A 8-part series

Kitchen Basics

The cooking fundamentals nobody teaches you. Start here if your kitchen confidence is... developing.

Cooking & Food 57 min total

Crispy bacon strips on a baking sheet fresh from the oven

We burned a lot of pots figuring these out. Rice that's not crunchy, eggs that aren't rubber, and knife skills that won't send you to the ER. These four guides cover the basics that make everything else easier.

What you'll learn

✓ How to cook rice that's actually fluffy
✓ How to boil an egg to the exact doneness you want
✓ How to sharpen a knife safely
✓ How to season a cast iron pan
✓ How to cook perfect bacon in the oven every time
✓ How to meal prep for the whole week in two hours
✓ How to make smooth, lump-free gravy from pan drippings

Part 1

How to Cook Rice

Cook fluffy white rice on the stove with a 1 to 1.5 water ratio, a 15-minute simmer, and a rest, then store and reheat the leftovers safely.

Easy 6 min · 5 steps

Part 2

How to Boil an Egg

Boil soft, jammy, medium, or hard eggs by the minute, stop them in an ice bath, and peel them in a few large pieces.

Easy 6 min · 5 steps

Part 3

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Learn how to cook bacon in the oven at 400 degrees for crispy, evenly cooked strips without flipping, plus how to handle the hot grease safely afterward.

Easy 7 min · 5 steps

Meal prep containers with portioned food on a kitchen counter

Part 4

How to Meal Prep

Learn how to meal prep for the entire week in about 2 hours. Covers planning, batch cooking, storage, and how to keep things from getting boring.

Easy 8 min · 7 steps

Sharp kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board

Part 5

How to Sharpen a Knife

Learn how to sharpen a kitchen knife with a whetstone in under ten minutes. Covers angle, technique, honing, and how to tell when your knife actually needs sharpening.

Medium 8 min · 7 steps

Close-up of a hand holding chopsticks over a bowl of food

Part 6

How to Use Chopsticks

Learn how to use chopsticks with the correct grip, finger placement, and technique. Covers choosing chopsticks, practicing with easy foods, common mistakes, and essential etiquette for Japanese, Chinese, and Korean dining.

Easy 10 min · 7 steps

Metal spoon filled with white granulated sugar on a dark background

Part 7

How to Make Simple Syrup

Learn how to make simple syrup at home in five minutes. Step-by-step guide with the standard ratio, storage tips, flavored variations, and common mistakes to avoid.

Easy 6 min · 6 steps