Cooking Verbs in English with Pictures

We’re going to explore exciting cooking verbs to boost your English vocabulary. Today’s lesson focuses on action words used in the kitchen, from braise to sizzle. You’ll learn how to say, understand, and use these verbs confidently in conversation, related to cooking. Let’s explore these English cooking verbs that will make your kitchen time smarter and more enjoyable!

List of Verbs Related to Cooking

Here is a list of cooking verbs for kids learning:

Break	Melt	Spread
Layer	Roll out	Fry
Peel	Mix	Whip
Saute	Taste	Cut
Chop	Slice	Grate
Boil	Steam	Pinch
Pour	Add	Barbecue
Roast	Bake	Stir
Weigh	Beat	Blend
Whisk	Knead	Dust
Dredge	Coat	Grease
Oil	Spray	Season
Salt	Pepper	Marinate
Brine	Rub	Mince
Dice	Julienne	Shred
Zest	Juice	Squeeze
Scoop	Core	Seed
Pit	Hull	Crush
Grind	Pound	Tenderize
Mash	Puree	Strain
Drain	Rinse	Wash
Pat dry	Soak	Reconstitute
Rehydrate	Dissolve	Sprinkle
Garnish	Plate	Serve
Carve	Segment	Fillet
Devein	Shell	Crack
Scramble	Poach	Simmer
Braise	Stew	Glaze
Deglaze	Flambe	Reduce
Thicken	Roux	Temper
Proof	Ferment	Chill
Freeze	Defrost	Thaw
Preheat	Grill	Griddle
Sear	Blacken	Toast
Brown	Caramelize	Candy
Frost	Ice	Decorate
Pipe	Fold in	Combine
Incorporate	Adjust	Correct
Heat	Cool	Warm up
Reheat	Plate	Arrange

List of Common Cooking Verbs with Pictures and Definitions

Add

To put ingredients into something being made.

• Example: She adds honey to make the drink sweeter.

Bake

• The cake bakes slowly and fills the kitchen with a sweet smell.

Barbecue

To cook food on a grill over open flames.

• Example: They barbecue juicy burgers during the summer picnic.

Beat

To stir ingredients quickly until smooth and fluffy.

• Example: He beats the eggs until they turn light and airy.

Blend

To mix things until smooth and even.

• Example: Mom blends strawberries to make a refreshing smoothie.

Boil

To heat a liquid until bubbles rise and burst.

• Example: The pasta boils in hot water for a few minutes.

Brine

To soak food in salty water before cooking.

• Example: The chef brines the meat to make it soft and flavorful.

Chop

To cut something into small, rough pieces.

• Example: She chops fresh herbs to sprinkle over the soup.

Coat

To cover food with sauce, flour, or crumbs.

• Example: The nuggets are coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs.

Core

To remove the hard middle part of the fruit.

• Example: He cores the apples before filling them with cinnamon.

Crush

To press something until it breaks into small bits.

• Example: She crushes biscuits to make a pie base.

Dice

To cut food into small, square pieces.

• Example: The vegetables are diced neatly for the salad.

Drain

To remove water or liquid from food.

• Example: He drains the pasta before adding the creamy sauce.

Dust

To lightly sprinkle a fine ingredient on top.

• Example: She dusts powdered sugar over the warm doughnuts.

Fry

To cook food in hot oil or fat.

• Example: They fry the potatoes until golden and crunchy.

Grate

• She grates cheese to melt on top of her pasta.

Grease

To spread oil or butter on a surface before baking.

• Example: He greases the pan so the cake won’t stick.

Knead

To press and fold the dough with the hands.

• Example: The baker kneads the dough until it feels soft and stretchy.

Layer

To arrange ingredients in even, flat sections.

• Example: She layers cream and fruit to make a pretty dessert.

Marinate

To soak food in flavored liquid before cooking.

• Example: They marinate the chicken in herbs overnight.

Mash

To crush food until smooth and creamy.

• Example: He mashes the bananas for the bread mixture.

Melt

To heat something until it turns to liquid.

• Example: The butter melts slowly in the warm pan.

Mix

To combine different ingredients evenly.

• Example: She mixes flour, milk, and eggs for the pancake batter.

Peel

To remove the skin from fruits or vegetables.

• Example: He peels carrots before cutting them into slices.

Pour

To make liquid flow from one container to another.

• Example: She pours the juice into tall glasses.

Related: All Common Verbs for Kids

FAQs

What are 5-letter cooking verbs?

1. Slice
2. Mince
3. Saute
4. Broil
5. Grill
6. Roast
7. Whisk
8. Steam
9. Knead
10. Blend
11. Smash
12. Glaze
13. Poach
14. Toast
15. Baste
16. Serve
17. Plate
18. Drain
19. Scald
20. Brown
21. Carve
22. Grate
23. Shred
24. Score
25. Sieve

What are 6-letter cooking verbs?

• Braise: To cook slowly in liquid.
• Season: To add salt, herbs, or spices.
• Marble: To streak fat through meat.
• Batter: To coat food with a flour mixture.
• Garnish: To decorate a dish before serving.
• Grater: To shred food into small pieces.
• Sizzle: To make a hissing sound while frying.
• Broil: To cook directly under strong heat.
• Stir-fry: To cook quickly in a small amount of oil.

Explore more verbs for kids learning:

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• List of Common Action Verbs in English
• Sport Verbs Vocabulary and Exercise Actions Words
• List of Verbs of Movement in English
• List of Common Action Words in English
• Restaurant Verbs Vocabulary