Some people, especially beginners, find it helpful to follow a recipe when trying out new dishes. Recipes provide specific instructions, ingredient measurements, and cooking times, which can be valuable for ensuring the dish turns out well.
On the other hand, more experienced cooks or those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen may not always follow a recipe. They might have a good understanding of different cooking techniques, flavor combinations, and ingredient proportions, allowing them to freestyle and create their own dishes based on what they have on hand.
It's essential to remember that cooking can be both an art and a science. While following a recipe can help you achieve consistent results, creativity and innovation can lead to unique and delicious dishes. As you gain more experience in the kitchen, you might feel more comfortable adapting recipes or creating entirely new ones to suit your taste and preferences.