Spanish cooking terms are essential for understanding recipes, cooking instructions, and food culture in Spanish-speaking countries. They cover a wide range of concepts, from preparation methods and ingredients to kitchen equipment and presentation styles.
- Brindar: To toast (celebrate with a drink).
- Cocer: To cook, usually by boiling or simmering.
- Cortar: To cut or chop.
- Freír: To fry.
- Hervir: To boil.
- Mezclar: To mix.
- Pelar: To peel.
- Picar: To chop finely or to mince; can also mean to sting or to snack.
- Rebanar: To slice.
- Rehogar: To sauté gently (usually vegetables).
- Salpimentar: To season with salt and pepper.
- Sazonar: To season.
- Tostar: To toast or brown.
To sauté gently (usually vegetables)
To chop finely or mince
Common Cooking Methods
| Spanish | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Asar | To roast/grill | Cooking with dry heat, usually in an oven or on a grill. |
| Cocer | To cook/boil | Cooking food in water or other liquids. |
| Freír | To fry | Cooking food in hot oil. |
| Hervir | To boil | Bringing a liquid to a rolling boil. |
| Saltear | To sauté | Quickly frying food in a small amount of oil. |
| Vapor | Steam | Cooking food with steam. |
Asar, Cocer, Freír, Hervir, Saltear
'Asado' means roasted or grilled.
Kitchen Equipment
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Batidora | Mixer/Blender |
| Cacerola | Saucepan/Pot |
| Colador | Strainer |
| Espátula | Spatula |
| Horno | Oven |
| Sartén | Frying pan/Skillet |
A 'batidora' is a mixer or blender.
Batidora, Cacerola, Colador, Espátula, Horno, Sartén
Ingredient Terms
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Aceite | Oil |
| Ajo | Garlic |
| Azúcar | Sugar |
| Cebolla | Onion |
| Harina | Flour |
| Leche | Milk |
| Mantequilla | Butter |
| Sal | Salt |
| Pimienta | Pepper |
'Harina' means flour.
Aceite, Ajo, Azúcar, Cebolla, Harina, Leche, Sal, Pimienta
Recipe Instructions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Añadir | To add |
| Batir | To beat/stir vigorously |
| Dejar reposar | To let rest |
| Doblar | To fold |
| Echar | To pour/throw in |
| Espolvorear | To sprinkle |
| Guardar | To store |
| Llevar a ebullición | To bring to a boil |
Añadir, Batir, Dejar reposar, Doblar, Echar, Espolvorear, Guardar, Llevar a ebullición
'Dejar reposar' means to let rest.
Presentation & Serving
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Emplatar | To plate/serve |
| Decorar | To decorate |
| Servir | To serve |
| Acompañar | To accompany (side) |
'Emplatar' means to plate.
Emplatar, Decorar, Servir, Acompañar
Conclusion
Spanish cooking terms provide a window into the culinary traditions and techniques of Spanish-speaking cultures, enhancing both understanding and enjoyment in the kitchen.
- They include verbs for preparation, methods for cooking, names for equipment, and terms for ingredients.
- Mastery of these terms helps when reading recipes, shopping for groceries, or cooking in a Spanish-speaking environment.
- Cooking terms reflect the culture and history behind the food, making language learning deliciously practical.
They help with understanding recipes, connecting with food culture, and cooking accurately.
'Salpimentar' means to season with salt and pepper.
Common methods include Asar, Freír, Hervir, Saltear, Cocer.