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Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Cookery Course
The ultimate reference bible, this book is about giving home cooks the desire, confidence and inspiration to hit the stoves and get cooking. Gordon will share all sorts of useful tricks and tips from his years as a professional chef, making this the only cookery course you'll ever need.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2012
1256 people are currently reading
3583 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Ramsay
179 books689 followersGordon James Ramsay is a British celebrity chef, restaurateur, television presenter, and writer. His restaurant group, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, was founded in 1997 and has been awarded 17 Michelin stars overall and currently holds eight. His signature restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, London, has held three Michelin stars since 2001. After rising to fame on the British television miniseries Boiling Point in 1999, Ramsay became one of the best-known and most influential chefs in the world.
Ramsay's TV persona is defined by his fiery temper, aggressive behaviour, strict demeanour, and frequent use of profanity, while making blunt, critical, and controversial comments, including insults and sardonic wisecracks about contestants and their cooking abilities. He combines activities in the television, film, hospitality and food industries, and has promoted and hired various chefs who have apprenticed under his wing. He is known for presenting television programmes about competitive cookery and food, such as the British series Hell's Kitchen (2004), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (2004–2009, 2014), and The F Word (2005–2010), with Kitchen Nightmares winning the 2005 British Academy Television Award for Best Feature, and the American versions of Hell's Kitchen (2005–present), Kitchen Nightmares (2007–present), MasterChef (2010–present), and MasterChef Junior (2013–present), as well as Hotel Hell (2012–2016), Gordon Behind Bars (2012), Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back (2018–2020), and Next Level Chef (2022–present).
Ramsay was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to the hospitality industry. He was named the top chef in the UK at the 2000 Catey Awards, and in July 2006 he won the Catey for Independent Restaurateur of the Year, becoming the third person to win three Catey Awards. Forbes listed his 2020 earnings at US $70 million and ranked him at No.19 on its list of the highest-earning celebrities.
Ramsay's TV persona is defined by his fiery temper, aggressive behaviour, strict demeanour, and frequent use of profanity, while making blunt, critical, and controversial comments, including insults and sardonic wisecracks about contestants and their cooking abilities. He combines activities in the television, film, hospitality and food industries, and has promoted and hired various chefs who have apprenticed under his wing. He is known for presenting television programmes about competitive cookery and food, such as the British series Hell's Kitchen (2004), Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (2004–2009, 2014), and The F Word (2005–2010), with Kitchen Nightmares winning the 2005 British Academy Television Award for Best Feature, and the American versions of Hell's Kitchen (2005–present), Kitchen Nightmares (2007–present), MasterChef (2010–present), and MasterChef Junior (2013–present), as well as Hotel Hell (2012–2016), Gordon Behind Bars (2012), Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back (2018–2020), and Next Level Chef (2022–present).
Ramsay was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to the hospitality industry. He was named the top chef in the UK at the 2000 Catey Awards, and in July 2006 he won the Catey for Independent Restaurateur of the Year, becoming the third person to win three Catey Awards. Forbes listed his 2020 earnings at US $70 million and ranked him at No.19 on its list of the highest-earning celebrities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 21, 2014
PROS: All of the recipes I tried from the book were packed with flavor. Also, I don’t know if I was just lucky or if this is true of all the recipes, but nothing was incredibly hard to make. The book is clear and the recipes are easy to follow.
CONS: Gordon Ramsay has given himself a name in the entertainment world as being a dick – he’s so mean on some of his shows. That’s actually my only con and has nothing to do with the book itself.
Overall: Gordon Ramsay is a master of flavors. He has the ability to bring in flavors to his foods without making everything too complex. He is a good explainer and his book gives great instructions on how to accomplish these flavor combinations alone. I wish I had tie to try more of these recipes, including the Fish Pie, his version of Shakshuka (or what he calls North African Eggs,) Beef Meatballs with Orecchiette, Kale, and Pine Nuts, and the Malt Chocolate Doughnuts. Guess this is another book to add to my list of ones I need to buy!
You can read the review in full and see the food I made here.
CONS: Gordon Ramsay has given himself a name in the entertainment world as being a dick – he’s so mean on some of his shows. That’s actually my only con and has nothing to do with the book itself.
Overall: Gordon Ramsay is a master of flavors. He has the ability to bring in flavors to his foods without making everything too complex. He is a good explainer and his book gives great instructions on how to accomplish these flavor combinations alone. I wish I had tie to try more of these recipes, including the Fish Pie, his version of Shakshuka (or what he calls North African Eggs,) Beef Meatballs with Orecchiette, Kale, and Pine Nuts, and the Malt Chocolate Doughnuts. Guess this is another book to add to my list of ones I need to buy!
You can read the review in full and see the food I made here.
