No matter your level of experience, whether you are a budding home chef that is just beginning their journey or a seasoned home cook, there is always more to learn.

At RiceSelect®, we know that one of the very best ways to improve your skills and serve up something unforgettable is by learning from the greats themselves. That’s why we’ve partnered with Chef Jordan Andino, a multifaceted chef, Netflix host and the entrepreneur behind Flip Sigi — his Filipino taqueria.

Abilities and confidence in the kitchen improve with time and practice! We’ll take you through some essential skills that a home chef should master along with tips on how to develop them from Chef Jordan Andino himself. We want to help you bring that chef’s touch to your meals and really level up your kitchen game.

Essential Chef Skills to Learn

We have not only made a list with basic kitchen principles to follow, but Chef Jordan offers cooking and cleaning tips to master them. Let’s dive right in with practical ways for home chefs to improve their skills.

  • Attention to Detail

Any professional cook or chef will tell you that one of the distinguishing factors in the business is attention to detail. Every task, no matter how small, should be done with passion and determination: it makes all the difference at mealtime.

In terms of cooking at home, this includes ensuring that each component of your meal adds something incredible.

Chef Jordan Tips

If you really want to spice up an Asian rice dish, use this tip. After making rice, let it sit for an hour, then mix in some fresh coconut milk. Try it in this recipe created by Chef Jordan: Toyomansi Glazed Cod with Coconut Garlic Jasmati® Rice.

  • Knowledge of Different Products

Understanding the ingredients you are using, how they interact with one another and how to work with them is key. This skill takes time but is honed through trial and error, research, and advice from other chefs.

Chef Jordan Tips

Rice: When it comes to rice, Chef Jordan chooses premium quality RiceSelect®, describing it as “a proper chef ingredient.” Choosing the correct variety to use in your recipes comes with practice. For a flavorful touch, opt for natural blends like Texmati® or Jasmati®. For a sophisticated touch, give Royal Blend® a try.

When making fried rice, always try to use leftover rice. Chef Jordan uses rice that’s a day or two when he makes Texmati® Filipino Fried Rice because it soaks up all those irresistible flavors.

Meat: When cooking any sort of meat, make sure it sits at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the meat to cook much more evenly.

  • Unleash Creativity

Chef Jordan Andino states, “I love rice, it allows me to unleash my creativity, because it's a perfect blank canvas.” In the kitchen, chefs are artists creating masterpieces to be enjoyed by others.

For home chefs, it’s an ideal opportunity to let loose and express themselves without all the pressure of a restaurant kitchen. That might mean including an ingredient that really takes your dish to the next level.

Chef Jordan Tip

When it comes to making perfect Filipino Rice, a trick is in the garlic. First mince garlic, fry it in oil and mix it into some freshly made aromatic Jasmati® Rice.

  • Cooking Expertise

Chefs often have a commitment to excellence which includes learning how to be consistent. Nothing is more disappointing than making a dish you’re craving and it not tasting as good as you remember. Plus, you want your friends and family to be able to count on you to produce incredible dishes again and again. This also comes with time and applying helpful kitchen tips.

Chef Jordan Tip

For the perfect rice to water ratio, use the finger trick. All you have to do is pour the desired amount of rice in your pot, stick your hand straight down (until you touch the grains), and fill it with water until it hits the first line of your finger.

  • Time Management

While speed and accuracy may be key for restaurant kitchens, home chefs have the luxury of cooking at their own pace. However, time management isn’t necessarily about being fast: it’s about learning how to work smarter and not harder in the kitchen.

Chef Andino Tip

When meal prepping and cooking large quantities, the oven is your best friend. You can make a lot of food for a lot of people in a short amount of time. Have your kitchen gadgets work for you to make the best use of your time.

Another simple way to save time is by opting for rice blends instead of measuring out portions from separate containers. Rather than mixing jasmine and basmati rice, simply reach for a jar of Jasmati® Rice.

  • Keep Things Clean

Lastly, a sign of a true chef is that they understand the importance of a clean workspace. Restaurants uphold high sanitary standards to keep their guests safe and ensure food quality.

On a home chef level, it’s equally important to learn how to keep kitchen surfaces and cooking equipment clean when preparing food for yourself and others.

Chef Jordan Tip

The best way to clean a stainless steel pan with caked on food is by adding soap, pouring boiling water overtop, heating it up and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Then, clean it as usual.

Find inspiration at RiceSelect.com and follow us on social media @riceselect to have your questions answered by the chef himself including what is couscous? along with great tasting recipes like orzo salad. Looking for a yummy dinner idea? Try our: salmon with risotto.