What is command cooking?

What is Command Cooking?

In recent years, the concept of command cooking has gained significant attention in the culinary world. But what exactly is it? In this article, we will delve into the world of command cooking, exploring its definition, principles, and benefits.

Definition of Command Cooking

Command cooking is a cooking method that focuses on controlling the cooking process by using a combination of techniques, ingredients, and tools to achieve a precise level of doneness in food. The goal is to cook food to a specific temperature, texture, and flavor profile, thereby ensuring consistency and quality. This approach requires a high level of attention to detail, precision, and technical skill.

Key Principles of Command Cooking

The principles of command cooking revolve around temperature control, texture modification, and flavor manipulation. By mastering these principles, cooks can produce dishes that are consistently tender, juicy, and flavorful.

• Temperature control: Command cooking emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling the internal temperature of food to achieve the desired level of doneness. This is achieved through the use of thermometers, cookware, and cooking techniques.
• Texture modification: Cooks must learn to modify the texture of food to achieve the desired consistency. This can be done through various cooking techniques, such as grilling, roasting, or sautéing.
• Flavor manipulation: Command cooking emphasizes the importance of manipulating flavors through the use of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques. This allows cooks to create complex and balanced flavor profiles.

Tools and Techniques of Command Cooking

To achieve command cooking, cooks must master various tools and techniques, including:

• Thermometers: Accurate temperature measurement is crucial in command cooking. Thermometers are used to monitor the internal temperature of food, ensuring it reaches the desired level of doneness.
• Cookware: Command cooking requires the use of specific cookware, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or copper pans, which can distribute heat evenly and retain it for optimal cooking.
• Cooking techniques: Mastering various cooking techniques, such as grilling, roasting, sautéing, and braising, is essential in command cooking.
• Knife skills: Precise knife work is necessary in command cooking to prepare ingredients and achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Benefits of Command Cooking

By mastering command cooking, cooks can achieve a range of benefits, including:

• Consistency: Command cooking ensures consistency in food quality, texture, and flavor, making it an ideal approach for professional kitchens and large-scale cooking operations.
• Quality: By controlling the cooking process, cooks can produce food that is consistently tender, juicy, and flavorful, resulting in higher-quality dishes.
• Efficiency: Command cooking can help reduce cooking time and energy consumption, making it an efficient approach for commercial kitchens.
• Creativity: By mastering the principles of command cooking, cooks can experiment with new flavors, ingredients, and techniques, leading to creative and innovative dishes.

Example of Command Cooking

Let’s take the example of cooking a medium-rare steak. Using command cooking techniques, a cook would:

• Monitor the internal temperature of the steak using a thermometer
• Cook the steak using a hot pan with a small amount of oil
• Rotate the steak 90 degrees every 30 seconds to achieve a sear
• Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F – 135°F (54°C – 57°C)
• Rest the steak for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving

Comparison with Other Cooking Methods

Command cooking is often compared to other cooking methods, such as:

• Intuitive cooking: Intuitive cooking relies on a cook’s instincts and experience to achieve the desired level of doneness. While this approach can produce excellent results, it may lack consistency and quality.
• Recipe-based cooking: Recipe-based cooking involves following a set recipe and guidelines to produce a dish. While this approach can provide consistency, it may limit creativity and experimentation.
• Molecular cooking: Molecular cooking focuses on manipulating food at a molecular level to achieve specific textures and flavors. While this approach can produce innovative and creative dishes, it may require specialized equipment and techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, command cooking is a cooking method that emphasizes the importance of temperature control, texture modification, and flavor manipulation. By mastering this approach, cooks can achieve consistency, quality, and efficiency in their cooking. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, understanding the principles of command cooking can elevate your cooking skills and help you produce dishes that impress.

Table: Key Differences between Command Cooking and Intuitive Cooking

Table: Tools and Techniques Used in Command Cooking

I hope you enjoyed this article on what is command cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, understanding the principles of command cooking can take your cooking to the next level.