11 Cooking Resolutions to Make in 2025
Ah, the new year! A time for fresh starts and clean slates.
Maybe you’ve got a snazzy new set of pans waiting to hit the flames, or shiny knives ready to dice a pile of onions. Or perhaps it’s finally time to escape the cooking rut after a run of uninspired dishes.
We're focusing on tasty resolutions this year, like, "No tossing leftovers in 2025; fox them up instead." We're also saying goodbye to freezer-burned boxes of veggie burgers that could double as hockey pucks. (We’ve got much much tastier crispy sweet potato and bean patties).
Whether you’re channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay or just trying to develop some good kitchen habits, these resolutions will have you cooking up a storm. So grab your spatula, roll up those sleeves, and let’s kick off 2025 with a bang.
1. Always Wear an Apron
Too many shirts have become the casualty of a plate of unruly spaghetti and meatballs. In 2025, aprons are the new black. Not only does wearing an apron say “I take cooking seriously," ours has pockets for your phone and the spatula you keep misplacing.
2. Season Food Adequately
Salt and pepper aren’t the enemy; they’re flavor's best friend. This year, seasoning is no longer optional. See ya, bland dishes! (Related: Vow not to drone on about the value of freshly ground black pepper.)
3. Wait Until Oil Is Hot to Add Steak to the Pan
Throwing a steak into a cold pan is like showing up to a party without pants–a major no-no. This year, learn how to properly sear meat, creating a delicious caramelized crust (courtesy of the Maillard reaction). Wait for the oil to shimmer before adding the meat; otherwise the steak is just cooking in its own sadness.
4. Sharpen Your Knife Skills
Chopping vegetables efficiently isn’t just for show–it saves time and keeps your fingertips intact. This year, sharpen your knife skills and master the mince.
5. Taste Your Food Before Serving
Taste-test your creations before bringing the plates to the table. Adjust the salt and pepper levels as needed and take time to tinker with acidity and spice so that each dish is balanced to a T. It only takes seconds!
6. Finally Learn How to Make an Omelet
The omelet: a simple breakfast staple that will no longer elude you. Goodbye daily scramble, hello elegant breakfast that makes you feel like you’re eating at a fancy hotel.
7. Conquer Sourdough
Embrace yeast and the art of fermentation this year, churning out bakery-worthy loves of sourdough in your Dutch oven. Yes, you’ll be eating bread daily, but whats’s not to like about that?
8. Make Your Own Stock
Why settle for the boxed stuff when you can harness the power of kitchen scraps? Not only does homemade stock taste better than anything from a carton, it’s also a fantastic way to reduce waste and add depth to soups and sauces.
9. Pay Attention to Cooking Times
As in life, in the kitchen, timing is everything. Sure, there are those magical moments when you can just sense that the cake is baked, but for every one of those, there are 10 burned situations. This year, bring a timer into the kitchen; it's best not to wing it when it comes to a perfectly crispy schnitzel or roasted salmon.
10. Rock the Wok
This year, you’re making a commitment to become one with your wok. Harness its power in dishes like pad Thai and pad see ew.
11. Challenge Yourself to Cook One New Dish a Week
Few resolutions are as easy or delicious to make as trying new dishes. Rather than act like you’re a new culinary school grad or a line cook, work in new dishes slowly and keep the ones you like for repeats.
It's going to be a delicious year.
