If there’s one thing I truly admire, it’s Hispanic cuisine. The tangy sauces, the mix of sweetness and spice, and the rich textures can make anyone’s mouth water.
I mean no disrespect to any other cuisine, but let’s be honest — once you experience authentic Latino flavors, it’s hard to go back. That’s why whenever I find myself in a place where good Latino food is hard to find, I really start to miss it. Sure, I enjoy roasts, sandwiches, and burgers, but sometimes, nothing satisfies quite like a real Latino meal.
Moreover, the takeaway would generally go mushy by the time I get home. The worst part was that all this food was causing my wallet to get lighter by the minute. Consequently, my inner master chef kicked in, and so began my food journey.
If you are also away from home, trying to find ways to cook better food, here is everything that helped me become an expert.
Consistently Practice Every Week
Cooking or perfecting a recipe is impossible without practice. I can think of countless failure stories, burnt dishes, and undercooked dinners I have served my guests.
Now, I know this sounds brutal, but that is how you hone a skill, and cooking is no exception.
As a beginner, it is better to learn a few simple dishes and then practice them every week. I started with two meat dishes, two condiments, and one rice dish that I perfected in three months. I used to prepare two dishes every week until I was confident.
Apart from improving the taste, practicing every week helps with presentation skills. Moreover, you will get to learn what works for you, based on the equipment available in your kitchen, ingredients in your fridge, and items in your pantry.
Subscribe to YouTube Cooking Channels
If you are like me, who just can’t remember a recipe to save a life, YouTube is a perfect cooking partner for you. Regardless of what you want to eat or where you live, every recipe is just one click away.
Most YouTubers are aware that viewers have limited cooking skills so the recipes shared on their channels generally focus on the basics. As a beginner, subscribe to a few channels, and search for the same recipe on multiple channels before you try making it yourself.
However, make sure you have an internet connection that allows you to stream YouTube videos without any interruptions. When I moved here, I struggled to get access to a good internet connection. However, a college friend came to the rescue and recommended Cox.
I was surprised to find that the provider has a dedicated Cox en español channel, where they specifically cater to their Spanish-speaking customers. As a college student strapped for cash, an inexpensive internet plan is a dream come true.
While subscribing to YouTube channels is the beginning, it’s important to be consistent.
Follow Social Media Food Influencers
Cooking requires constant motivation. Every day, you have to think of a new idea and a new meal plan. For me, cooking is not such a challenge. However, staying motivated, thinking about the dish to cook, or coming up with new ideas is the most challenging part.
If you are also facing the same issue, we have a simple solution for you. Try looking for motivation through an online source.
Yes, you guessed it right – Food Influencers.
In this digital age, easy meals are a good way to satisfy your hunger. Unfortunately, Hispanic, especially Mexican food is more complex than toast and butter. However, food bloggers and influencers have made it very easy to prepare simple, healthy, and tasty meals. Most of these influencers are young, so they target an audience looking for simple and quick dishes.
Moreover, if you look for Hispanic food influencers, you will come across quick meals that taste like ordinary Hispanic home-cooked meals, but can be prepared within a few minutes. From weekly meal prep, to bulk condiments preparation, and even spice mixes, these influencers have a tip or trick for everything.
Call Your Mother for Tips
No one knows your taste and cooking skills more than your mother. So, why not just call your mother? Most days when I call my mother, I ask her about simple tips to either store food for a longer time, or some of the basic condiments that can speed up meal prep.
Moreover, your mother has been in the kitchen longer, so she can guide you, answer your questions, and even explain things easily. While YouTube and most of the online channels can offer you recipes in detail, your mother will tell you practical tips that can help you cook better.
Online portals generally share Hispanic recipes that are appropriate for a whole region. If you want to experience the same taste, or you want a specific dish, your mother can help you with that. As a Mexican, I have spent countless hours complaining to my mother about the taste of the dish that I cooked.
Ask AI Chatbots for Cooking Advice
AI has changed our lives but do you know, it can change your cooking styles as well?
While most people like to search for recipes, my favorite way is to simply list the ingredients in my pantry, and ask AI to suggest some recipes accordingly. This will help you not just sort your grocery list every month, but it can be an excellent way to clear your pantry before the next restock.
Another way to use AI is by converting the measurement scales. For instance, if you do not have the right tools to measure oil, ask AI to help you measure the same quantity with the cup.
Cooking is an art but can be honed with practice, so it is better to keep practicing. With time, concentration, and some hard work, you will notice significant improvement. And don’t forget to treat your friends and family, because their feedback will eventually help you get better.
