Learning to Cook

Using ChatGPT to understand my current cooking skills and how to level up in the kitchen.

Ever wonder how you can use AI to help you become a better chef? Here's a single prompt that breaks down the different levels of cooking at home, giving you enough information to research the fine details within each step and progress your learning.

You:
Learn to Cook -

Let's pretend I'm a self described terrible chef and I want to learn to cook at home, both to eat more healthy and to save money.

Let's say terrible cook is level 0. We want to go through levels 1-5. 5 being that our friends describe us as a great cook and we can have them over for dinner parties where we've made homemade meals.

How would you break down each level, and what's an example meal to make to prove this new grading?
AI Assistant:
This is an awesome way to think about learning to cook — treating it like leveling up in a game or skill tree. Here's a breakdown of Levels 0 to 5 with goals, milestones, and a "proof meal" for each stage:

🍳 Level 0 – The Microwave Hero

"I burn toast and order takeout 6 nights a week."

Goal:
Get comfortable using basic tools in your kitchen and stop fearing the stove.

Skills to Learn:
  • Understand kitchen basics (how to use a knife, boil water, use a timer)
  • Learn safe food handling (don't poison yourself or others!)
  • Follow very simple recipes
  • Learn what pantry staples are
Example Proof Meal:
Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup (from a can)

Use a skillet to make the sandwich (no toaster).
Heat the soup on the stove without burning it.

🔪 Level 1 – Beginner Basics

"I can make real food without starting a fire."

Goal:
Start following recipes step-by-step. Learn a few go-to meals.

Skills to Learn:
  • Chop veggies safely (basic knife skills)
  • Season with salt, pepper, herbs
  • Boil pasta, roast veggies, cook eggs
  • Use the oven and stove without fear
Example Proof Meal:
Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs + Roasted Broccoli + Rice

You seasoned and cooked a protein
You roasted a vegetable at the right time and temp
You made a starch (without over/undercooking)

🍝 Level 2 – Weeknight Cook

"I can follow recipes and get dinner on the table."

Goal:
Get confident with ~5 recipes. Cook at home most weeknights.

Skills to Learn:
  • Use timers and prep efficiently (multitasking)
  • Cook with fresh produce and proteins
  • Use basic spices and sauces for flavor
  • Batch cook or meal prep
Example Proof Meal:
One-Pan Pasta Primavera

You chop a variety of veggies, sauté them, and add to pasta
You flavor it with garlic, lemon, or parmesan
You manage timing so pasta and veggies are done at once

🍲 Level 3 – Confident Cook

"I don't need to look at recipes for everything."

Goal:
Start riffing on recipes and inventing small changes. Cook for 2–4 people easily.

Skills to Learn:
  • Trust your palate: taste as you go, adjust seasoning
  • Mix-and-match ingredients based on what's in your fridge
  • Learn how to use an Instant Pot, air fryer, or slow cooker if desired
  • Make sauces, soups, or stews from scratch
Example Proof Meal:
Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce

You choose protein, veggies, and starch
You build a sauce with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, etc.
You manage high-heat cooking and finish with toppings

🍷 Level 4 – Aspiring Dinner Host

"I can cook a whole meal with sides, and it tastes amazing."

Goal:
Handle timing and flavor across multiple dishes. Impress someone.

Skills to Learn:
  • Plan and plate a full meal
  • Cook meats to temp (chicken, pork, steak)
  • Balance a meal with color, texture, and flavor
  • Use your oven, stovetop, and possibly a blender or mixer all at once
Example Proof Meal:
Roast Salmon + Couscous + Lemon-Garlic Green Beans + Chocolate Mousse

Everything cooked from scratch
Timing works out, nothing is cold or overdone
A complete meal that looks and tastes great

🍽️ Level 5 – Dinner Party Hero

"Friends ask for your recipes and want to come over again."

Goal:
Cook and host effortlessly. You now know what flavors work together and how to improvise if needed.

Skills to Master:
  • Create a 3-course meal (starter, main, dessert)
  • Adapt meals for dietary preferences
  • Make homemade sauces, dressings, and even pasta or bread if you want
  • Keep your cool while hosting + cooking
Example Proof Meal:
Starter: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Main: Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta and Roasted Carrots
Dessert: Homemade Apple Crisp with Whipped Cream

Everything is homemade
You plated it beautifully and timed it well
Guests leave full, impressed, and asking, "How did you learn to cook like this?!"

Why This Prompt Worked So Well

This prompt was effective because it used a familiar framework (video game levels) to structure a complex skill progression. By asking for specific "proof meals" at each level, it forced the AI to provide concrete, measurable milestones rather than vague advice. The gaming metaphor made the learning process feel less intimidating and more achievable.