Teaching cooking vocabulary in your ESL class? This post gives you everything you need — and more — to turn a simple food lesson into a rich, engaging learning experience.
We’ve carefully selected 110 essential words, grouped into 11 easy-to-teach categories, to help your students build real-world language skills. Whether you’re working on conversations, role-plays, or recipe writing, these words are perfect for practical classroom use.
Each word includes its IPA pronunciation, clear meanings, and example sentences so your learners can understand and use them correctly. You’ll also find a good mix of verbs, nouns, adjectives, and phrases to cover both beginner and intermediate levels.
This resource doesn’t just give vocabulary — it opens doors to creative activities. You can design lessons around common expressions used in the kitchen, ask thought-provoking questions, or even hold a fun class debate about healthy food or cooking habits.
Want to teach food-related idioms? Curious how to connect cooking to daily communication? You’ll find natural ways to do all that here.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a complete toolkit to plan high-quality lessons around cooking — no more searching through different sources. Just scroll through, pick your category, and start creating lessons your students will love.
Table of Contents
Why Cooking Vocabulary Is Important in ESL Learning
Learning cooking vocabulary is very useful for ESL students because food is part of everyday life. People talk about cooking and eating all the time. When students know the right words, they can join these conversations easily.
Cooking words help students understand recipes, menus, and cooking shows in English. This makes learning more practical and interesting. It also helps students follow instructions better when cooking or reading.
Teachers can use cooking vocabulary to make lessons fun and interactive. Students enjoy role-plays like pretending to be chefs or customers. These activities improve speaking and listening skills naturally.
Finally, cooking vocabulary connects language learning to culture. Food is a big part of culture, so students learn about traditions and habits too. This makes learning English more meaningful and real.
1. Cooking Verbs Vocabulary List
Understanding cooking verbs is a key part of mastering cooking vocabulary in English. These action words help learners follow recipes, give instructions, and describe how food is prepared. In the ESL classroom, this set of verbs is useful for creating engaging activities like recipe role-plays, cooking demos, and process writing tasks. Below is a carefully selected list of essential cooking verbs across different CEFR levels, including IPA pronunciation, word meaning, and example sentences.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| v. boil | /bɔɪl/ | To heat a liquid until it starts to bubble and turn into steam. | Boil the water before adding the pasta. |
| v. chop | /tʃɒp/ | To cut something into small pieces using a knife. | Chop the onions finely for the sauce. |
| v. fry | /fraɪ/ | To cook food in hot oil or fat. | She fried the eggs in a little butter. |
| v. bake | /beɪk/ | To cook food using dry heat, usually in an oven. | I baked a chocolate cake for the party. |
| v. grill | /ɡrɪl/ | To cook food on a metal frame over heat. | Grill the chicken for 10 minutes on each side. |
| v. slice | /slaɪs/ | To cut something into thin, flat pieces. | Slice the bread before serving. |
| v. stir | /stɜːr/ | To mix food or liquid by moving a spoon around. | Stir the soup gently while it simmers. |
| v. roast | /rəʊst/ | To cook food, especially meat or vegetables, in an oven or over a fire. | We roasted the vegetables with herbs. |
| v. steam | /stiːm/ | To cook food using the hot vapor from boiling water. | Steam the broccoli for five minutes. |
| v. whisk | /wɪsk/ | To beat eggs, cream, etc. with a tool to make them smooth or full of air. | Whisk the cream until it becomes thick. |
| v. knead | /niːd/ | To press and stretch dough with your hands to make it smooth. | Knead the dough for ten minutes. |
| v. mash | /mæʃ/ | To crush cooked food, especially potatoes, into a soft mass. | Mash the potatoes with some butter and milk. |
| v. peel | /piːl/ | To remove the skin from fruits or vegetables. | Peel the apples before baking the pie. |
| v. season | /ˈsiːzən/ | To add salt, pepper, or spices to food to improve the taste. | Season the soup with salt and black pepper. |
