Tips and Suggestion for Seasoning different foods

How to use seasonnings?

Fixing Overseasoned Dishes

To fix an overseasoned dish, you can dilute it with more of the base ingredient (adding more broth, cream, or vegetables) or balance out the seasoning with a bit of sugar, lemon juice, or vinegar. Dairy like sour cream or yogurt can also counteract excess spice.

Seasonning Before Cooking

Marinades: Season proteins or vegetables with marinades to infuse flavors before cooking. Include salt, pepper, herbs, and spices.

Seasoning During Cooking

During sautéing, roasting, or simmering, season in stages, tasting and adjusting along the way to avoid overpowering the dish too early.

Seasoning for Baking & Sweets

Baked Goods

In cakes and cookies, add almond extract or orange zest for a more unique flavor.

Cakes & Pastries

Vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are classic flavors in many dessert recipes.

Pies & Tarts

Fruit pies can be enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a dash of lemon juice to balance sweetness. For savory pies, try using rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.

                    Common Seasoning Mistakes Tips
                    Start with a small amount, taste as you go, and add more as needed.
                            You can always add more salt at the end, but it's harder to fix a
                            salty dish.
Allow meats, especially steaks or chicken, to rest for 5-10 minutes
                            after seasoning and cooking to lock in the flavors.
Use kosher salt for seasoning meat and vegetables. Table salt is good
                            for baking, but always check the type of salt a recipe calls for.

                

Seasonning Blends Recipes

What are homemade seasoning blends to elevate my cooking?

Seasonning Blend for Chicken (10g)

Herb & Citrus Chicken Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Lemon Zest Powder: 3g, Dried Oregano: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Cumin: 1g, Ground Paprika: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Garlic & Herb Chicken Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Garlic Powder: 3g, Dried Oregano: 2g, Dried Rosemary: 2g, Ground Paprika: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Lemon Pepper Chicken Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Lemon Zest Powder: 3g, Black Pepper: 2g, Sea Salt: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Mustard: 1g, Dried Thyme: 1g

Seasonning Blend for Meat (10g)

Steakhouse Supreme Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.1-.1)

Ingredients: Garlic Powder: 3g, Black Pepper: 2g, Coarse Sea Salt: 2g, Smoked Paprika: 1g, Ground Mustard: 1g, Dried Thyme: 1g

Texas BBQ Brisket Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Paprika: 3g, Black Pepper: 2g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Brown Sugar: 1g, Chili Powder: 1g

Rich & Smoky Short Rib Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Smoked Paprika: 3g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Black Pepper: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Brown Sugar: 1g, Ground Mustard: 1g

Seasonning Blend for Fish (10g)

Citrus Spice Shrimp Dust Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Paprika: 3g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Lemon Zest Powder: 2g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Citrus Herb Fish Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Dried Dill: 3g, Lemon Zest Powder: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Coriander: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Spicy Cajun Fish Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Paprika: 3g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Cayenne: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Seasonning Blend for Vegetables (10g)

Roasted Veggie Herb Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Dried Thyme: 3g, Dried Oregano: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Cumin: 1g, Paprika: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Savory Herb Veggie Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Dried Thyme: 3g, Dried Oregano: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Paprika: 2g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Smoky Veggie Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Smoked Paprika: 3g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Spicy Seasoning Blend (10g)

Hot & Smoky BBQ Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.2-.1)

Ingredients: Smoked Paprika: 3g, Ground Cayenne: 2g, Brown Sugar: 2g, Chili Powder: 2g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Spicy Mexican Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Cumin: 3g, Chili Powder: 2g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Garlic Powder: 1g, Ground Paprika: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Fiery Indian Spice Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Turmeric: 3g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Ground Cayenne: 2g, Garam Masala: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Taco Seasoning Blend (10g)

Herb & Mint Lamb Rub Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.1)

Ingredients: Dried Rosemary: 3g, Ground Mint: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Cumin: 1g, Coarse Sea Salt: 1g, Black Pepper: 1g

Classic Taco Seasoning Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Chili Powder: 3g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Onion Powder: 1g, Ground Paprika: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Smoky Taco Seasoning Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Smoked Paprika: 3g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Garlic Powder: 2g, Ground Oregano: 1g, Ground Chipotle Pepper: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Indian Curry Blend (10g)

Classic Indian Curry Powder Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Turmeric: 3g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Ground Ginger: 1g, Ground Cinnamon: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Madras Curry Blend Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Chili Powder: 3g, Ground Turmeric: 2g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Ground Fenugreek: 1g, Ground Cinnamon: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Korma Curry Blend Ratio (.3-.2-.2-.1-.2)

Ingredients: Ground Cardamom: 3g, Ground Coriander: 2g, Ground Cumin: 2g, Ground Cinnamon: 1g, Ground Almonds: 1g, Sea Salt: 1g

Seasonning Frequently Asked Questions

Essential spices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and thyme. These staples offer versatility across various cuisines, providing foundational flavors. You can also add chili powder, turmeric, and ginger for extra depth, complementing both savory and sweet dishes to suit diverse recipes.

A well-seasoned dish strikes a balance between flavors. It should taste full and rounded without any single flavor overwhelming the others. Taste as you cook, adjusting salt, acidity, and spices. If it feels “flat,” adding a pinch of salt or acid can help enhance and brighten the flavors.

Spice combinations work best when they complement each other's flavor profiles. For instance, garlic, rosemary, and thyme are perfect for meats, while cinnamon and nutmeg pair well in sweet dishes. Use traditional recipes as a guide and experiment with your own blends by balancing warm, sweet, and savory spices.

Seasoning before cooking allows flavors to penetrate the ingredients, enhancing their natural taste. For meats, seasoning before helps form a flavorful crust. Seasoning after cooking ensures better control over flavor levels. Taste throughout and adjust as needed for the perfect balance, depending on the dish and ingredients.

To achieve a perfect crust, season meat generously before cooking. Pat the surface dry to remove moisture, allowing spices to adhere better. Use high heat to sear, creating a caramelized exterior. Avoid moving the meat too much during cooking, which ensures a crisp, flavorful crust forms.

Yes, citrus fruits and berries can enhance dishes with their acidity, sweetness, and brightness. Citrus zest and juice add tang and freshness to meats, dressings, or sauces, while berries provide natural sweetness or tartness. They balance out rich or fatty flavors, adding complexity and vibrancy to your meals.

Start with a base of salt and pepper, then experiment by adding herbs like oregano or thyme and spices like paprika or cumin. Blend in small batches, adjusting to taste. Explore combinations that complement your cooking style, whether savory, spicy, or aromatic, and customize for different cuisines or dishes.