3. Show him you’re on his side: “I haven’t managed to make this one successfully either.”
“I feel a bit relieved, like I’m being told, ‘It wasn’t a stupid mistake to make.’” If you emphasize how difficult it is to make the dish well, your boyfriend won’t feel too down about it. Next time it’s his turn to cook, you could also try casually requesting a dish you know is a little easier to get right.