Cooking Techniques for Plant-Based Meals
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Plant-Based Diet for Diabetes course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Al dente #
Al dente
Al dente is an Italian term used to describe pasta that is cooked to be firm to… #
This cooking technique is commonly used to prepare plant-based meals with pasta to prevent overcooking and maintain a desirable texture. Achieving al dente pasta involves cooking it in boiling water for a shorter time than indicated on the package instructions.
Baking #
Baking
Baking is a dry #
heat cooking method that involves cooking food in an oven using convection heat. This technique is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare a variety of dishes such as bread, cakes, cookies, and casseroles. Baking can be a healthy cooking method as it requires minimal added fats and oils. Plant-based meals can be baked using ingredients like vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes to create flavorful and nutritious dishes.
Blanching #
Blanching
Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly immersing food in boiling… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to partially cook vegetables before using them in stir-fries, salads, or other dishes. Blanching helps to preserve the color, texture, and nutrients of vegetables while reducing their cooking time.
Braising #
Braising
Braising is a cooking technique that involves searing food in a pan and then sim… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like stews, curries, and braised vegetables. Braising helps to infuse the food with rich flavors and creates tender and succulent plant-based meals.
Broiling #
Broiling
Broiling is a cooking technique that involves exposing food to direct heat from… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to quickly cook and brown dishes like tofu, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. Broiling can help to create crispy exteriors and caramelized flavors in plant-based meals, adding depth and texture to the dishes.
Caramelizing #
Caramelizing
Caramelizing is a cooking technique that involves heating sugar until it liquefi… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to add sweetness and depth of flavor to dishes like onions, carrots, and fruits. Caramelizing can be achieved by cooking food over low heat for an extended period, allowing the natural sugars to develop and create a rich flavor profile.
Chopping #
Chopping
Chopping is a culinary technique that involves cutting food into small, irregula… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare ingredients like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs for various dishes. Chopping helps to create uniform pieces of food that cook evenly and blend well in plant-based recipes, adding texture and flavor to the final dish.
Deglazing #
Deglazing
Deglazing is a cooking technique that involves adding liquid, such as broth or w… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to create flavorful sauces and gravies for dishes like stir-fries, stews, and roasted vegetables. Deglazing helps to enhance the taste and aroma of plant-based meals by incorporating the caramelized flavors from the pan.
Grilling #
Grilling
Grilling is a cooking technique that involves cooking food over direct heat on a… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like vegetables, fruits, tofu, and plant-based proteins. Grilling can help to create smoky flavors and charred textures in plant-based meals, adding depth and complexity to the dishes.
Julienning #
Julienning
Julienning is a culinary technique that involves cutting food into long, thin st… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for salads, stir-fries, and garnishes. Julienning helps to create visually appealing dishes with uniform pieces of food that cook quickly and evenly, enhancing the presentation and texture of plant-based meals.
Kneading #
Kneading
Kneading is a cooking technique that involves working dough with the hands to de… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based baking to prepare bread, pizza dough, and pastries. Kneading helps to strengthen the dough structure and improve the rise and texture of baked goods, resulting in fluffy and light plant-based products.
Mincing #
Mincing
Mincing is a culinary technique that involves cutting food into very small piece… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and nuts for sauces, dressings, and toppings. Mincing helps to release the flavors and aromas of the ingredients, enhancing the taste and texture of plant-based dishes.
Peeling #
Peeling
Peeling is a cooking technique that involves removing the outer skin or rind of… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare ingredients like potatoes, apples, and carrots for various dishes. Peeling helps to improve the texture and appearance of the food, making it more appealing and easier to eat in plant-based meals.
Pressure Cooking #
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in a sealed p… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like beans, lentils, grains, and stews in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Pressure cooking helps to retain nutrients and flavors in plant-based meals while reducing cooking time and energy consumption.
Roasting #
Roasting
Roasting is a dry #
heat cooking method that involves cooking food in an oven at high temperatures. This technique is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and tofu. Roasting can help to caramelize sugars, develop flavors, and create crispy textures in plant-based meals, enhancing their taste and presentation.
Sautéing #
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking food in a pan with… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like stir-fries, curries, and sautéed vegetables. Sautéing helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients while creating flavorful and aromatic plant-based meals.
Simmering #
Simmering
Simmering is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in liquid at a low a… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare soups, stews, sauces, and grains. Simmering helps to meld flavors, tenderize ingredients, and create rich and hearty plant-based dishes with complex and layered tastes.
Slicing #
Slicing
Slicing is a culinary technique that involves cutting food into thin, uniform pi… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare ingredients like fruits, vegetables, tofu, and plant-based proteins for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Slicing helps to create visually appealing dishes with even textures and shapes, enhancing the presentation and taste of plant-based meals.
Steaming #
Steaming
Steaming is a cooking technique that involves cooking food over boiling water or… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare vegetables, grains, and dumplings. Steaming helps to retain the nutrients and colors of the ingredients while creating light and healthy plant-based dishes with a natural and fresh flavor.
Stir #
Frying
Stir #
frying is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a hot pan with a small amount of oil over high heat. This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and fried rice. Stir-frying helps to preserve the texture and nutrients of the ingredients while creating flavorful and colorful plant-based meals with a crisp and vibrant finish.
Tempering #
Tempering
Tempering is a cooking technique that involves slowly raising the temperature of… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prevent curdling or separation when combining hot and cold ingredients, such as plant-based milk in sauces or soups. Tempering helps to stabilize the mixture and create a smooth and creamy texture in plant-based dishes.
Whisking #
Whisking
Whisking is a culinary technique that involves vigorously stirring ingredients t… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare recipes like batters, dressings, and sauces. Whisking helps to emulsify ingredients, blend flavors, and create fluffy and creamy plant-based dishes with a uniform consistency.
Wok Cooking #
Wok Cooking
Wok cooking is a traditional Chinese cooking technique that involves using a wok… #
This method is commonly used in plant-based cooking to prepare dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and fried rice. Wok cooking allows for quick and even heat distribution, enabling the ingredients to cook rapidly and retain their natural flavors and textures in plant-based meals.