Compilation of 5 popular English conversations about cooking

English vocabulary about cooking

Meaning

Example

Recipe

/ˈrɛsəpi/

(n)

a set of instructions telling you how to prepare and cook food, including a list of what food is needed for this

This recipe for chocolate cake is simple and delicious.

Ingredient 

/ɪnˈɡriːdiənt/

(n)

a food that is used with other foods in the preparation of a particular dish

Flour, sugar, and eggs are common baking ingredients. 

Culinary

/ˈkʌlɪnəri/

(n)

connected with cooking or kitchens

Jack's pursuing a career in the culinary arts. 

Seasoning

/ˈsiːzənɪŋ/

(n)

a substance, especially salt or pepper, that is added to food to improve its flavor

Salt is a basic seasoning for many dishes. 

Cuisine

/kwɪˈziːn/

(n)

a style of cooking

Italian cuisine is known for its pasta and pizza dishes. 

Sauté

/sɔːˈteɪ/

(v)

to cook food in oil or fat overheat, usually until it is brown

Sauté the onions until they're golden brown. 

Marinate

/ˈmærɪneɪt/

(v)

to pour a marinade over meat or fish; to be left in a marinade

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices.

Simmer

/ˈsɪmər/

(v)

to cook something liquid, or something with liquid in it, at a temperature slightly below boiling

Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes before serving. 

Grate

/ɡreɪt/

(v)

to rub food against a grater in order to cut it into a lot of small pieces

Grate some cheese over the pasta before serving. 

Bake

/beɪk/

(v)

to cook inside an oven, without using added liquid or fat

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. 

Boil

/bɔɪl/

(v)

to cook food by putting it in water that is boiling

Boil the potatoes until they're tender. 

Chop

/tʃɒp/

(v)

to cut something into pieces with an axe, knife, or other sharp instrument

Chop the vegetables into small pieces for the salad. 

Garnish

/ˈɡɑːrnɪʃ/

(v)

to decorate food with a small amount of different food

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving. 

Whisk

/wɪsk/

(v)

to beat eggs, cream, etc. with a special tool in order to add air and make the food light

Use a whisk to beat the eggs until they're fluffy. 

Grill

/ɡrɪl/

(v)

to cook food over fire or hot coals, usually on a metal frame

Grill the steaks over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side.

Sample communication phrases on cooking

What's your favorite dish to cook?

Have you tried any new recipes lately?

How do you like your beef steak cooked?

Do you prefer sweet or savory flavors in your dishes?

Have you ever made homemade pasta from scratch?

What's the secret ingredient in your signature dish?

Can you recommend any good cooking blogs or Youtube channels?

Do you enjoy experimenting with different cuisines?

How do you usually season your vegetables?

Have you ever attended a cooking class?

What's the most challenging dish you've ever attempted to make?

Do you follow any dietary restrictions when cooking?

What's your go-to comfort food?

Have you ever hosted a dinner party?

Can you share any tips for making a perfect dessert?

English conversations about cooking

• Emi: Alright, sweetie, let's make some homemade pizza tonight. We need to head to the store to get the ingredients.

• Peter: Yay, I love making pizza with you, Mom! What do we need to buy?

• Emi: We'll need some pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions. Oh, and don't forget the mushrooms!

• Peter: Got it!

• Emi: So now, let’s go to the Mega market.

English conversations about cooking

• Peter: Mom, can you tell me the steps for making the delicious pizza?

• Emi: Of course, dear. First, we need to preheat the oven to 218°C. Then, we'll roll out the dough on a baking sheet and spread the tomato sauce evenly on top.

• Peter: And then we add the cheese and toppings, right?

• Emi: That's right. Sprinkle on the cheese, then add the pepperoni and veggies. Finally, we'll bake it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

• Peter: Sounds delicious! Later, I will make my own pizza for mom to enjoy!

• Emi: I can't wait to eat it my sweet.

English conversations about cooking

• John: Wow, this homemade pizza looks amazing!

• Emi: Thanks, babe. I don’t think it turned out pretty well.

• Peter: It smells so good! Can we dig in now?

• Emi: Absolutely! Let's slice it up and enjoy our creation together.

• [They all take a bite]

• John: Mmm, this is fantastic! You did a great job, honey.

• Emi: Thanks, dear. I'm glad you like it.

English conversations about cooking

• John: This braised pork you made is absolutely delicious, honey. It's so flavorful and tender.

• Emi: Thank you, dear. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's one of your favorites.

• Peter: Yeah, Mom, it's really good! Can we have it more often?

• Emi: Of course, sweetie. I'll make it again soon.

English conversations about cooking

• John: Honey, I think these fried eggs are a bit too salty today.

• Emi: Oh no, I'm sorry about that. I must have added too much salt.

• Peter: Yeah, Mom, I can barely taste anything but salt.

• Emi: I'll be more careful next time. Thanks for letting me know.