- Mexican chef Pati Jinich shares her top tips for beginners in the kitchen.
- Don’t be intimidated by the possibility of something going wrong.
- Pati believes that the key to great cooking, especially in Mexican cuisine, is giving yourself space and time.
Discover the enriching power of cooking when you give it the space it deserves.
That’s the philosophy of Pati Jinich—a former public-policy analyst turned chef, cookbook author, and award-winning host of the PBS series “Pati’s Mexican Table,” known for sharing the flavors of Mexico City with her audience. Each season of her show delves into a different region of Mexico’s diverse cuisine.
In honor of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, Jinich spoke with Insider to share her insightful cooking tips for beginners.
Embrace Fearlessness
When starting out in the kitchen, beginners often feel intimidated by unfamiliar ingredients or unfamiliar cuisines.
“I specialize in all kinds of Mexican cuisines—original, modern, traditional, anything—and I believe that fear is the number one obstacle we need to overcome because it holds us back from trying,” says Jinich.
Instead of being afraid of failure, Jinich encourages you to dive in and not be discouraged by the possibility of making mistakes.
“If you make a mistake…you just learn from it and try again,” she advises.
Prepare for Success
Jinich recommends adopting the French concept of “mise en place,” which means having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
“If you’re planning to make pasta with tomato sauce, take a look at the recipe and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Because if you find yourself in the middle of cooking and realize you don’t have crushed tomatoes, your onions might burn while you’re scrambling to find a substitute,” she warns.
Savor the Experience
Avoid rushing through the cooking process and instead learn to appreciate the journey.
“Cooking should be a beautiful and therapeutic experience—giving yourself the time and space to create something delicious while incorporating flavors, stories, and cultures,” advises Jinich. She cautions against trying to emulate fast-paced, 60-second cooking videos that often dominate social media.
Take your time and enjoy the process. It will ultimately enhance the outcome of your dish.
Jinich provides an example using chiles: “If you’re experimenting with new chiles, do some research. For instance, jalapeños are milder than habaneros. So if a salsa recipe calls for two to four jalapeños, start with one, taste it, and gradually increase the heat to suit your preference.”
Expand Your Knowledge
When venturing into new ingredients, dishes, or techniques, Jinich advises taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible.
For example, when working with tequila, Jinich considers the various types available.
“The Gran Centenario Plata is light, bright, and smooth. The Reposado is richer. The Añejo is deeper and has a nuttier, almond flavor,” shares Jinich, who partnered with Gran Centenario Tequila for this interview with Insider.
Be Your Own Chef
While there’s nothing wrong with following a recipe, Jinich encourages aspiring cooks to adapt and personalize their creations once they feel confident and have gained some skill.
“Whether it’s making cocktails or cooking food, it’s the same principle,” says Jinich. “Find a chef or cook whose style and approach you admire, try their recipes, see how you like them, and then experiment to make them your own.”
“That’s the beauty of food—it’s inclusive and communal. It’s a shared experience that we pass on and adapt to our own tastes. And when you share your recipes with the world, others can put their own spin on them, creating a beautiful culinary dialogue,” she concludes.
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