The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the preparation of food: Food preparation is an art form and applied science that includes techniques like cooking to make ingredients fit for consumption and/or palatable.

Essence of food preparation

The process of food preparation includes selecting the ingredients needed and correctly handling ingredients to produce the components of a meal.

General food preparation concepts

Cooking techniques

Cooking with dry heat

Cooking with wet heat

Water and other liquids

Frying with oil

Other food preparation techniques

Chemical techniques

Mechanical techniques

Cooking tools

Appliances

Utensils

History of food preparation

International cuisine

A sample of some cuisines around the world:

General ingredients