As a cooking enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable apps that offer quality tutorials and videos. Whether I’m trying a new recipe or learning a cooking technique, these apps have been invaluable in helping me improve my skills. There are many options out there, but in this article, I’ll share my top five picks for cooking apps that provide comprehensive tutorials and step-by-step video guides. These apps not only enhance your cooking skills but also make the whole cooking process more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
1. Tasty
Overview: Tasty, the cooking app from Buzzfeed, is one of the most popular apps for food lovers. It offers a wide variety of recipes, from simple weeknight dinners to elaborate meals. I found Tasty’s approach to tutorials simple and effective. The app provides easy-to-follow video instructions, often showing each step of the cooking process in a visually appealing way.
Features:
- Recipe videos with step-by-step instructions.
- Personalize your feed based on your dietary preferences.
- Filter recipes by difficulty, ingredients, and cuisine.
- Integration with shopping lists to help you shop for the ingredients.
Why I Like It: The app’s interface is clean and intuitive, and the recipes cater to all skill levels. It’s particularly useful for beginner cooks, as the videos are brief and visually engaging, guiding you through the process from start to finish. Plus, I like how it offers a variety of recipe options—whether I’m in the mood for something quick and simple or more adventurous.
Best for:
- Beginner cooks
- Quick and easy meals
- Step-by-step video guides
2. YouTube
Overview: YouTube is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s also a goldmine for cooking tutorials. There are thousands of channels dedicated to cooking, ranging from basic techniques to gourmet-level dishes. I find YouTube a great resource because of the sheer volume of content available. You can learn anything from chopping vegetables to preparing complex meals.
Features:
- Unlimited access to cooking tutorials and recipes.
- Variety of cooking channels for different cuisines and skill levels.
- High-quality, detailed video tutorials.
- Ability to interact with creators through comments and questions.
Why I Like It: What stands out to me about YouTube is the diversity of content. You can find tutorials on almost any cooking topic you can think of, whether it’s baking, grilling, or plant-based dishes. There’s also a community aspect—viewers often share tips in the comment sections, which can help clarify any confusion.
Best for:
- Advanced cooks seeking diverse techniques
- Those who want to explore different cuisines
- Finding detailed tutorials and reviews on various kitchen gadgets
3. Cookpad
Overview: Cookpad is a great app for discovering user-generated recipes. I appreciate how it connects a global community of home cooks, who share their own recipes with detailed instructions and photos. This app feels like a giant digital cookbook, and I’ve enjoyed exploring recipes from around the world.
Features:
- A large library of user-submitted recipes.
- Ability to upload and share your own creations.
- Step-by-step photo guides for each recipe.
- Community-driven discussions and tips for each dish.
Why I Like It: What I like most about Cookpad is its sense of community. You can ask questions about a recipe and often get quick responses. The app also encourages users to share their cooking experiences, which helps build a sense of trust and inspiration. It’s the perfect app if you like experimenting with global flavors and new techniques.
Best for:
- Home cooks looking for variety
- Experimenting with new and international recipes
- Sharing and receiving tips from fellow cooks
4. Allrecipes
Overview: Allrecipes has been around for a long time, and its app is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for detailed, reliable cooking tutorials. I find that Allrecipes covers all types of dishes—from quick meals to special holiday recipes. The app’s video tutorials are easy to follow, and they include tips for improving your cooking techniques.
Features:
- Thousands of recipes with user reviews and ratings.
- Step-by-step video tutorials for many recipes.
- Meal planning and grocery list features.
- Filter by ingredients, difficulty, and preparation time.
Why I Like It: I enjoy how Allrecipes offers not just recipes, but also user feedback and tips. It’s a great app if I’m unsure about a recipe and want to know how others have adapted it or what challenges they faced. The app’s video tutorials are a nice touch, making it easier for me to replicate the dishes at home.
Best for:
- Finding well-reviewed recipes
- Detailed video tutorials
- Planning meals ahead of time
5. Epicurious
Overview: Epicurious has long been one of my favorite sources for professional-quality recipes and cooking videos. The app offers a wide range of recipes, including some for more advanced cooks. What I particularly appreciate about Epicurious is its focus on seasonal ingredients and sophisticated techniques.
Features:
- Professional-level recipes and tutorials.
- Focus on seasonal ingredients and gourmet dishes.
- Videos that break down cooking techniques.
- Meal planning and shopping list integration.
Why I Like It: Epicurious is a great app when I want to elevate my cooking skills. The video tutorials are clear, and they often focus on fine-tuning specific techniques, which has helped me improve my skills in the kitchen. I also appreciate the emphasis on using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Best for:
- Intermediate to advanced cooks
- Those seeking more gourmet recipes
- Learning cooking techniques for more advanced dishes
Comparison Table: Key Features of the Top 5 Cooking Apps
| Feature | Tasty | YouTube | Cookpad | Allrecipes | Epicurious |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Tutorials | Yes | Yes (varied) | Yes (user-generated) | Yes | Yes |
| User Reviews and Comments | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Meal Plans | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ingredient Filters | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Global Recipe Variety | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Seasonal Recipes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Difficulty Levels Available | Yes | Yes (varied) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User-Generated Recipes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Conclusion
Choosing the right app for cooking tutorials and videos largely depends on your level of experience and the type of cooking you enjoy. For beginners, apps like Tasty and Allrecipes provide clear instructions and beginner-friendly recipes. If you want to dive deeper into specific techniques or gourmet dishes, I recommend Epicurious. Meanwhile, YouTube offers an unmatched variety of content, while Cookpad excels for those who love to experiment and connect with other home cooks.
For me, each of these apps has its strengths, and I’ve found them all useful in different contexts. Whether I need quick meal ideas, want to perfect a dish, or explore global cuisines, these apps provide the tools I need to succeed in the kitchen.
