What is the fastest way to learn how to cook, School, or trial and error?

I use youtube, they always have tutorials on recipes and you can watch the chef step by step. In order to cook at a resturaunt, you need some type of culinary schooling. Which is really fun, you learn about food and cook all day. I hope this helps (:

Try out new things. Cooking isn't always about recipes and measurements. Sometimes its good to experiment and try out something more your flavor. Dont be afraid to try things out, if it doesn't work try again, you never know what you can create as your own original recipe.

Hi Rockeem,
I have worked in the food industry for over five years and have been involved in several aspects of working in different types of restaurants from fine dining to large banquets and a small bar and grill. As well as being a chef (Le Cordon Bleu) and I am married to one.
I myself went through culinary school to get a better feel for what I was getting myself into, but this was my second career since I had mostly worked in offices and call centers doing everything from technical support to banking.
Find a good chef in the type of food that you love to make and learn, keep your eyes and ears open and listen and learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, trust me, as a chef myself I would much rather have you do it the right way and the way I want you to do it than have you cost me money because you have to do it over and use up product. Also culinary school is a great way to get the techniques down and learn the business aspects, but I would first work in the industry. The television shows are NOTHING like the real world. It is VERY HARD work, very physical and mentally demanding. It will also take time and dedication to make it work. Be prepared to see the underbelly of human kind. It is not for the faint of heart and those who are afraid of a challenge.
Good luck in your dreams!

The best way to learn is to actually get into a professional kitchen. The way food is made at home is not the way it is made in a resteraunt. You more than likely will not be able to be right in the kitchen right away but you can start as a waitress or a porter then work your way into the kitchen. If you learn to cook in school you will will start off with the proper credentials to be hired into the kitchen.

Hi Rockeem!
I absolutely agree with the advice above - getting a job in a restaurant (especially one you LOVE!) is a great way to learn. This may sound cliche, but I recommend watching the Food Network - shows like Chopped, Top Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, etc. it's amazing how much I learn from watching shows like these. I know there are several culinary scholarships you can apply for - definitely look into that. Getting a degree is always a good idea.

I hope this helps! Best of luck to you.

Rockeem, I would suggest getting a job at a restaurant in the kitchen. Let them know that your goal is to become a chef. I am a firm believer that you should be in the environment that will push you towards your goal. Therefore, if you are around chefs and cooks, they can give you advise. Also, you still could look into going to culinary school part time.