10 Best Recipes for Beginners: Easy and Delicious Dishes to Get You Started
Getting comfortable in the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating! These beginner-friendly recipes are simple to follow, require minimal ingredients, and will help you build confidence in cooking. Perfect for anyone new to cooking or looking to create something quick and tasty, here are the 10 best recipes for beginners.
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1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This Italian classic is a fantastic beginner dish that only requires spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
8 oz spaghetti
3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and add garlic until golden brown. Add red pepper flakes.
3. Toss the spaghetti in the garlic oil, add parsley, and serve.
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2. Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese is a great place to start for beginners. You can add variations like tomatoes or bacon to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
2 slices of cheese (Cheddar or American work best)
Butter
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place a slice of cheese between the bread, buttered sides out.
3. Grill in a pan on medium heat until golden brown and the cheese melts.
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3. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are quick and easy, perfect for breakfast or a light meal. All you need are eggs, salt, pepper, and a little butter.
Ingredients:
2-3 eggs
Salt and pepper
Butter
Instructions:
1. Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
3. Add the eggs and stir until they’re softly scrambled.
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4. One-Pot Pasta
This recipe requires minimal cleanup and combines pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs into a deliciously simple dish.
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broth has mostly evaporated.
3. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
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5. Easy Tacos
Tacos are highly customizable and easy to prepare with your choice of fillings.
Ingredients:
Ground beef or chicken
Taco seasoning
Tortillas
Lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream (optional toppings)
Instructions:
1. Cook the meat in a pan until browned, then add taco seasoning.
2. Fill tortillas with meat and add your choice of toppings.
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6. Simple Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is an excellent way to use up vegetables and experiment with different flavors. Use a mix of bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or any other favorite veggies.
Ingredients:
Mixed vegetables
Protein (chicken, beef, tofu)
Soy sauce
Olive or sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan or wok, add protein and cook until browned.
2. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve over rice.
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7. Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
Baking chicken breasts is simple and can be a base for many meals.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you prefer
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub chicken with oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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8. Vegetable Soup
This easy soup is healthy, comforting, and a great way to use up vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add broth and vegetables; bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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9. Pancakes
Pancakes are easy to make from scratch and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup milk
1 egg
Butter for cooking
Instructions:
1. Mix flour, sugar, milk, and egg until smooth.
2. Heat butter in a pan, pour in batter, and cook until bubbles form.
3. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
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10. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is simple and packed with nutrients, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
2 slices of bread
Salt, pepper, and optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or an egg
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread.
2. Mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the avocado on toast and add your favorite toppings.
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Final Thoughts
These beginner recipes are a great way to start building confidence in the kitchen. They’re simple to make, delicious, and require minimal ingredients, making them ideal for anyone just starting out.