Cook's Illustrated

At Cook's Illustrated, our test cooks are dedicated to testing and retesting recipes 20, 30, sometimes 50 times until we come up with a recipe that will come out right the first time -- and every time -- you make it. And each issue of Cook's Illustrated is 100% ADVERTISING FREE, so you get unbiased and objective information on every page. As we like to say at Cook's Illustrated, "We make the mistakes so you don't have to."

Cook’s Illustrated

THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION

QUICK TIPS

A Dynamic Chinese Peruvian Stir-Fry • Quick, colorful lomo saltado is an emblem of chifa, the culinary tradition that emerged when Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru.

A Crash Course in Scrambled Eggs • Anyone can whip up a quick scramble. But learn the inner workings behind those tender, fluffy curds and you’ll be making your best batch yet.

DINNER TONIGHT

Don’t Fry Calamari—Sear It • Economical, versatile, and fast-cooking, squid is your fishmonger’s best-kept secret for an easy dinner.

Santorini’s Silkiest Meze • Yellow split peas are the down-to-earth star of this creamy Greek taverna dip.

Spring’s Best and Brightest Salad • A tangy preserved lemon marinade, briny olives, and fragrant herbs infuse butter beans and asparagus with sunny flavor.

Okonomiyaki: Japan’s Anytime Meal • This shareable savory pancake is packed with cabbage and pork belly and garnished with gusto.

Breakfast Taco Bar • The weekend’s best wake-up call is a build-your-own spread of eggs, tortillas, and a slew of salsas and toppings.

Fire Chicken • Spicy-sweet chicken and chewy rice cakes blanketed in melty mozzarella, buldak is a favorite Korean bar snack (or one-pan meal).

Our New Favorite Shortbread • The classic cookie ascends to new heights when nutty browned butter enters the mix.

French Strawberry Cake • Gâteau fraisier pays homage to peak-season berries with layers of golden cake and billowy cream. Our nouveau version packs the same appeal into a lighter, more failproof package.

The Search for a Great Cookware Set • Should you buy pans one by one or get a set? We tested to find a cookware set we could love.

The Best Metal Spatulas • This essential tool can be a cook’s best friend—but only if you choose the right one.

KITCHEN NOTES

EQUIPMENT CORNER

CELEBRATION CAKES