If you cook a decent amount, chances are you have already done almost everything on this list at least once. Or hundreds of times. However, when I first started cooking on my own, I didn’t necessarily know how to make the most of each and every ingredient.
Basically, this is just a list of simple things I do in my kitchen to add a boost of flavor or really make a dish taste even better. Do I do all of these things every time I have a chance? No, of course not. Am I glad when I DO have the time needed to bring ingredients to their full potential?? Yes!
Here are 9 quick ways to make average dishes taste significantly better!
1. Toast the Nuts
Wherever and however you are using your nuts, toasting them will always bring out maximum flavor!
It’s especially noticeable in salads, granola, granola bars, or as toppings on other dishes.
2. Caramelize the Onions
I know not everyone loves caramelized onions… but I’m not sure we can trust those people.
It’s not hard to caramelize onions, it just takes a long time. Especially if you cook ’em low and slow, which yields the best results.
My friend added caramelized onions to our grilled cheese sandwiches (sharp white cheddar + artisan bread + spinach) once, years ago, when we were over for dinner. I really can’t un-taste how incredible it was. DO IT!
3. Massage the Kale
For awhile I was pretty sure I didn’t care for kale, but it turns out I just needed to give it a little bit of love. Just like the sad little tree in Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
The transformation from bitter tough greens to flavorful, edible greens — just with a simple massage! — is really amazing.
Before you dress your salad, use your (clean) hands to massage the chopped, washed, greens for awhile. You’ll feel the leaves start to soften just a bit. The effort is 100% worth it.
(Pst! We cover lots of kale & salad tips in our 10 Hacks to Get More Veggies To Your Plate article!)
4. Add Cilantro
Next up, let’s talk cilantro! Are you even a food lover if you don’t have cilantro on hand most of the time?? Or better yet, growing in your garden?
Cilantro is a pretty popular herb to add to many Mexican/Indian/Thai dishes. It’s generally pretty cheap to buy a huge bundle of it, and it’s so versatile.
Chop it up and sprinkle it on top of your quesadillas, rice bowls, enchiladas, curries, and more!
5. Brown the Butter
If you’re melting your butter over the stove anyways… why NOT give it that extra few minutes to turn golden brown and completely transform the taste of it??
Try it with: rice krispie treats, cookies, blondies (this Smitten Kitchen blondies recipe is life changing), savory pasta dishes, and more.
6. Toast the Bread
This is Captain Obvious, but I had to say it. Because sometimes I’m tempted to put out a loaf of french bread on our dinner table next to some butter and call it a day. But usually halfway through the meal my kids have requested we put their buttered slices of bread in the oven for a bit… or have just quietly helped themselves to the toaster to take matters into their own hands.
And they aren’t wrong. Toasted french bread with melted butter adds a whole other warmth and dimension and CRUSTY deliciousness to standard slices.
7. Salt, Salt, Salt
Next, let’s talk about SALT. Whether you’re making sweet or savory food, it’s likely going to need some salt. I even have a short list of foods that I don’t even find worth eating if I can’t add a shake of salt on top. On that list, you’ll find: tomatoes, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and pasta.
Furthermore, the list of foods that would BENEFIT from a bit of sea salt is almost inexhaustible.
Most importantly, rice krispie treats (this recipe!), chocolate chip cookies, caramel everything, dark chocolate everything, salad greens/ homemade dressings, and roasted veggies.
OH and soups!!
8. Pickle the Onions
I love adding pickled red onions to various salads and tacos! It’s surprisingly easy to make them, and the flavor is WAY punchier (and more palatable IMO) than raw red onions.
You just add chopped onions to a jar, pour over some vinegar/water/salt/sugar… and then wait. That’s it. Easy, right? The recipe I use is Gimme Some Oven, found here.
And honestly this category could also be called “Pickle the Anything”. Cucumbers of course, peppers, beets, and more.
9. Citrus is Always a Good Idea
Last but not least, boost your flavors with CITRUS!
Whether you’re adding orange, lime, lemon, or grapefruit flavors to your dishes…via zest or juice, it’s probably the right call. I loved the explanation given in the SALT FAT ACID HEAT documentary: acidic foods cut through the blandness of other foods (flour, dairy, starches), amazing flavor and depth to your food!
I LOVE muffins and scones with a punch of orange zest. Or a lemon glaze on top? Yes please.
Tons of savory dishes benefit as well. The lime juice is what makes these Mexican dishes we love around our home: Our Best Bites Creamy Taquitos & Six Sisters’ Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas.
That’s a Wrap!
That’s the end of our 9 quick tips to enhance flavor in the kitchen!
Which of these tips do you already excel at? What would you add to the list??
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite food posts!
Cover Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
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