Magic Ingredient: 15 of the Best ‘I Put That Stuff on Everything’ Ingredient’
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When it comes to cooking, there’s that one special ingredient that seems to have the power to elevate every dish it touches. Whether it’s a secret seasoning or a versatile condiment, we all have that go-to ingredient we can’t help but sprinkle, drizzle, or dollop onto our creations. Let’s exchange flavor-packed tips and explore the ingredient that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
Garlic
Garlic can add flavor to almost anything and is either a taste you love or hate. One garlic lover gave a great tip which was to put the garlic in at the end if you want to taste it more in the meal. Some in the beginning are also good with the other aromatics, but you won’t need to triple the amount.
Red Chili Pepper
Red chili pepper flakes can add a little spice to your life and pump up any meal you prepare. Many people who like their meals spicy admit to adding it to their food often. One person even said they call it “red salt” at home because of how often they use it.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is a Spanish specialty made by slowly smoking pimentón, which is a type of pepper from southwestern Spain over an oak fire. It has a round, smoky, woodsy, spicy flavor completely different from everyday paprika. Many people rave about it bringing the flavor out of cheese in a godly type way.
Black Peppercorn
Black peppercorn will not only add some delicious flavor to whatever dish you are cooking, but it can also pack a little punch. Peppercorn has a spicy, woody, warm taste and is perfect for meats and bbq. One peppercorn lover even said he enjoys freshly cracked peppercorns and some nice flaky salt on everything.
Citrus
Although you may not think of this at first when cooking, consider adding some citrus. It can really take a dish up a notch. Citrus brightens meals, and using lemon juice, vinegar, capers, banana peppers, or something pickled can really improve a savory dish.
Salt
This one seems a little obvious, but you wouldn’t believe the amount of home cooks that just don’t use enough (or any) damn salt on their foods. We take it for granted, but it’s the single most amazing addition to almost any dish.
Hot Sauce
Frank’s Hot Sauce’s slogan is, “I put that stuff on everything.” So there was no way we were making it through this list without including it. Die-hard hot sauce lovers will find any excuse to use it. One even said he would drink it if he knew it wouldn’t destroy his gut!
Tajin chili lime
Tajin seasoning is very unique. It has a balance of salty, citrus, and mildly spicy flavors and is sort of like when you get when you eat lime tortilla chips with roasted tomato salsa. One person suggested it on watermelon, while another said it makes their guac better than anyone else.
Za’atar
Za’atar is an Arabic spice and zaatar plant. It has a rich flavor with a nutty, tangy, and slightly acidic taste. Many people commented that in many Arab people’s views, it can and should go on every non-sweet food.
Slap Yo Ma-ma Cajun Seasoning
Yes, this is a specific brand, and many people agree that this is the best cajun seasoning out there. The foods people put it on range from eggs in the morning to Cajun seafood pasta for dinner.
Adobo
Adobo is a mix of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. It is typically found in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. A woman mentions introducing her husband to adobo, and now he suggests it to everyone, even her Hispanic family members.
Montreal Seasoning
If you are looking for a great seasoning for meat, you may want to try Montreal seasoning, also known as Montreal steak seasoning. Although steak is in the name, many agree it should be dropped because this seasoning is actually good on a range of meats.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce seems to be the sauce of choice when a recipe is just missing some flavor. But not all soy sauces are equal. If you want to ensure the soy sauce you’re buying is top-notch, look at the ingredients. If the soy sauce is traditionally brewed, it only contains salt, water, wheat, and soy. Some variants add things like sugar or rice wine. Those are fine for the right dish. But if you see anything listed that sounds out of place, like food coloring, stay away.
Olive Oil
If the oil family had a queen, olive oil would reign. A simple oil that can add so much flavor to dishes and even help moisturize your skin. One person said a drizzle of olive oil on freshly served pasta can easily bring it from a 7 to a 9. She even went on to say she uses it on her skin as well.
Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning
You can now have an everything bagel whenever you want with this. People are craving Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning and how they could top any dish with this delicious combination. One suggested recipe was a BLT with avocado and this seasoning. Add a fried egg and then you’ll be living.
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