You know that feeling when you’ve spent ages cooking something, only to discover that it’s lacking a certain something. That’s when you need the all-important taste-making, flavor-enhancing magical ingredient to bring everything together.
Kick up the flavor to stews, soups, casseroles, marinades, and more with these 20 terrific flavor enhancers. Keep them on hand for that moment when you need a little magic.
1. Parmesan
With its uniquely rich, tangy, nutty and fruity flavor, parmesan brings a powerful punch that can totally change the taste of a dish.
- Try these Parmesan Parsnips.
2. Worcestershire Sauce
The magic ingredient from England is wonderfully versatile and can boost the flavor of just about any dish. You should always keep a bottle on hand, rich and tangy with a hint of spice.
- Run out? Check out these Worcestershire Sauce substitutes.
3. Lemon juice and zest
Adding a hit of acidity can totally transform a dish. If it tastes like something’s missing, but you can’t quite put your finger on it, chances are it’s acidity. Lemon juice and a little zest will work a treat.
4. Fresh herbs
From the woody aroma of rosemary, thyme, and oregano – perfect with meat, mushrooms, and tomato dishes – to herbs like dill that work perfectly with fish, fresh herbs add a whole different dimension to dishes.
5. Fresh chiles
Some like it hot. When you want a bright, vibrant pop of heat, go for fresh chiles. Use with caution and tailor to your tastes.
6. Marmite
The classic British ingredient is the perfect way to add a boost to stews, casseroles, soups and can even be used in marinades.
- Try these amazing Marmite Roast Potatoes.
7. Fresh garlic
If you’re one of those foodies who can never get enough garlic, you’ll know just how important freshly crushed garlic can be, adding a distinctive depth to your favorite dishes.
8. Tahini
With its distinct blend of earthiness and bitterness, tahini can work wonders when paired with the right ingredients. It’s a favorite ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, made with crushed sesame seeds.
9. Anchovy paste
Give your fish dishes a natural umami boost with a teaspoon of anchovy paste. Here’s a little flavor hack… use it in a lamb stew for sensational results!
- Try it in this Lamb Shanks Braised in White Wine recipe.
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10. Garam masala
A delicious spice blend made up of ground spices such as cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, and nutmeg, garam masala brings an earthy flavor and subtle sweetness to spicy dishes.
11. MSG
A go-to ingredient in many Asian cuisines, MSG (monosodium glutamate) enhances the flavor of savory foods and contains less sodium than salt. It’s pure umami and is amazing when added to Asian stir-fried dishes.
- Try it with this classic Egg Fried Rice recipe.
12. Honey
If you're looking to add a hit of sweetness to your desserts and puddings but want a more rounded flavor than sugar, honey should sweeten the deal!
13. Coconut aminos
A wonderful alternative to soy sauce, this gluten-free, soy-free sensation adds a salty, umami flavor to dishes.
14. Nutritional yeast
A vegan foodie’s best friend, nutritional yeast brings a hit of flavor to dishes such as stews, sauces, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
15. Salt with sweet dishes
It might seem strange, but a sprinkle of salt can totally transform a sweet dish. Science shows that salt activates our taste sensors for sweet things!
16. Balsamic vinegar
The perfect way to add a hit of tanginess and subtle sweetness to salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and more.
17. Paprika
The Spanish and the Hungarians swear by it. Whether it’s smoky or sweet, paprika adds a delicious earthy dimension to meat, vegetables, or fish dishes.
18. Cinnamon
Great for elevating flavor with everything from cookies and breads to pies and all kinds of other sweet treats, cinnamon adds a unique earthy flavor that blends perfectly with sweet ingredients.
19. Liquid smoke
Add an amazing flavor to your favorites meats, vegetables, and fish dishes with this classic smoky barbecue sauce.
20. Dried mushrooms
The likes of porcini and shiitake can elevate stews, soups, and all kinds of other dishes with a powerful earthy flavor that blends well with other hearty ingredients.
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