| v. pour | /pɔːr/ | To make a liquid flow from a container. | Pour the sauce over the pasta before serving. |
2. Cooking Tools & Utensils Vocabulary List
Knowing cooking tools and utensils is an essential part of cooking vocabulary for ESL learners. These are the physical items we use when preparing food. Teaching these words helps students follow recipes, describe their kitchen routines, or participate in cooking activities confidently.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. spatula | /ˈspætʃələ/ | A flat tool used to lift, flip, or spread food. | Use a spatula to flip the pancakes. |
| n. whisk | /wɪsk/ | A tool with a handle and wire loops for beating eggs or mixing. | Beat the eggs with a whisk. |
| n. peeler | /ˈpiːlər/ | A small tool used to remove the skin from vegetables and fruits. | I used a peeler to remove the skin from the carrots. |
| n. ladle | /ˈleɪdl/ | A deep spoon with a long handle used for serving soups or liquids. | She poured the soup using a ladle. |
| n. cutting board | /ˈkʌtɪŋ bɔːrd/ | A flat surface used to cut or chop food. | Always use a cutting board when slicing meat. |
| n. colander | /ˈkɒl.ən.dər/ | A bowl with holes used to drain water from food like pasta. | Drain the pasta using a colander. |
| n. grater | /ˈɡreɪ.tər/ | A tool used to shred cheese or vegetables into small pieces. | Grate the cheese with the grater. |
| n. tongs | /tɒŋz/ | A tool with two arms used to pick up hot food. | Use tongs to serve the grilled meat. |
| n. measuring cup | /ˈmeʒərɪŋ kʌp/ | A cup used to measure ingredients when cooking. | Add one cup of flour using a measuring cup. |
| n. rolling pin | /ˈrəʊlɪŋ pɪn/ | A tool used to flatten dough. | Roll out the dough with a rolling pin. |
3. Types of Cooking Methods Vocabulary List
This part of cooking vocabulary includes different ways of cooking food. These terms help learners understand recipes and follow or give cooking instructions effectively in English. Teachers can use these words in sequencing tasks, process writing, or cooking-themed games.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| v. roast | /rəʊst/ | To cook food, especially meat or vegetables, in an oven or over fire. | Roast the chicken with potatoes and carrots. |
| v. steam | /stiːm/ | To cook food with the vapor from boiling water. | Steam the vegetables to keep their nutrients. |
| v. grill | /ɡrɪl/ | To cook over direct heat on a metal grate. | Grill the steaks on high heat. |
| v. sauté | /ˈsəʊteɪ/ | To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil. | Sauté the onions until golden brown. |
| v. simmer | /ˈsɪmər/ | To cook gently in liquid just below the boiling point. | Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. |
| v. deep-fry | /ˈdiːp fraɪ/ | To cook food completely submerged in hot oil. | Deep-fry the chicken until crispy. |
| v. stew | /stjuː/ | To cook food slowly in liquid in a covered pot. | Stew the meat with carrots and onions. |
| v. poach | /pəʊtʃ/ | To cook food gently in hot liquid without boiling. | Poach the eggs in simmering water. |
| v. broil | /brɔɪl/ | (US) To cook food directly under high heat. | Broil the fish for 5 minutes until brown. |
| v. bake | /beɪk/ | To cook with dry heat, especially in an oven. | Bake the bread at 180°C for 30 minutes. |
4. Ingredients (Vegetables, Fruits, Spices) Vocabulary List
Learning ingredients is a core part of cooking vocabulary, especially for students who want to describe meals, understand food labels, or follow international recipes. These words also help learners speak about their food preferences, shopping habits, and health choices.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. onion | /ˈʌnjən/ | A round vegetable with layers and a strong smell, used in cooking. | Chop the onion and add it to the curry. |
| n. garlic | /ˈɡɑːlɪk/ | A small vegetable with a strong taste used to add flavor. | Add two cloves of garlic to the sauce. |
| n. carrot | /ˈkærət/ | A long orange vegetable that grows under the ground. | She sliced the carrot into thin strips. |
| n. basil | /ˈbæzəl/ | A green herb with a sweet smell, used in many Italian dishes. | Sprinkle fresh basil on the pasta. |
| n. paprika | /pəˈpriːkə/ | A red spice made from ground sweet peppers. | Add a pinch of paprika for color and flavor. |
| n. tomato | /təˈmɑːtəʊ/ | A soft, red fruit used in salads, sauces, and cooking. | I used fresh tomatoes to make the soup. |
