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.
Using 1 [[cooked meat]] and 1 vegi works well until about skill 30. Once you get to 30, skill gain seems to slow down and you will prolly only get skill for every 5-10 steaks.
'''''Note: To cook faster, placing [[meat]] and vegis in a fire (not in the pan) wait for them all to become at least searing hot, and then place 1 [[cooked meat]] and 1 vegi in the [[Frying Pan]], it will become an instint [[Steak]] and will heat faster than in the [[Frying Pan]]. Using 1 [[cooked meat]] and 1 vegi works well until about skill 30. Once you get to 30, skill gain seems to slow down and you will prolly only get skill for every 5-10 steaks.'''''