Explaining to people how to cook by feel?

[auroracoor1]

I tried to give someone my souvlaki recipe, and it was a disaster! Writing down the ingredients was easy, but explaining the "feel" of cooking was another story. How do you teach someone when the meat is perfectly marinated, how much lemon is enough, or when it’s grilled just right?

I cook by instinct—taste, smell, touch, and sight—but the person I was helping needed exact instructions. I ended up confusing them because I couldn’t translate the experience into strict steps. They over-marinated, under-seasoned, and overcooked it, and I felt terrible.

How do you teach Greek cooking to someone who doesn’t have that instinct yet? Are there better ways to describe things without turning it into a science? Have you found tricks to help others "feel" their way through Greek food instead of just following a rigid recipe? Would love any advice from those who’ve tried!

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Teaching Greek cooking to someone who relies on exact instructions can definitely be a challenge! A big part of Greek cuisine is cooking by feel—adjusting as you go, tasting, and using your senses.

One trick is to give visual and sensory cues rather than just measurements. Instead of saying “marinate for two hours,” describe what the meat should look and smell like when it’s ready—e.g., “The marinade should slightly darken the meat, and you should smell the garlic and oregano more strongly.”

For seasoning, I like using the “pinch and sprinkle” method instead of exact teaspoons—show them how much fits between your fingers and adjust to taste. With lemon, I say “add a little, taste, then add more if it needs brightness.”

Grilling is another instinctive process—maybe suggest “golden with light char marks and juices running clear” rather than just a cooking time.

Encouraging small taste tests along the way also helps build their confidence!