The top 10 recipes people Googled "how to cook" in 2022 (2024)

With the airfryer taking permanent residency on our kitchen counters as the favourite appliance, Tik Tok trends overtaking our menus and some forced creativity with our dishes thanks to produce shortages or abundance (think, lettuce shortage followed by potatoes but a glut of avocados) , and everyone looking for more sustainable, plant-based dishes, 2022 was a big year for cooks looking to expand their repertoire, save time, and get healthier. Each year, Google lets us know what people were searching for the most and, without further ado, these are top 10 foods we Googled “how to cook” in 2022:

10. How to cook ribs

Is there anything better than tender, falling-off-the-bone ribs? Last year how to cook ribs was number ten in the top 10 most Googled. If you’re a fan, you’re in the right place! Be inspired by our range of marinades for beef, pork and lamb ribs – there’s everything from a deliciously sticky honey glaze to tasty Asian-spice ideas – and try one out this weekend.

We have quick recipes for the barbie when you’re short on time as well as mouth-watering slow-cooker recipes, perfect for when you’re really looking to impress. Dig in!

Try all of our rib recipes?

9. How to cook fish

One of the most popular searches in 2022 was “how to cook fish”. It’s little wonder that fish has gained such popularity – with its mild, flavour and high nutrient content (especially known for omega-3 fatty acids).

Whether you prefer your fish grilled, fried, oven baked or in a pie, we’re sure to have something here for you! With everything from salmon and snapper to barramundi and flathead, our tasty fish recipes make great family dinner ideas that can be whipped up in a flash. We have delicious crumbed fish burgers, a spiced fish stew, salmon salads and of course, a classic recipe for beer-battered fish and chips. Enjoy!

31 fabulous fish recipes

If you can’t get enough fish dishes, we also have a collection of fish cakes or fish curries.

8. How to cook pasta

Coming in at number 8 on Google’s list this year was – how to cook pasta. You’d be hard pressed to find a household in which pasta doesn’t feature at least once a week, so it’s handy to have a couple of tagliatelle tricks up your sleeve when it comes to cooking the perfect pot.

A great timesaving tip is to boil the kettle first and add the hot water to the cold pan. It should take no time at all to bring the water back to the boil; adding a sprinkling of salt to the water will raise the boiling point, too.

Stir the pasta once you have added it to the water, and occasionally while cooking, to stop it from sticking together.

Once the pasta is al dente – that is cooked but with a “bite” – drain it immediately.

You can make pasta ahead of time by cooking and storing in resealable bags or airtight containers in the fridge; to reheat, pour over boiling water.

And then it’s time to decide what mouth-watering sauce to stir your spaghetti through!

Here are 40 of our favourite pasta dishes including how to cook pasta as well.

Smoked salmon and asparagus pasta is quick and healthy, while this roasted pumpkin and feta pasta is a divine vegetarian option.

You can’t go past a classic bolognese sauce, though; just don’t forget the parmesan.

7. How to cook salmon

Salmon is so good for you, tastes great so there’s no wonder it was number 7 on the list of most Googled how to cook in 2022.

Salmon fillets are an exceptionally forgiving cut of fish to cook, and with the right preparation you can cook salmon fillets in a pan like a professional.

If you want to make the skin on your salmon crunch when you bite into it, sprinkle the skin side of the fish with some salt.

Place a pan over medium-high heat on the stove, and allow it to become hot so that water drops sizzle away. Then, pour oil in to the pan and wait for the oil to become glossy.

Put the salmon skin side down in to the hot oil, and give it about a minute to make sure the skin is lovely and crispy. It should sizzle loudly when placed in the pan. If cooking more than one fillet, be careful to not crowd the pan. This captures steam near the fish fillets, and can prevent the skin from becoming crispy.

Once the skin is crispy, turn the fillets and cook for about one minute on each side, or until cooked through. Cooked salmon will flake easily when gently pushed with a fork.

Salmon is not the only fish that is delicious when fried in a pan. Other fish fillets suitable for this pan frying include any firm white fish like snapper, whiting, bream, John Dory and barramundi.

For these thinner fillets, a light dusting of flour will protect the flesh and give it a crisp coating. If the fish has no skin cook it on one side until lightly browned underneath, then turn and cook for a few more minutes (depending on thickness) until done.

If your fish fillets are very thick, you can transfer them to a 180°C (160°C fan-forced) preheated oven for several minutes to finish cooking them through after you have seared them in the pan. This will also prevent a thick crust from forming on the fish.

Now you know how to cook salmon on a pan, why not try this crispy-skin salmon on braised peas and mash?

Would you prefer baked salmon or looking for more salmon recipes?

6. How to cook roast pork

There is something special about a good roast pork. Be it the crackling, the tender and moist meat with a mild flavour or the tasty sides you serve with it. Last year ‘how to cook roast pork’ was number 6 in the top 10 most searched so just in case you’re still after the best way we’re here to give you our hot tips.

1. Invest in the perfect dish

Buy a heavy, flameproof baking dish, as it will give the best colour and flavour to the pan juices – important for a good gravy. Flameproof means it can go on the stovetop and under the grill as well as in the oven.

Shop baking dishes at Catch.com.au

2. Seal it before you roast it

Brown small or lean roasts all over in a little oil before roasting. As they are in the oven for a short time, it will help the colour and, therefore, the flavour, and seal in the juices.

