give your food room to breathe! Cook in batches if needed. Patience here means crispy, golden goodness later.

🛒 My favorite nonstick frying pan set → Check it out on Amazon

5. Not Preheating the Pan or Oven

Cooking on a cold pan or in an underheated oven is a surefire recipe for uneven results (and a whole lot of frustration). I learned this the hard way—especially with eggs! Whether I’m frying or scrambling, if the pan isn’t hot enough, they stick instantly. And oh, I hate when that happens!

💡 Fix it:
Preheat for a few minutes before adding food. You’ll get a better sear, prevent sticking, and cook more evenly overall.

6. Using the Wrong Oil (or Too Much)

Not all oils are created equal — some can’t handle high heat, while others are perfect for frying or roasting.

💡 Fix it:

• Olive oil: Great for low to medium heat or drizzling on salads.
  
• Canola or avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking or stir-frying.
  
• And remember — a little goes a long way!

7. Skipping Rest Time

You just cooked a beautiful steak, and you can’t wait to cut into it — but wait! If you slice it too soon, all those yummy juices will run out.

💡 Fix it:
Let meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. It locks in moisture and flavor.

8. Overcooking Pasta or Rice

We’ve all done it — boiled pasta just a minute too long or peeked at rice before it was ready.

💡 Fix it:
Cook pasta al dente (just firm enough to bite). For rice, keep the lid closed while steaming — patience pays off with perfect, fluffy grains.

🛒 My recommended multi-function rice cooker → Check it out on Amazon

9. Not Cleaning As You Go

A cluttered kitchen can turn cooking into pure chaos. When countertops are crowded, utensils are everywhere, and ingredients are disorganized, it’s easy to misplace what you need or accidentally knock things over. Keeping your kitchen neat and organized not only makes cooking easier and more efficient but also transforms the whole experience into something enjoyable and stress-free.

💡 Fix it:
Wash or rinse utensils and bowls as you go. Keeping things tidy helps you focus (and makes clean-up after dinner so much easier).

10. Being Afraid to Experiment

The truth? Some of the best meals come from happy accidents!

💡 Fix it:
Once you’ve nailed the basics, play around. Add a new spice, swap ingredients, or mix flavors you love. Cooking should feel like you.

Lerrie’s Kitchen Cooking Tools Favorites

These are my tried-and-true kitchen partners that make cooking easier, more enjoyable and avoiding these beginner cooking mistakes:

• Stainless Steel Cookware Set – cooks evenly and lasts forever
  
• Nonstick Frying Pan – perfect for eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries
  
• Instant-Read Thermometer – no more guessing if your chicken’s done
  
• Chef’s Knife – sharp, balanced, and your best kitchen investment

Final Thoughts

Cooking isn’t about perfection — it’s about love, learning, and a little laughter along the way. Every mistake teaches you something new (and usually makes for a great story later!).

So, don’t be too hard on yourself — have fun, taste often, and celebrate your progress.

P.S. If you’re just getting started, you’ll love this post too → 10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Beginners

Happy cooking,

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💬 Let’s Keep Cooking Together!

Did you find these tips helpful? I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures!
Share your favorite cooking tip (or your funniest kitchen fail 😄) in the comments below.

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