What are the principles for cooking and what happen when they not followed?

Cooking principles are guidelines or techniques that help achieve desired results when cooking. Here are some fundamental cooking principles:

1. Applying heat:

- Convection: Heat circulates through air or liquid, cooking food evenly, as in baking or boiling.

Result if not followed: Food may not cook uniformly or may be overcooked.

- Conduction: Heat directly transfers from the cooking surface to the food, as in frying or grilling.

Result if not followed: May result in uneven cooking, burning or undercooking.

- Radiation: Heat is transmitted from a heat source directly to the food, as in broiling.

Result if not followed: Incorrect distance between the heat source and food may lead to over-browning or inadequate cooking.

- Microwave heating: Microwaves penetrate the food and cause water molecules to vibrate, generating heat.

Result if not followed: Uneven cooking or potential hazards if incorrect cookware is used.

2. Controlling temperature:

- Using thermometers: Monitoring internal temperatures ensures doneness and food safety.

Result if not followed: Inadequate cooking, potential for harmful bacteria survival or overcooking.

3. Maillard reaction:

- Browning of food through a chemical reaction between sugars and amino acids when exposed to heat.

Result if not followed: Lack of flavor, color, and texture.

4. Mise en place:

- Preparing ingredients and organizing the workspace efficiently prior to cooking.

Result if not followed: Chaos in the kitchen, leading to mistakes and potential hazards.

5. Seasoning:

- Adding salt and other seasonings to enhance flavor. Timing and techniques matter.

Result if not followed: Bland or overly-seasoned food.

6. Resting:

- Allowing cooked meat to rest before cutting ensures even distribution of juices and tenderness.

Result if not followed: Loss of juices and dryer texture.

7. Food safety:

- Practices to prevent food from contamination and growth of harmful bacteria.

Result if not followed: Health risks and potential food poisoning.

8. Timing and precision:

- Cooking times and steps should be precise for optimal results.

Result if not followed: Variations in taste, texture, and quality of the dish.

9. Balancing ingredients:

- Combining flavors and textures harmoniously for a well-rounded dish.

Result if not followed: Imbalanced flavors or lack of complexity.

10. Cleaning as you go:

- Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen while cooking.

Result if not followed: Potential for cross-contamination and a cluttered workspace.

When cooking principles are not followed, the outcome may include:

- Undercooked food: Posing risks of foodborne illnesses.

- Overcooked food: Compromised texture and loss of nutrients and flavor.

- Improper seasoning: Affecting the overall taste balance and enjoyment.

- Inconsistent cooking: Variations in appearance and texture.

- Potential food safety hazards: Failure to follow safe food handling and cooking techniques can lead to food contamination and health issues.