20 Spanish Expressions Every Cooking Lover Should Know

1. Basic Cooking Expressions in Spanish

These phrases are essential when following a recipe or giving instructions:

• "Añadir al gusto" – To indicate that ingredients like salt or spices can be adjusted to taste.
• "Cortar en trozos pequeños" – A common instruction for chopping ingredients finely.
• "Batir hasta que esté homogéneo" – Ideal for recipes involving batter or mixtures.
• "A fuego lento" – Cooking on low heat, crucial for dishes like stews.
• "Dejar reposar" – Letting the dish rest before serving or continuing.

2. Expressions to Talk About Ingredients

These phrases will help you describe ingredients and flavors like a pro:

• "Fresco como una lechuga" – Used to describe something freshly made or very fresh.
• "Tiene un toque de..." – Perfect for talking about a special ingredient that enhances the dish.
• "Un chorrito de..." – A term for measuring small amounts of liquids like oil or vinegar.
• "Al dente" – Though Italian, this term is widely used in Spanish to describe pasta with a firm texture.

                                          Would you like to talk about food like a real Spaniard?

3. Cultural Expressions Related to Spanish Cuisine

These phrases not only describe food but also reflect the culture surrounding it:

• "Con pan y vino se anda el camino" – A saying highlighting the importance of bread and wine.
• "Ponerse las botas" – Used when someone eats a lot and enjoys the meal.
• "Ser más salado que un bacalao" – A phrase describing a charming or funny person, using a typical culinary reference.

4. Vocabulary for Culinary Techniques

Master these key words to elevate your culinary Spanish:

• "Rehogar" – Cooking over low heat to bring out the flavors of ingredients.
• "Marinar" – Soaking food in a mix of spices and liquids to add flavor.
• "Empanar" – Coating food with breadcrumbs before frying, a common Spanish technique.

5. Phrases to Describe Flavors and Textures

Talking about food isn’t complete without describing how it tastes:

• "Es un manjar" – Said of something exquisite or delicious.
• "Está para chuparse los dedos" – A typical expression for something incredibly tasty.
• "Tiene un sabor suave" – Useful for describing mild or delicate dishes.
• "Está crujiente" – Describes foods like crispy bread crust or freshly made churros.

6. Expressions for Talking About the Gastronomic Experience

These phrases help describe how food brings people together:

• "La comida sabe mejor cuando se comparte" – A saying that highlights the social value of eating together.