Study: Americans feel most confident in their ability to cook this meal

NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC

Over a third of Americans have felt judged about their cooking skills, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 people found, when it comes to their skills in the kitchen, 37% have felt judged by others.

But a “Top Chef” appearance probably isn’t in most people’s future, seeing as one in five (21%) think they have only one standout dish in their arsenal.

And the average American surveyed can only prepare five meals completely without any help from a recipe

The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Mazola Corn Oil, asked respondents which meal they felt most confident cooking — and found it to be breakfast.

The top five meals that respondents can make without a recipe included eggs over easy (49%), scrambled eggs (46%), hard boiled eggs (44%), poached eggs (44%) and french toast (41%).

Even the simplest recipes can cause chaos in the kitchen, though. The average American forgets four ingredients per month while cooking their dishes.

Over half (52%) of respondents admitted they’ve had a full-on kitchen disaster, prompting 31% of those to trash it and start from scratch.

But kitchen mishaps won’t keep people from taking on new culinary challenges in 2020.

Nearly half (49%) plan on tackling more complex recipes in the new year and 45% hope to diversify the types of cuisine they cook. Forty-eight percent would like to embrace healthier eating habits.

“It’s important to find ingredients in the kitchen that are a smart choice for your family and encourage healthy eating habits,” said Mike Shehorn, Senior Brand Manager of Mazola.

Other common barriers that have prevented respondents from cooking healthy included time (39%), lack of knowledge (34%) and a lack of inspiration (30%).

There are definitely some gaps in respondents’ knowledge when it comes to healthy cooking. A third (33%) admitted to feeling intimidated when using a spatula.

Thirty percent got anxious about whisks and measuring cups while a quarter got tense when attempting to use a food processor.

Respondents plan on updating the skills in their cooking repertoire with 42% hoping to master air frying and 36% dreaming of becoming a baking maestro. A third (34%) want to set their grill skills alight.

Shehorn said, “Using a cooking oil that’s cholesterol free is an easy way to lighten up your favorite meals, just in time for the new year and Heart Health Month this February.”

MEALS RESPONDENTS CAN MAKE WITHOUT A RECIPE
1. Eggs over easy                       49%
2. Scrambled eggs                      46%
3. Hard boiled eggs                     44%
4. Poached eggs                          44%
5. French toast                             41%
6. Soup                                         36%
7. Grilled cheese                          36%
8. Pasta                                        36%
9. Rice                                          36%
10. Salad                                     36%
11. Toast                                     34%
12. Beans                                    33%
13. Pancakes                              31%
14. Roasted chicken                   30%
15. Mashed potatoes                  29%
16. Bacon                                    29%
17. Grilled vegetables                 27%
18. Tacos                                     27%
19. Mac and cheese                    26%
20. Grilled steak                          25%

INTIMIDATING KITCHEN TOOLS
1. Spatula                                33%
2. Measuring cups                   30%
3. Whisk                                   30%
4. Food processor                    26%
5. Measuring spoons               25%
6. Air fryer                                22%
7. Deep fryer                            21%
8. Pressure cooker                  17%
9. Immersion blender              16%
10. Pasta maker                      16%