| n. spinach | /ˈspɪnɪtʃ/ | A green leafy vegetable rich in iron. | Add spinach leaves to the salad. |
| n. pepper | /ˈpepər/ | A spicy or mild vegetable, often red, green, or yellow. | I chopped a red pepper for the stir-fry. |
| n. ginger | /ˈdʒɪndʒər/ | A root with a strong spicy flavor, used in cooking. | Add fresh ginger to give the dish a kick. |
| n. apple | /ˈæpl/ | A round fruit with red or green skin and sweet taste. | He packed an apple in his lunchbox. |
5. Types of Meat & Protein Vocabulary List
This section of cooking vocabulary helps ESL learners talk about different sources of protein — both animal-based and plant-based. These words are useful in conversations about meals, diets, preferences, and cultural food practices.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. beef | /biːf/ | Meat that comes from a cow. | We had beef stew for dinner. |
| n. chicken | /ˈtʃɪkɪn/ | Meat from a chicken, often used in many recipes. | I made spicy chicken curry. |
| n. tofu | /ˈtəʊfuː/ | A soft food made from soybeans, often used by vegetarians. | Tofu absorbs the flavor of the sauce well. |
| n. salmon | /ˈsæmən/ | A type of pink fish rich in omega-3. | We grilled some salmon for lunch. |
| n. lentils | /ˈlentlz/ | Small, round legumes high in protein, often used in soups and curries. | Lentils are a great source of plant protein. |
| n. pork | /pɔːk/ | Meat from a pig. | They cooked pork chops with apples. |
| n. egg | /eɡ/ | A round food laid by birds, often boiled or fried. | I eat two eggs for breakfast every day. |
| n. shrimp | /ʃrɪmp/ | A small sea animal with a shell, commonly eaten. | We added shrimp to the noodles. |
| n. lamb | /læm/ | Meat from a young sheep. | Lamb is often used in Middle Eastern cooking. |
| n. beans | /biːnz/ | Edible seeds from various plants, high in protein. | I made a chili with black beans and rice. |
6. Food Preparation Adjectives Vocabulary List
Adjectives in cooking vocabulary help learners describe how food looks, tastes, and feels. These words make food conversations richer and are perfect for menu reading, food reviews, or describing favorite meals.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| adj. crispy | /ˈkrɪspi/ | Firm and crunchy, usually on the outside. | The fries were golden and crispy. |
| adj. spicy | /ˈspaɪsi/ | Having a strong flavor from hot spices. | I love spicy food like chili. |
| adj. tender | /ˈtendər/ | Soft and easy to chew. | The chicken was juicy and tender. |
| adj. bitter | /ˈbɪtər/ | Having a strong, sharp, and often unpleasant taste. | The dark chocolate had a bitter flavor. |
| adj. juicy | /ˈdʒuːsi/ | Full of juice or liquid. | The orange was sweet and juicy. |
| adj. sweet | /swiːt/ | Having the taste of sugar. | I enjoy sweet desserts like cake. |
| adj. salty | /ˈsɔːlti/ | Tasting of salt. | The soup is too salty today. |
| adj. greasy | /ˈɡriːsi/ | Covered with or containing a lot of oil or fat. | The pizza was delicious but a bit greasy. |
| adj. fluffy | /ˈflʌfi/ | Soft and light in texture. | The cake was soft and fluffy. |
| adj. crunchy | /ˈkrʌntʃi/ | Making a loud sound when you bite it. | I added crunchy nuts to the salad. |
7. Measurements & Quantities Vocabulary List
These words and phrases in cooking vocabulary are essential for recipe comprehension and giving instructions. ESL learners often find these terms useful when reading or writing recipes or talking about cooking steps.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. a pinch of | /ə pɪntʃ əv/ | A very small amount, usually with fingers. | Add a pinch of salt to the soup. |
| n. a tablespoon | /ə ˈteɪblspuːn/ | A large spoon used to measure ingredients. | Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil. |
| n. a teaspoon | /ə ˈtiːspuːn/ | A small spoon used for measuring. | Use a teaspoon of sugar for the tea. |
| n. a liter | /ə ˈliːtər/ | A metric unit for measuring liquids. | Pour in one liter of water. |
| n. a cup | /ə kʌp/ | A standard measuring unit for both liquids and dry ingredients. | I added a cup of flour to the bowl. |
| n. a handful | /ə ˈhændfʊl/ | An amount that fits in your hand. | Throw in a handful of nuts. |
| n. a slice | /ə slaɪs/ | A thin, flat piece of food. | I had a slice of bread with butter. |
| n. a piece | /ə piːs/ | A portion or part of something. | Can I have a piece of cake? |
| n. a kilo | /ə ˈkiːləʊ/ | A unit of weight (1,000 grams). | We bought a kilo of rice. |