July 23, 2013
Being a huge fan of Ramsay's no nonsense style, this book hit the spot. Nothing earth shattering in terms of recipes or whatnot but very useful tips in down to earth style.
December 4, 2014
I've loved every single recipe I have yet tried from this book. Good instructions for a beginner, Inspiring to read and includes tons of cookable recipes for home, not just impossibly expensive or convoluted ones.
January 26, 2024
This book has some great looking recipes (we've only tried one so far, the rolled pork loin with Manchego and Membrillo), but it doesn't quite have the relaxed attitude that the accompanying show has. In the show Ramsay seems to be all about "don't worry too much" and if you don't have quite the right utensils or ingredients you can still manage, but the book is more like the Ramsay I know from his previous shows - strict (in that cheffy way that Jamie or Nigella don't have) with the way things must be done - the way to chop an onion, the correct knife to use etc. The book is what I expect from Ramsay, watching the show is a bit weird because he doesn't seem like himself.
May 26, 2013
Really happy I bought this, even though I have too many cookery books already. Excellent tips and techniques and some fantastic ideas to help with your daily cooking. Entire chapter dedicated to cooking for one/two person meals too which was great.
August 11, 2017
Gordon Ramsay brings his lifetime of experience and culinary expertise to this book, and there is a lot offered in it. While none of the recipes struck me as particularly innovative or "new," they are solid interpretations of classic dishes around the world. One of the strongest aspects that Ramsay brings to these dishes is the balance in flavors throughout them.
In an effort to simplify cooking for chefs, Ramsay chose to title his dishes by the ingredients and flavors in the dishes rather title them classical titles and cuisines they were interpreted from. Just one example is the a classic Thai dish that was called noodles with chili, ginger, and lemongrass.
An upside of this choice is that it gets new cooks thinking like a chef, focusing on ingredients and tastes present in a dish. One downside is that the book could have benefited from mentioning the dishes they were based on, providing a background for the reader. Even knowing where a dish originated can be extremely beneficial for a cook. It can help them understand how Ramsay is changing some of the elements from the classics around to provide a more balanced flavor.
Overall, this book has some very solid and tasty recipes. Ramsay's palate and experience comes through in the dishes. There is a ton of information beneficial for cooks new to the kitchen, from buying ingredients to cooking techniques and equipment. Cooks who are more experienced can also benefit from seeing how Ramsay has manipulated elements of classic dishes to bring out flavors and achieve balance in dishes.
In an effort to simplify cooking for chefs, Ramsay chose to title his dishes by the ingredients and flavors in the dishes rather title them classical titles and cuisines they were interpreted from. Just one example is the a classic Thai dish that was called noodles with chili, ginger, and lemongrass.
An upside of this choice is that it gets new cooks thinking like a chef, focusing on ingredients and tastes present in a dish. One downside is that the book could have benefited from mentioning the dishes they were based on, providing a background for the reader. Even knowing where a dish originated can be extremely beneficial for a cook. It can help them understand how Ramsay is changing some of the elements from the classics around to provide a more balanced flavor.
Overall, this book has some very solid and tasty recipes. Ramsay's palate and experience comes through in the dishes. There is a ton of information beneficial for cooks new to the kitchen, from buying ingredients to cooking techniques and equipment. Cooks who are more experienced can also benefit from seeing how Ramsay has manipulated elements of classic dishes to bring out flavors and achieve balance in dishes.
March 2, 2015
Anyone who knows me is that I love the television version of this cookbook. For someone who has been made famous for his quite loud and intimidating persona, his ultimate cookery show is rather soothing and relaxing to watch. Even when I was going through a hard time and need something to soothe my tired heart and brain, I frequently would be lulled by the sounds of cooking and methodical narration of Gordon's. But this is not where I review T.V. shows.
This cookbook is very similar to the show in that is very good at teaching you all the good basics around the kitchen, and then some. The recipes are not overly complicated but still beautiful and flavourful. He breaks down the book into several sections, such as cooking for a group or for two, and how to do things frugally. I have made the Cheat's 3 cheese souffle a couple times now and it turns out beautifully. I have my eye on soda bread next, and few entrees as well.
He is wonderfully informative cookbook for those who do have some basic skills in the kitchen, but would love to hone their skills and execute their dream recipe (for me a souffle), or up their dinner game.
This cookbook is very similar to the show in that is very good at teaching you all the good basics around the kitchen, and then some. The recipes are not overly complicated but still beautiful and flavourful. He breaks down the book into several sections, such as cooking for a group or for two, and how to do things frugally. I have made the Cheat's 3 cheese souffle a couple times now and it turns out beautifully. I have my eye on soda bread next, and few entrees as well.
He is wonderfully informative cookbook for those who do have some basic skills in the kitchen, but would love to hone their skills and execute their dream recipe (for me a souffle), or up their dinner game.