**3. Use a thermometer

To take the guesswork out of cooking times, use a meat thermometer. Remove the roast from the oven and insert a thermometer into the thickest part. The internal temperature should reach:

Pork: 74°C to 76°C.

Need a thermometer? You can get one from Myers.

**4. Small roast? Turn up the heat.

Smaller cuts of meat with less fat should be cooked at a higher temperature. Larger cuts of meat can be cooked at a lower temperature for longer.

5. Cuts of meat for roasting

Leg roast; rolled loin; loin rack; belly; spare ribs; forequarter roast; scotch fillet/neck roast.

6. How long to roast Pork with crackling: Score the rind at 1cm intervals. Rub a little oil and salt well into the scored rind and roast at 240°C (220°C fan-forced) for 25 minutes, then reduce to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and cook roast for 20 minutes per 500g.

~ Pork: belly, shoulder and scotch fillet: Roast, covered at 160°C (140°C fan-forced) for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.

5. How to cook steak

Coming in at number 5 on our list is how to cook steak. Cooking the perfect steak is a lot easier than you think. Our Test Kitchen shows you how.

Whether served with mashed potato and veg, a side salad and chips or on crispy, warm bread for the ultimate steak sandwich, a perfectly cooked steak is always welcome.

Luckily, our Test Kitchen experts have an easy-as technique to follow that will have you turning out restaurant-quality steak, every time.

Step 1: Trim any fat from the steaks, while preheating a chargrill pan or a barbecue plate on high.

Step 2: Brush your steaks with oil and season with salt and pepper; cook your steak for two to three minutes, until moisture begins to pool on the surface.

Step 3: Turn only once. Cook for one to two minutes until the steak feels springy to touch.

Step 4: Remove to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for about five minutes.

Then it’s time to dish up with your favourite sides and sauce; try filet mignon with bearnaise sauce or a classic peppercorn cream sauce.

Find more of our favourite steak recipes here.

4. How to cook lamb

The fourth most popular ‘how to’ Googled last year was how to cook lamb. Getting tender, melt-in-the-mouth lamb backstraps is super simple – especially with these Test Kitchen tips and tricks.

Step 1: If possible, bring the meat to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Season the lamb backstraps with salt, pepper and a drizzle of oil; turn to coat in the oil.

Step 3: Preheat a heavy-based frying pan or chargrill pan over a medium heat until hot. Add the backstraps in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for three minutes on each side, or until browned, then turn briefly onto the thinner sides until meat is browned all over. This will produce medium-rare lamb.

Step 4: Remove from the pan – remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly after it comes off the heat – and transfer for a plate or a tray. Cover loosely with foil and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will settle the juices back into the meat, giving you deliciously tender, juicy lamb.

Tip: For medium meat, leave the lamb backstraps to cook for a little longer on each side.

3. How to cook rice

How to cook rice was the third most popular Googled ‘how to’ in 2022 and can be be important to follow a few simple rules to get the most out of this versatile grain.

Boiling

This method keeps the grains separate, but can taste a little watery. Bring a large saucepan of slightly salted water to the boil. Add rice, stir once, then boil gently, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. The rice should be tender but not mushy. Drain before serving.

Absorption

By using an exact quantity of water, cooking rice using the absorption method (also sometimes called steaming) retains the flavour of the rice. Rinse rice in a sieve under cold running water, running your fingers through the rice to help dislodge the surface starch until the water runs clear. For 1½ cups (300g) uncooked white or brown rice, bring 3 cups (750ml) water for white rice or 3½ cups (875ml) for brown rice to the boil. Add a pinch of salt, then the rice. Return to the boil; cover with a lid. Reduce heat to very low. Cook white rice for 10 minutes and brown rice for 30 minutes. Remove from heat; stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. The pan must have a tight-fitting lid for this method to work. If the lid is loose, seal the saucepan with foil or wrap the lid in a tea towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

Microwave

Place 1½ cups (300g) of rinsed white rice in a medium microwave-safe dish. Pour over 2 cups (500ml) of cold water and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook on HIGH (100% power) for 12 minutes. Stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Looking for recipes that use rice?

2. How to cook pork

The second most commonly Googled request last year was regarding how to cook ‘that other white meat’. Pork is wonderfully versatile, and when cooked properly is an extremely tender meat which can be included in all the classic family dinners like curries, strews, stir-fries and pies. It can be very lean, and is great grilled and tossed through a light summer salad. Conversely, if you chose a fatty cut of meat, like the pork belly, it’s brilliant simmered or slow-cooked and shredded.

Have a flick through our collection of pork dinners

1. How to cook chicken

And the winner is….. winner winner chicken dinner! The single most Googled how to cook last year was chicken and it’s no surprises why.

From a simple roast to an exotic curry, chicken is so versatile that you could have it for dinner every night and not get bored. We’ve pulled together our best-ever chicken dinner recipes for you to enjoy – because we all have more important things to worry about than what to have for dinner tonight.

We have a selection of recipes using chicken breast, chicken mince or recipes using chicken thighs.

A traditional roast chicken with delicious stuffing and buttery, tender flesh is a wonderfully economical dinner that never goes out of style.

Unsure how to portion a roast chicken? We can help you with that too, here.

Having the right equipment will help ensure you get the best results. Get yourself a Furi Pro Carving Set 2 Piece, designed to hold with precision and glide through your turkey for smooth, even slices.

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