Techniques
Knife Skills
Guide
Beginner
1 min

Learn the three core chopping motions: tap, rock, and cross chop

Use tap chopping, rock chopping, and cross chopping as your three go-to cutting methods for most kitchen tasks.

He names and demonstrates three foundational chopping styles and frames them as enough to handle most everyday prep.

The short version

  • Tap chop, rock chop, and cross chop cover most needs.
  • Choose the motion that matches the ingredient (e.g., skin vs soft).

What you need

  • chef's knifeUsed for all three motions
  • cutting board

Why it works

Different blade motions suit different ingredient shapes/textures while keeping technique consistent.

Learn next