January 28, 2020
Highest recommendation. This book is more of a cooking course, concise yet thoroughly and expertly taught, than just a collection of first rate recipes. Read the chapter beginnings, then make the recipes to master essential techniques; and this book will dramatically up your game in the kitchen. I guarantee it. The sections on baking and on basic skills in particular are real gems. And I love the way the contents are organized. It is rare to come across such a useful, helpful, and approachable book filled with so many appealing recipes that are actually pretty easy, but will impress you and those for whom you cook.
April 29, 2015
The book was a disappointment. The title seems to indicate that it is a book to teach people how to cook, however apart from a few tips at the beginning of each chapter, the book dives into recipes that require a lot of additional knowledge as well as ingredients that are hard to find. If you are starting to learn how to cook, do not buy this book.
September 15, 2013
Really like this book. Especially the recipes for one or two. Recommend the spicy meatball recipe too. Not usually a fan of meatballs, but loved
this.
this.
March 7, 2023
Not super amazing, but a relatively down to earth cookbook with lots of tips, so I learned a bit. I liked the way it was organized into categories (classics with a twist, fish, meat, spices, good food for less, cooking in advance, cooking for one or two, cooking for crowds, baking and basic skills - but maybe the latter should have been the first one?) I wish there were more pictures though. 3,5 stars.
August 27, 2013
Quite a comprehensive book! I love Gordon Ramsay's style- he's quite plain and straightforward and this comes across in the book. It has a good setup for new cooks and what you need to get started in the kitchen and I loved the first lot of recipes. As Ramsay says- he's just trying to change the way we approach food and add a little panache to the food we cook so instead of just looking in the fridge and seeing eggs and making an omelette, it's starting to think about food differently and how to jazz up that omelette. Great approach in my opinion. And the recipes mirror this philosophy- they're simple enough ways to add a little spice to everyday meals. There's also a section here with more advanced recipes as well, if you're an advanced cook and looking for more of a challenge. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because of the measurements (which are in grams and ml) which makes it difficult for me as I have to convert everything (gets a bit tedious), other than this quibble -quite a good book.
September 14, 2013
Something must be said for the speed at which this man works! I watched the tv show (unfortunately I missed the original airing) on youtube. I was lucky to come across it looking for Ramsay's gnocchi recipe. In any case, the man simply works too fast, so in an attempt to better get a grip on his 'tips and tricks' I bought the cookbook. A wonderful companion for anyone new to the kitchen like myself. I've helped get my dad out of the box and into the creative side of the kitchen as well. I can't wait to keep learning! I've even signed up for a free course through edX on chemistry + cooking. Not a bad investment if you like Ramsay (as I decidedly do).
November 11, 2014
Of course I did not read the book. That is not what books with recipes are meant for. One does not sit down on an autumn evening and read chapter by chapter, cover to cover.
They are meant to put them in action - to select 1 page at a time and cook. Enjoy the clear layout, mouthwatering photos, scan the ingredients and get in with the author reading his method, because that is where their style comes through.
Ramsay's recipes from this collection are easy to follow, very often really fast and from what I tried out, seriously good.
Don't worry if you are not fan of this particular chef, he does not shine in the book, he leaves the scene entirely to food.
They are meant to put them in action - to select 1 page at a time and cook. Enjoy the clear layout, mouthwatering photos, scan the ingredients and get in with the author reading his method, because that is where their style comes through.
Ramsay's recipes from this collection are easy to follow, very often really fast and from what I tried out, seriously good.
Don't worry if you are not fan of this particular chef, he does not shine in the book, he leaves the scene entirely to food.
June 19, 2013
The tips sections were great, but the recipes weren't as accessible as I was hoping for from a "home cooking" book.
Those who have easier access to specialty food shops (as well as pantry space for more limited-use ingredients) may enjoy this more than I did. But if, like me, you're just hoping for some fresh weeknight dinner ideas that you can throw together after one stop at a typical grocery store, check this out at the library before buying.
Those who have easier access to specialty food shops (as well as pantry space for more limited-use ingredients) may enjoy this more than I did. But if, like me, you're just hoping for some fresh weeknight dinner ideas that you can throw together after one stop at a typical grocery store, check this out at the library before buying.
December 13, 2016
I'm having a cookbook clear-out, and have decided to leave reviews for some of the cookbooks before I donate them to charity.
This is a big cookbook! It is well presented. Good illustrations and full of tips and advice, as well as loads of recipes, but I just find I never use it, so to charity it goes.
This is a big cookbook! It is well presented. Good illustrations and full of tips and advice, as well as loads of recipes, but I just find I never use it, so to charity it goes.
September 29, 2014
Great photos, useful tips, well-written and layed out. Excellent recipes that aren't a lot of fuss - it got me out of my cooking slump! I think my favourite recipe was the North African Eggs, I make them regularly now!
