10 Common Cooking Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them Easily)

1) Overseasoning Food (Adding Too Much Salt)

One of the most common beginner mistakes is adding too much salt. When you oversalt food, it becomes difficult to fix — but not impossible. Always season gradually, taste often, and build the flavor slowly.

• Add salt in small pinches, not large shakes.
• Taste as you cook — don’t wait until the end.
• If oversalted: add potato, cream, rice, or a squeeze of lemon.
• Avoid seasoning directly over the pan — use your fingers instead.

2) Incorrect Knife Grip (Dangerous & Inefficient)

Many beginners hold the knife incorrectly, which makes cutting harder and more dangerous. A proper grip gives you control, stability, and reduces the chance of accidents.

• Hold the knife by pinching the blade — not the handle only.
• Keep fingertips curled under when cutting (the “claw method”).
• Use a sharp knife — dull ones are more dangerous.
• Keep the cutting board stable using a wet towel underneath.