Unless you’re a professional chef or a provider (parent, grandparent or dedicated aunt or uncle) who has been cooking for decades, you probably are not utilizing your spice cabinet to its fullest potential when you cook. Even still, you probably stick to a few familiar characters. A consistent flavor profile is easier to deal with for many – especially for those who might have younger, pickier eaters at home.
That doesn’t mean you can’t be a little bit adventurous … and let’s be real, many of us need the push. One of the biggest takeaways of #cookingtok when TikTok burst onto the scene in 2020 and 2021 was just how abysmal many of our food flavors and seasonings were as we watched BIPOC cooks and home chefs bring their creations to life with beautiful, richly colored seasonings.
Focusing on seasoning meat cuts versus altering/adding seasoning to a complicated dish can be a good place to learn, in my experience. Non-negotiables to always have on hand: salt, pepper, paprika and garlic. Garlic powder is good for any rubs/marinades. Minced garlic is good for basting/pan cooking.
Many stores offer a seasoning mix that incorporates these basics. Usually marketed as a “Cajun seasoning,” one favorite brand contains salt, black and red pepper and garlic powder.
Beyond these basics, there are many possibilities. If you want to learn and are unsure, sometimes it might be best to start with an existing recipe and altering it as you get comfortable with the process. That is how I cooked my first roast chicken. I followed an existing recipe from a chef or food blogger, took notes and altered the seasoning profile a bit for the next time. (I added a tiny bit of brown sugar for the perfect sweet notes to counteract the spicier kick of cayenne pepper, paprika and some other stronger flavors). The trick is to not be afraid to experiment.
This article from the University of Delaware contains a cheat sheet of sorts for the uninitiated: seasonings that pair well with various meat proteins (as well as fruits, veggies and a grain or two).
If you’re cooking without a recipe to guide you and you’re unsure how much to add, you can typically search “How much _____ seasoning should I add to my 6 oz. pork chop?” The results should supply you with some safe ratios.
You’ll become more and more confident with practice. That confidence will lead to the ability to explore spice ratios and add new seasonings to more complicated dishes as well versus simply basting a steak in a skillet.
May the culinary adventures begin!
