Cooking Like the Pros: Insider Tips from Renowned Chefs

Whether you're a home cook wanting to level up or a foodie craving professional results in your own kitchen, cooking like the pros isn't just about fancy tools or rare ingredients. It's about mindset, technique, and a few secrets the world’s top chefs swear by.

In this guide, we’re serving up insider tips from renowned chefs—gleaned from interviews, culinary publications, and behind-the-scenes industry insights. Get ready to sharpen your skills and bring a taste of the restaurant experience into your home.

Why Cooking Like the Pros Matters

Elevated Flavours, Better Results

Professional chefs focus on flavour layering, temperature control, and precision. When home cooks adopt these habits, the difference is night and day.

Meals taste richer and more complex.
Dishes are consistently cooked to perfection.
Plating becomes a creative expression.

Confidence in the Kitchen

Cooking like the pros instills confidence. You know what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how to fix it if something goes wrong. That’s half the battle won.

Pro Chef Habits You Can Steal Today

1. Mise en Place: The Secret Behind Smooth Cooking

"Mise en place" is a French term meaning "everything in its place." It’s the backbone of any professional kitchen.

Why it works:

Minimizes chaos during cooking.
Ensures nothing is forgotten.
Helps with timing and consistency.

How to do it at home:

Chop all veggies beforehand.
Measure spices and seasonings into small bowls.
Read through the entire recipe before you start.

2. High-Quality Ingredients Make a Difference

You’ve heard this one before, but here’s why it’s critical: chefs don't waste time coaxing flavour from sub-par produce or meat.

Pro Tips:

Shop local when possible—Canadian farmer’s markets are gold mines.
Use unsalted butter so you can control seasoning.
Invest in good olive oil and sea salt. Small upgrades, big impact.

3. Season Early and Layer Flavour

Instead of adding salt at the end, pros season throughout. Each ingredient builds on the last.

Techniques include:

Salting proteins before cooking to draw out moisture and improve texture.
Deglazing pans with wine or vinegar to lift browned bits (flavour bombs).
Using fresh herbs at the end to brighten dishes.

4. Use the Right Tools—and Keep Them Sharp

You don’t need an arsenal of gadgets. What you do need is a solid foundation of quality tools.

Essentials:

Chef’s knife (keep it sharp—dull blades are dangerous).
Cast iron skillet.
Digital thermometer (especially for meats and baking).
Tongs and silicone spatulas.

Techniques That Take You to the Next Level

1. Master Heat Control

Professional chefs are constantly adjusting the heat. Home cooks often "set it and forget it."

Insider Tip:
Learn the difference between searing, sautéing, simmering, and boiling. Each has a purpose—and pros know when to use which.

2. Learn to Deglaze and Reduce

Deglazing lifts the flavourful fond from the pan, while reducing concentrates flavours.

Here’s how:

After searing meat, add wine, broth, or citrus to the pan.
Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Simmer and reduce to create a simple, punchy sauce.

3. Taste Constantly and Adjust

Renowned chefs taste at every stage. They aren’t guessing—they’re guiding.

What to watch for:

Balance between salt, acid, fat, and sweetness.
Texture contrasts (crispy + creamy = satisfying).
Mouthfeel and aftertaste.

Presentation: Because We Eat With Our Eyes First

1. Use White Plates and Odd Numbers

Chefs often use odd numbers in plating—three scallops instead of four, five asparagus tips instead of six.

Why?

It feels more organic and less rigid.
White plates provide contrast that makes food pop.

2. Add Height and Structure

Flat food = boring food. Stack or layer components to create visual interest.

3. Finish With Flair

A drizzle of sauce, a dusting of herbs, a crack of fresh pepper—these small touches make your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Mindset Matters: Think Like a Chef

Stay Curious

The best chefs are lifelong learners. Read cookbooks, watch food documentaries, and follow culinary blogs and YouTube channels.

Embrace Mistakes

Top chefs burn things too—it’s how they learn. Don’t beat yourself up. Instead, reflect and adjust.

Plan Like a Pro

From prep lists to portion control, the pros never just “wing it.” Even a simple family dinner can benefit from a bit of structure.

Quick Cheat Sheet: Cooking Like the Pros

✅ Always prep before you cook (mise en place).
✅ Taste and adjust throughout.
✅ Use high-heat when needed, but don’t forget low-and-slow techniques.
✅ Finish dishes with acid (lemon, vinegar) to wake up flavours.
✅ Clean as you go—pros hate clutter.

Final Thoughts: Bring the Pro Kitchen Home

Cooking like the pros isn’t reserved for Michelin-star chefs or culinary school graduates. With a few adjustments to your routine, a dash of technique, and the right mindset, anyone can elevate their home cooking.