Mastering Home Cooking with Ben Lippett: Essential Skills for Every Food Lover

Ben Lippett’s culinary journey is a vibrant tapestry woven from early kitchen experiences and a meteoric rise in the digital cooking space. His career began in busy restaurant kitchens, including a transformative year at Jackson Boxer’s Orasay in west London. However, it was his tenure at Mob Kitchen—an online food platform boasting over three million Instagram followers—that truly launched his career. Here, Lippett became known for his engaging videos that make cooking approachable, earning him the nickname “the Pedro Pascal of Cooking” thanks to his distinct moustache.

Now, Lippett stands tall on his own as @dinnerbyben. With the release of his debut book, How I Cook, he aims to equip home cooks with the skills they need to elevate their culinary game. The book serves as a comprehensive guide, complete with lessons, tips, tricks, and recipes. Here, Lippett outlines nine essential skills every aspiring home cook should master.

1. Perfecting the Omelette

The omelette is often the litmus test for a home cook’s skill. Lippett describes his version as “the omelette for the egg connoisseur”—a tender, buttery creation that should never see the inside of a brown pan. The key lies in temperature control; cook it gently, ensuring the eggs don’t brown. Start with a non-stick pan over medium heat to make a very soft scramble. After setting the bottom, drop the heat and allow the omelette to fold into a soft scramble—a presentation that’ll impress anyone.

2. Crafting the Right Salad Dressing

A good salad dressing can elevate any dish. Lippett insists that a dressing should be slightly salty and acidic to stand up against watery vegetables. He prefers a 3:1 fat-to-acid ratio but suggests a bit of improvisation with mustard, citrus, and honey. Importantly, season before adding oil—salt doesn’t dissolve well in fat.

3. Making Great Chicken Stock

Stock-making is likened to infusing a good cup of tea. Lippett highlights that roasted chicken wings produce a flavorful, rich stock that far surpasses day-old carcasses. His method? Roast the wings to caramelize the flavors before covering them with cold water for optimal taste.

4. Tomato Soup with a Twist

Tomatoes might evoke summertime vibes, but Lippett has a recipe to savor them year-round. His comforting tomato soup uses high-quality canned tomatoes, enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and a sprinkle of za’atar. The addition of crème fraîche gives the soup a lactic, acidic punch that makes it irresistible.

5. The Foolproof Rice Method

Many home cooks stumble when it comes to preparing rice. Lippett’s straightforward method recommends a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio. Toasting the rice in a bit of oil adds a rich, nutty flavor before cooking. Once boiled, cover, lower the heat, and let it steam to fluffy perfection—every grain separating beautifully.

6. Secrets to Silky Pasta Sauces

The transformative power of pasta water is Lippett’s game-changing tip for perfect sauces. As you cook pasta, the water thickens with starch, acting as an emulsifier between the pasta and the sauce. Lippett advises against over-salting the water and recommends transferring al dente pasta to the sauce for that silky texture everyone loves.

7. Crispy Skin on Fish

When pan-cooking fish, avoiding moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Lippett advises letting vacuum-packed fish dry in the fridge while seasoning to draw moisture out. Use a hot pan, plenty of oil, and if possible, a weight to ensure the skin has consistent contact with the pan for even cooking.

8. Toasting Nuts Perfectly

Toasting nuts evenly is another culinary skill worth mastering. Instead of a dry pan, consider using the oven or warm oil in a frying pan to envelop the nuts with heat. This method not only toasts them evenly but also yields a nut-infused oil—perfect for dressing or marinades.

9. The Art of Grilling Steak

Cooking a steak to impress can be daunting. Lippett suggests opting for a large bone-in sirloin or ribeye, emphasizing the importance of deep caramelization. Start with an incredibly hot grill, sear on both sides, and brush with butter. Engage in the “on, off” method, resting the steak between grilling sessions to achieve that perfect medium-rare finish.

With these essential skills from Ben Lippett, anyone can elevate their home cooking to new culinary heights. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, mastering these basics will set you well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled home cook. For more in-depth insights, don’t forget to check out Lippett’s book, How I Cook.