December 14, 2015
In all honestly this is a great book in my opinion in many ways. The recipes are great and the guidelines are nice as well. One thing I wish the book had more of however is telling you why he made the dish, put it in the book, and where it originated from and stuff like that
July 14, 2015
Enjoyed cooking some of the recipes before sadly returning it to the library. Would be happy to own a copy
April 8, 2014
Not a single f word! Must have been ghostwritten.
March 7, 2015
More wonderful recipes.....
March 15, 2025
It’s rare I find a cookbook come through KU, so to stumble upon the GOAT, I was thrilled! This is an older book, 2014. Ramsey’s techniques have not changed much in his career so the only effect the publishing date had is the drab pictures.
The teaching styles added to the beginning, middle, and as parts of each recipe I found helpful however if you are already an avid follower of the Michelin Star chef, you will walk away not having added much to your home kitchen culinary skills.
The instruction is clear and easy to read. The recipes are… meh. Many I would not recreate.
I would have like a little ‘more’ instruction. I would have been good to forfeit some recipe space for a solid culinary instruction manual from the king himself. The book is titled Everything You Need To Know… I went in essentially already knowing everything in this book. Because it was fairly simple information that he teaches in his programming. Good information but I think the book would be more aptly titled ‘for the beginner home cook’.
The teaching styles added to the beginning, middle, and as parts of each recipe I found helpful however if you are already an avid follower of the Michelin Star chef, you will walk away not having added much to your home kitchen culinary skills.
The instruction is clear and easy to read. The recipes are… meh. Many I would not recreate.
I would have like a little ‘more’ instruction. I would have been good to forfeit some recipe space for a solid culinary instruction manual from the king himself. The book is titled Everything You Need To Know… I went in essentially already knowing everything in this book. Because it was fairly simple information that he teaches in his programming. Good information but I think the book would be more aptly titled ‘for the beginner home cook’.
May 27, 2021
He’s no Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood, but he’s an ok substitute. Back to British Bake-off!
December 31, 2019
A great book with plenty of superb recipes, tips and tricks!
October 18, 2015
Apparently not everything...
Lots of info here but to someone who has eaten almost none of the types of food listed in this book, I'm afraid it isn't going to do me much good. I don't even know what most of those ingredients are, much less whether I would like them. I suspect for someone who is a "foodie", and is looking for recipes with some instruction that this would be a good book. For someone who mostly eats fast food with a few basic comfort type foods around the edges, it isn't going to be much help. And that would be me. I'd like to eat better, but I don't want to spend much time at it. And I really don't like to try a lot of new stuff. I actually bought this based on an article by Ramsay about cooking steak. If I'd seen the rest of it before buying, I'd have skipped it.
Lots of info here but to someone who has eaten almost none of the types of food listed in this book, I'm afraid it isn't going to do me much good. I don't even know what most of those ingredients are, much less whether I would like them. I suspect for someone who is a "foodie", and is looking for recipes with some instruction that this would be a good book. For someone who mostly eats fast food with a few basic comfort type foods around the edges, it isn't going to be much help. And that would be me. I'd like to eat better, but I don't want to spend much time at it. And I really don't like to try a lot of new stuff. I actually bought this based on an article by Ramsay about cooking steak. If I'd seen the rest of it before buying, I'd have skipped it.
October 12, 2013
I liked this. A competent cook could follow this book. The pictures were good, and some of the tips were interesting. However a few ingredients were not familiar to me and perhaps not a common ingredient in many households. I would like to get this book from the library again and try a few recipes. I looked at his apple crisp and I didn't like the recipe, though I did follow his tip of not peeling the apples, and while it gave my crisp a different texture it really brought out the taste of the apples.
Deserves a second look, I say!
May 8, 2013
Excellent introductions in each section of the book. I enjoyed the section on spices, basic skills and Introduction with a twist. It is good to be reminded of the basics, one example being to keep tasting as I cook. I enjoyed the Bacon, Pea and Goat Frittata which goes well with a salad. Also the Apple Crumble was very good. The recipes are designed for home cooks and are heightened by Gordon’s flavour combinations.
May 5, 2013
A good place to start to improve your cookery skills, some nice tips and tricks throughout the book that I found helpful. As with a lot of other gordon Ramsey books though the recipes aren't always to my taste and often are outright unappetising, but that is more of a personal preference.
All in all helpful book
All in all helpful book
November 4, 2018
I love this cookbook, all recipes I tried were really delicious. Would not say it‘s for total beginners, but more for people who have a hard time finding something fast and easy to cook on busy week-nights. You will be amazed how tasty some very simple dishes can be. I also liked that most recipes were designed for 2 people and that there was a great variety of recipes I wanted to try.
March 21, 2013
Great book with some fab tips but not keen on how it is laid out. Little niggle, nothing serious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews