Culinary techniques refer to the various methods and skills used in cooking to prepare food. These techniques include basic skills like chopping, sautéing, and boiling, as well as more advanced methods such as sous-vide and fermentation. Mastering these techniques allows cooks to enhance flavors, textures, and presentation in their dishes. Different culinary techniques can be categorized into groups, such as baking, grilling, and steaming. Each technique has its own set of tools and processes, which can significantly affect the final outcome of a meal. Understanding these methods is essential for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills.