Alan
If you’re stepping into the world of cooking, chances are you’ve already turned to YouTube. And why not? It’s like having a team of personal chefs on call 24/7 — minus the high cost. But with thousands of cooking channels out there, how do you know which ones are beginner-friendly and actually worth your time?
Don’t worry. I’ve done the digging for you. Here are 9 YouTube channels every beginner chef should absolutely follow — plus tips on how to get the most out of them.
Why YouTube is a Goldmine for Beginner Chefs
Accessible, Free, and Engaging
YouTube brings cooking to your fingertips without charging a dime. Whether you’re on a budget or just testing the culinary waters, it’s a goldmine of affordable knowledge.
Learn at Your Own Pace
You can pause, rewind, and rewatch — something no real-life cooking class allows. This makes it ideal for beginner chefs who need time to grasp everything from knife skills to pan searing.
What to Look for in a Cooking Channel
Clear Instruction & Beginner Focus
If a channel is filled with technical jargon, skip it. Look for creators who explain terms and show techniques visually — a must for those still mastering basic cooking techniques.
Practical Recipes with Everyday Ingredients
You don’t need truffle oil or sous-vide machines to start cooking. Beginner-friendly channels use accessible ingredients you likely already have or can easily get, aligning with the tips found in our ingredient knowledge guide.
1. Babish Culinary Universe
Why Beginners Love Babish
Andrew Rea, aka Binging with Babish, started by recreating movie and TV food, but his channel has expanded into a culinary education hub.
Popular Beginner-Friendly Videos
- Basics with Babish: Perfect for beginner chefs
- Covers how to sauté, bake, boil, and build meals from scratch
Bonus: His crisp visuals make learning incredibly satisfying.
2. Joshua Weissman
From Fast Food to Scratch
Joshua brings humor, confidence, and technique. His “But Better” series challenges fast food favorites, encouraging viewers to cook from scratch.
Tips for Beginner Chefs from Joshua
- Focus on improving one kitchen tool at a time
- Emphasizes practice, which aligns well with our recipe practice section
3. Laura in the Kitchen
Warm, Welcoming, and Relatable
Laura Vitale feels like your friendly neighbor who just happens to be a fantastic home cook. Her approachable style is great for newbies.
Affordable Recipes for Everyday Life
- Quick meals using pantry staples
- Ideal for budget-conscious cooks
4. Pro Home Cooks (Mike G)
Building Confidence in the Kitchen
Mike’s content is all about learning by doing. He simplifies techniques and even shows his own cooking mishaps — refreshing, right?
Batch Cooking and Meal Prep Focus
- Videos on meal planning and cooking routines
- Great companion to our meal-planning tips
5. Not Another Cooking Show
Chef-Steps Made Easy
Stephen Cusato breaks down complicated recipes and techniques into digestible steps. He emphasizes cooking skills, not just following recipes.
Focus on Techniques and Kitchen Skills
- Knife skills, emulsification, seasoning levels
- Complements the kitchen tools & equipment guide
6. Pick Up Limes
Health Meets Simplicity
Run by Sadia, a registered dietitian, this channel focuses on plant-based, healthy meals that are easy to prepare and visually stunning.
Vegan and Budget-Friendly Meals
- Great for beginner cooks interested in healthy eating
- Aligns well with our affordable and beginner themes
7. Ethan Chlebowski
Explaining the “Why” Behind the “How”
Ethan doesn’t just show you how to cook — he explains why things work, from heat reactions to ingredient functions.
Great for Ingredient Knowledge
- Helps build foundational skills
- Pairs well with our ingredient knowledge articles
8. Food Wishes
Classic Recipes with a Twist
Chef John makes every recipe a story. His unique voiceovers and simple instructions make classic meals feel fresh.
Cooking Tips with Humor
- Ideal for learning techniques while being entertained
- Encourages practice and experimentation
9. Glen And Friends Cooking
Old-School Cooking Meets Modern Flair
If you love nostalgic recipes with practical advice, Glen’s your guy. From old cookbooks to budget meals, he covers it all.
Budget Cooking and Pantry Staples
- Perfect for beginner chefs and budget cooks
- Encourages using what you have — a great habit for improvement
How to Use These Channels to Improve Faster
Combine Viewing with Real Practice
Watching is good, but cooking is better. Pick one recipe a week and actually cook it. Then tweak it. Then try it again. This method is all about habit building.
Track Your Progress and Build Habits
Use a simple notebook or app to track your attempts, what went well, and what could improve. Reflecting on your cooking journey boosts both skill and confidence.
Bonus Tip: Explore More on The Budding Chef Blog
Learn Basic Cooking Techniques Step-by-Step
Don’t stop at YouTube. The Basic Cooking Techniques section of our blog is a powerhouse of beginner knowledge.
Explore Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Need help picking your first pan or knife? Check out our detailed kitchen tools and equipment guide.
And if you’re serious about becoming a chef, don’t miss our professional growth tips to go from home cook to kitchen pro.
Conclusion
YouTube is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to start learning how to cook. But don’t just watch — cook. Fail. Laugh. Try again. That’s how every great chef started. These 9 YouTube channels are your culinary coaches, and when paired with the in-depth resources from The Budding Chef Blog, you’re on the fast track to culinary confidence.
FAQs
1. Are these YouTube channels suitable for total beginners?
Absolutely! Each of these channels simplifies recipes and techniques for complete newbies.
2. Which channel is best for budget meals?
Laura in the Kitchen and Glen And Friends Cooking both focus on affordable, pantry-based recipes.
3. Do these channels cover international cuisines?
Yes! You’ll find everything from Italian to Asian and vegan dishes across these channels.
4. What kitchen tools should I buy as a beginner?
Start simple. A good knife, cutting board, and a few pots. Check our kitchen tools guide.
5. How often should I practice cooking as a beginner?
Try 2-3 times per week. Pair your efforts with tips from our recipe practice section.
6. Can I learn professional cooking on YouTube?
You can learn the basics and beyond. For deeper growth, explore our professional growth resources.
7. Are there beginner mistakes I should avoid?
Yes! Check our cooking mistakes guide to dodge the most common beginner blunders.