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FoodLifestyle

by Alexandra Mansilla

How To Cook: YouTube Tutorials For Every Skill Level

21 Apr 2025

Photo: Anshu A

You know why this list is here? Because let’s be honest — someone out there needs it. Not everyone has a binder of grandma’s recipes. Not everyone grew up in a family where cooking was passed down through generations. Not everyone is born with that magical “I just threw it together” talent. And sometimes you just have no idea what to cook (especially when it needs to happen fast, which is most of the time these days).
I am definitely one of those people (won’t say which category I fall into), and honestly, cooking tutorials on YouTube have saved me more than once. So here are a few of my favourites.

Downshiftology

Lisa Bryan’s channel is my go-to when I want something clean, simple, and totally doable. One of her recipes I absolutely love is her guacamole — it is literally called Best Ever Guacamole, and honestly... it lives up to the name. I will admit it: I put less jalapeño (my people at home aren’t fans of the heat), and it still turns out amazing. So yeah — highly recommend.
What I love most about Lisa is how clearly she explains everything. She breaks it down step by step, and suddenly things that seemed complicated feel totally manageable.

Brian Lagerstrom

Another great example of clear, step-by-step cooking instructions? Definitely Brian Lagerstrom. I made his brownies once — they turned out amazing.
And if you are someone who prefers reading recipes over watching videos, good news: there is a full written version right below the video.

Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person

Claire is the queen of calm, cozy baking. And I love baking cookies — truly, it is one of my favourite things. But no matter how much I loved it, they never quite turned out right: too much butter, too hard, or just... off. But thanks to Claire, I think I have finally found the perfect cookie recipe.

Tasty

Let’s be real — everyone knows this channel. I have been seeing their videos pop up on my Facebook feed for years, and honestly, I could never scroll past. There is just something hypnotic about those super quick, perfectly edited videos with the mysterious hands making everything look effortless.
One of my faves? Their cinnamon roll recipe (yes, it is sweet again — are we even surprised at this point?).

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan’s channel is all about the “why” behind cooking — he breaks things down so you actually understand what you are doing, not just blindly following a recipe.
And he really knows his stuff. Like, he has this super handy video for anyone who constantly ends up with leftover rice in the fridge (because let’s be honest — rice just... magically lingers in the pot, no one ever finishes it).

The Golden Balance

It would honestly be a crime not to include The Golden Balance. Ahmad Alzahabi is behind the cooking here, and his vibe is fast-paced, fun, and totally real — you feel like you are hanging out with a friend who also happens to know how to make insanely good food.
Leaving you with his shawarma recipe — you have to try it at home. You will thank me later.
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