Great cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. You can achieve outstanding dishes by following some simple tricks on how to bring out the flavor of each ingredient. Follow these tips to make your meals more appetizing and flavorful:
Image by Jerzy Górecki
Use High-quality Condiments
Using good quality condiments in your recipes will make all the difference in your cooking. One of the Filipino favorites is the bagoong alamang, which is perfect to add to various dishes such as kare-kare, liempo, and even fried rice. There are lots of places-even online shopping platforms-where you can find bagoong alamang for sale. This delicious shrimp paste will surely add the perfect flavor to your dishes.
Another condiment that’s considered an all-time favorite is soy sauce. It is primarily made from salt and fermented soybeans that enrich the flavor of a wide variety of dishes such as adobo, roast pork, and grilled seafood. Condiments have a vital role in maximizing the flavor of your dishes, so make sure to use them in your recipes to further enrich your meals.
Add Some Acid
If you want to add something extra to your dish but don’t want to use butter or salt, adding acid is the perfect alternative. Acids such as vinegar and lemon juice can brighten the flavors of food and can also act as a tenderizer. Here are common acids you can add to your dishes:
Roast Your Vegetables
Roasting vegetables can improve their flavor and texture. Root vegetables such as parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes are the best ones to roast. Just make sure to not over-oil them. This will let you get their maximum flavor without tasting burnt.
Vegetables become more flavorful when roasted because the natural sugars in them are released. Different kinds of sugars caramelize at various temperatures. That’s why they have a range of complex flavors-toasty, nutty, and sweet.
Roasting veggies is easy. Just wash them thoroughly, dry them, and then lightly coat them with olive oil and add your favorite seasonings. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes to give them a crisp texture and maintain their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content.
Practice Slow Cooking
Slow cooking not only tenderizes meat but also enhances the flavor of your dishes. The lower temperature and extended cooking time lower the chance of sticking to the pan and allow better flavor distribution. Slow cookers are also perfect to use during the holidays as they are a good choice for multitasking. Here are some tips to ensure you make flavorful meals:
Great cooking starts with having flavorful dishes, so make sure you follow these techniques to help enhance the flavor of every meal you prepare. This will eventually make your cooking better and make you more confident to learn new dishes.
