Choose a cooking method (boil, simmer, steam, roast, bake, sauté, fry, grill, braise, poach, stir-fry)
Read the recipe and measure ingredients
Preheat the oven or heat the pan as required
Prep ingredients (wash, chop, season, pat dry)
Use the right cookware and utensils for the method
Control heat to match the method (high for sear, medium for sauté, low for simmer)
Add ingredients in the correct order (start with aromatics, then main ingredients, then liquids/sauces)
Stir, toss, or flip as needed to ensure even cooking
Cook until food reaches safe doneness (check internal temperature when possible)
Rest meat after cooking when recommended
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
Serve immediately or cool/store safely
Clean up cookware and surfaces promptly