la sartén
La sartén is a frying pan, used for sauteing, searing, and quick cooking on the stovetop. It is a common word in everyday recipes and kitchen conversations.
Common Phrases
- calentar la sartén — to heat the frying pan
- sartén antiadherente — nonstick frying pan
Example
Pon la sartén al fuego medio.
Put the frying pan on medium heat.
Common Mistake
Gender confusion: use la sartén, not el sartén (some regions differ, but la is widely taught and understood).
el limón
El limón is a lemon, often used to add brightness and acidity to food. In cooking, it commonly shows up with fish, salads, and sauces.
Common Phrases
- jugo de limón — lemon juice
- una rodaja de limón — a slice of lemon
Example
Exprime el limón sobre el pescado.
Squeeze the lemon over the fish.
Common Mistake
Missing accent in spelling: write limón, not limon.
la salsa
La salsa is a sauce, usually something you pour or spoon over food to add flavor or texture. It can be thick, light, homemade, or store-bought.
Common Phrases
- salsa espesa — thick sauce
- hacer una salsa — to make a sauce
Example
La salsa queda lista en cinco minutos.
The sauce is ready in five minutes.
Common Mistake
Using a wrong article: say la salsa, not el salsa.
el cuchillo
El cuchillo is a knife, especially a kitchen knife for slicing and chopping. It is one of the most basic tools you will mention while cooking.
Common Phrases
- cuchillo afilado — sharp knife
- cortar con el cuchillo — to cut with the knife
Example
Necesito un cuchillo afilado para la cebolla.
I need a sharp knife for the onion.
Common Mistake
Spelling: keep the double ll in cuchillo, not cuchilo.
la olla
La olla is a pot, typically used for boiling, soups, stews, and anything that cooks with liquid. It is a staple word for cozy meals.
Common Phrases
- olla grande — large pot
- hervir en la olla — to boil in the pot
Example
La olla está en el fuego y hierve.
The pot is on the stove and boiling.
Common Mistake
Mixing it up with other cookware: use la olla for a pot, not la sarten when you mean something deep for boiling.
el aceite
El aceite is oil, commonly used for cooking and seasoning. In everyday kitchen Spanish, aceite de oliva is one of the most frequent combinations.
Common Phrases
- aceite de oliva — olive oil
- un chorrito de aceite — a drizzle of oil
Example
Agrega un chorrito de aceite de oliva.
Add a drizzle of olive oil.
Common Mistake
Misspelling: write aceite, not aciete.
la sal
La sal is salt, used to season and balance flavors. It is often mentioned as a final adjustment when tasting food.
Common Phrases
- una pizca de sal — a pinch of salt
- echar sal — to add salt
Example
Pon una pizca de sal al final.
Put a pinch of salt at the end.
Common Mistake
Overusing the article in general statements: Agrega sal is natural, while Agrega la sal can sound like a specific salt already mentioned.
la receta
La receta is a recipe: the instructions and ingredient list for making a dish. It is also used for any method you follow step by step.
Common Phrases
- seguir una receta — to follow a recipe
- receta sencilla — simple recipe
Example
Sigo una receta sencilla cuando tengo prisa.
I follow a simple recipe when I am in a hurry.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong word for a prescription: in Spanish, la receta can also mean a medical prescription, so add context like receta de cocina if needed; avoid la receta alone when the situation is unclear.