| n. a drop | /ə drɒp/ | A very small amount of liquid. | Add a drop of lemon juice for flavor. |
8. Recipe Language & Sequence Words Vocabulary List
This group of cooking vocabulary terms helps learners organize and communicate steps when writing or talking about recipes. These sequencing and instruction-related words are useful for procedural writing, classroom cooking demos, and improving coherence in writing.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| adv. first | /fɜːst/ | Used to introduce the first step in a process. | First, wash all the vegetables. |
| adv. next | /nekst/ | Used to show the step that follows. | Next, chop the onions finely. |
| adv. then | /ðen/ | Used to continue with the next action. | Then, add the spices to the pot. |
| adv. finally | /ˈfaɪnəli/ | Used to introduce the last step in a process. | Finally, bake the cake for 30 minutes. |
| adv. after that | /ˈɑːftə ðæt/ | Used to show the step that comes after a previous one. | After that, stir the soup slowly. |
| v. phr. mix thoroughly | /mɪks ˈθʌrəli/ | Combine ingredients completely and evenly. | Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth. |
| v. phr. stir well | /stɜː wɛl/ | Mix with a spoon or similar tool for even blending. | Stir well before serving. |
| v. phr. let it cool | /let ɪt kuːl/ | Allow food to become less hot. | Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. |
| n. instructions | /ɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/ | A set of steps for doing something. | Follow the instructions on the box. |
| adj. step-by-step | /ˌstep baɪ ˈstep/ | Involving clear stages, one after another. | This is a step-by-step guide to making pizza. |
9. Kitchen Appliances Vocabulary List
This section of cooking vocabulary includes common machines found in kitchens. Teaching these terms helps ESL learners understand instructions, talk about household tasks, or describe cooking habits using functional English.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. oven | /ˈʌvn/ | A kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food. | Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. |
| n. blender | /ˈblɛndər/ | A machine used to mix or puree food and drinks. | Put the fruit in the blender to make a smoothie. |
| n. microwave | /ˈmaɪkrəweɪv/ | A machine used to heat food quickly using waves. | Heat the leftovers in the microwave. |
| n. toaster | /ˈtəʊstər/ | A device that browns slices of bread. | I made toast using the toaster. |
| n. fridge | /frɪdʒ/ | A cold appliance for storing perishable food. | Keep the milk in the fridge. |
| n. freezer | /ˈfriːzər/ | A very cold appliance that freezes food for long-term storage. | Store the ice cream in the freezer. |
| n. stove | /stəʊv/ | A device with burners used for cooking food. | She boiled the soup on the stove. |
| n. kettle | /ˈketl/ | A container that boils water, usually electric. | Fill the kettle and turn it on. |
| n. rice cooker | /ˈraɪs ˌkʊkər/ | A machine used to steam or cook rice. | The rice is ready in the rice cooker. |
| n. dishwasher | /ˈdɪʃwɒʃər/ | A machine that washes dishes automatically. | We put the dirty plates in the dishwasher. |
10. Common Dishes & Meals Vocabulary List
This group of cooking vocabulary helps ESL learners talk about their favorite foods, meals from different cultures, and everyday eating habits. These terms are great for lessons on food traditions, restaurant dialogues, and writing or discussing menus.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. stew | /stjuː/ | A dish made of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid. | We had beef stew with bread. |
| n. pasta | /ˈpæstə/ | A type of Italian food made from flour and water, such as spaghetti. | I cooked pasta with tomato sauce. |
| n. curry | /ˈkʌri/ | A dish made with meat or vegetables and spicy sauce, common in South Asian cuisine. | Chicken curry is my favorite dish. |
| n. sandwich | /ˈsænwɪtʃ/ | Food made with two slices of bread and something inside. | He ate a cheese sandwich for lunch. |
| n. omelet | /ˈɒmlət/ | Beaten eggs cooked in a pan, often with other ingredients. | I made a mushroom omelet for breakfast. |
| n. burger | /ˈbɜːɡər/ | A sandwich made with a cooked meat or veggie patty inside a bun. | She ordered a veggie burger. |
| n. noodles | /ˈnuːdlz/ | Long, thin strips of dough cooked in boiling water, common in Asian dishes. | The noodles were served with chicken and vegetables. |
