Here are some common cooking mistakes to avoid:

1. **Not Preheating the Pan**: Always preheat your pan before adding ingredients, especially when sautéing or searing. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking.

2. **Overcrowding the Pan**: Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of browning. Cook ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

3. **Not Patting Meat Dry**: Before cooking meat, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.

4. **Not Seasoning Properly**: Season food generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. This