Gaining cook skill is a mystery, although Rolf has posted on the forums the way it should work, what works for one player doesn't always work for another. Use trial and error to find what works best for you.
'''''Note: To cook faster, placing [[meat]] and herbs in a fire (not in the pan) wait for them all to become searing hot, and then place 1 [[cooked meat]] and 1 herb in the [[Frying Pan]], it will become an instint [[Steak]] and will heat faster then in the [[Frying Pan]]. Using 1 [[cooked meat]] and 1 herb will only work till about a skill of 30, once you get to 30, you might have to use 2 herbs.'''''