| n. salad | /ˈsæləd/ | A dish of raw vegetables or fruits, often mixed with dressing. | I made a fresh green salad. |
| n. soup | /suːp/ | A liquid food usually served warm, made by boiling ingredients in water. | Tomato soup is a good starter. |
| n. pizza | /ˈpiːtsə/ | A baked dish with a flatbread base topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings. | We shared a large pepperoni pizza. |
11. Table Setting & Dining Vocabulary List
This part of cooking vocabulary is useful for talking about mealtime routines, table manners, and restaurant settings. ESL learners can use these words during food-themed conversations, hospitality topics, or in cultural discussions.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| n. napkin | /ˈnæpkɪn/ | A cloth or paper used to wipe your mouth and hands while eating. | Place your napkin on your lap before eating. |
| n. fork | /fɔːk/ | A utensil with prongs used to pick up food. | Use a fork to eat the salad. |
| n. plate | /pleɪt/ | A flat dish used to serve food. | She served the pasta on a large plate. |
| n. centerpiece | /ˈsentəpiːs/ | A decorative item placed in the middle of the dining table. | The flowers made a lovely centerpiece. |
| n. appetizer | /ˈæpɪtaɪzər/ | A small dish served before the main course. | We had spring rolls as an appetizer. |
| n. glass | /ɡlɑːs/ | A container for drinking liquids, usually made of glass. | He poured water into the glass. |
| n. knife | /naɪf/ | A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting food. | Use a knife to cut the meat. |
| n. spoon | /spuːn/ | A utensil with a round bowl used for eating soft food or soup. | She stirred the tea with a spoon. |
| n. menu | /ˈmenjuː/ | A list of food and drinks available in a restaurant. | The waiter gave us the menu. |
| n. tablecloth | /ˈteɪblklɒθ/ | A cloth that covers a dining table. | The white tablecloth made the table look elegant. |
Conclusion
Using cooking vocabulary in the ESL classroom makes lessons practical and enjoyable. It helps students learn words they can use every day, both in and outside of class.
This vocabulary supports speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through fun activities like role-plays, conversations, and recipe writing.
Teaching cooking vocabulary also connects students with different cultures and real-life situations. Overall, it’s a great way to make English learning useful and engaging.
FAQs about using cooking vocabulary in ESL class
How can I introduce cooking vocabulary to beginner students?
Start with simple words like common ingredients and basic verbs. Use pictures, real objects, or videos to help students understand and remember the words.
What are some fun activities to teach cooking vocabulary?
Role-plays, cooking demonstrations, matching games, and recipe writing are all effective. You can also use quizzes or food-themed conversations to practice the words.
How can cooking vocabulary improve students’ speaking skills?
By practicing dialogues about recipes, shopping, or cooking habits, students get to use new words in real conversations, which builds their confidence.
Can cooking vocabulary help with writing skills?
Yes. Students can write recipes, food reviews, or instructions using the vocabulary. This improves their ability to organize ideas and use language correctly.
What CEFR levels is this cooking vocabulary suitable for?
The list includes words for beginners (A1-A2) and intermediate learners (B1-B2). Teachers can choose words based on their students’ levels.
How do I make sure students remember cooking vocabulary?
Use repetition in different activities and encourage students to use the words in speaking and writing tasks regularly.
Are there cultural differences I should consider when teaching cooking vocabulary?
Yes. Some foods or cooking methods may be unfamiliar to students. Use this as a chance to discuss cultural differences and expand their understanding.
Can cooking vocabulary be linked to other ESL topics?
Definitely. You can connect it to health, shopping, restaurants, or holidays, making lessons more varied and meaningful.
How do I assess students’ knowledge of cooking vocabulary?
Use quizzes, oral presentations, role-plays, or writing assignments focused on cooking topics to check understanding.
Where can I find more resources to teach cooking vocabulary?
Look for ESL textbooks with food themes, online videos, cooking shows with subtitles, and printable worksheets to support your lessons.
