1. Season Every Layer
Seasoning at various steps of your recipe will help enhance, and bring out the flavor of, each individual ingredient. For instance, when a recipe calls for sauteing onions, garlic or even mushrooms, we would season them before adding any further ingredients, such as a protein, like ground beef. Once the ground beef is done browning, you can taste and adjust seasoning before continuing to the next steps of your recipe. 

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2. Our Favorite Way to Not Overseason
Follow the above tip on seasoning for every layer. Tasting your food as you go is key. Slowly build the flavors. It’s always easier to add more salt at the end than take it away.  
Pro Tip: Season from high above the pan. This way you gently add seasoning to the overall dish all at once.

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3. Proper Searing Techniques
Mastering cooking techniques can significantly improve the quality of any meal.
Searing: To properly sear meat, start with a very hot pan, then add fat. Allow the fat to heat and then add your protein of choice. Allow protein to cook without moving or adjusting it in the pan too early. Only flip once halfway through cooking. 
A unique trick when searing meat is to think HAHA.
Heat pan
Add fat
Heat fat
Add protein

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4. Cooking with Aromatics
Using ingredients such as onion, garlic and ginger can help elevate the simplest of dishes. It's an easy way to elevate a recipe and add more flavor with minimal ingredients. 
Pro Tip: Cook the aromatics with your fat of choice over low to medium heat. Be careful not to rush this step. Cooking for an ample amount of time will ensure you get the most flavor from these ingredients. 

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5. Dry Versus Fresh Herbs when Cooking
As a general rule add dry herbs toward the beginning of a recipe and add the fresh herbs towards the very end or right before serving. Fresh herbs can pack a powerful flavor punch, but will only retain their maximum flavor when added towards the end of cooking. 

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6. Adding Acidity for Balance
A splash of acidity can brighten and help balance out the other elements of a dish. It can also balance out the fatty elements or flavors of a dish.
Citrus: Adding lemon or lime juice at the end of cooking can lift the flavors of the dish.
Vinegar: Adding a dash of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider, can add a nice complexity to an array of dishes. 
Wine: Adding a small amount of wine to sauces or stew can help deepen or brighten the flavors. 

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7. Play with Different Textures in a Dish
Some of the most crowd-pleasing dishes contain several different textures per bite. Having both solid and crunchy elements can make a dish more sophisticated and enjoyable to eat. Think crispy bread crumbs or toasted nuts on top of your favorite salad or pasta, or crunchy roasted kale on top of smooth mashed potatoes. Adding contrasting textures can make any meal more interesting.

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8. Carryover Cooking
Make sure you account for carryover cooking. Carryover refers to the fact food continues to cook after being removed from the heat source. In fact, meat can rise in temperature by about 5-10°F after being taken off the heat. The key is to remove meat slightly before the desired cooking temperature. Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 mins before slicing to let juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.

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9. Final Touches Before Serving
Before serving, taste again and add a final touch of salt, pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance all of the flavors. This is a good time to use finishing salt, fresh cracked pepper or sprinkle with your favorite fresh herbs.
 
10. Cook with Seasonal Ingredients When Possible
Cooking with seasonal ingredients can save you money at the store and helps ensure the freshest, most flavorful ingredients for any of your favorite dishes.
Visit farmers' markets to buy from local farmers for peak freshness. They are always happy to help you with suggestions and answer any questions you may have.

Adjusting your recipes to incorporate seasonal produce helps enhance flavor and nutrition for you and your loved ones.
 
We hope this helps in your everyday cooking journey to make life just a little simpler and a lot more flavorful. 

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Xoxo,
Mealcast