Whether you're trying to stay on a budget or are just learning how to cook, you should know about these magical ingredients that will get you far when it comes to leveling up your dishes. Even the most basic, most boring of foods will suddenly taste fancy and become exciting when you top them off with these five staples! And the best part is? All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store and won't break the bank either.
So go on, enjoy eating for cheap or improving your cooking skills while making your home-cooked meals taste more expensive and even more tasty with these simple hacks - all you have to do is add one of these extra ingredients!
Parmesan Cheese
Everyone always says that cheese makes your food taste better, and honestly, we'd say there's some truth behind that. An incredibly versatile ingredient, topping off your meal with a bit of grated Parmesan is what gives it that extra depth you're craving. It adds a lovely rich, salty, and savory finish that works well with so many different dishes like soups, salads, pastas, and even snacks like popcorn.
It's done so commonly that you might forget just how much flavor grated cheese adds to your food, but if you can't imagine your favorite pasta or salad dish without it, it's not hard to see how impactful it is.
Chili Crisp
For those of you who crave a little bit of heat in their food, but not too much, adding a small spoonful of chili crisp immediately elevates your dish into what you're looking for. Not only does it add a nice textural component with that slight crunch, but it also comes with a gentle touch of spice and saltiness that complements a variety of different flavors.
Whether you add it to your ramen, fried rice, roasted veggies, or hear us out, ice cream, it'll give your taste buds the kick they desire. Food will always be fun when you've got a jar of chili crisp lying around!
Fried or Soft-Boiled Egg
A common pantry staple you're sure to have in your fridge, the very simple addition of either a fried or soft-boiled egg can seriously make a dish all the more delicious. Adding a hearty aspect to your meal, the creaminess of a runny yolk also just provides a rich depth of flavor when it coats yours rice, noodles, toast, or whatever food you're adding it on top of.
When eaten in moderation, eggs are also known for their amazing health benefits such as providing tons of protein and healthy vitamins to the body. Delicious and good for you - it's a double whammy!
Fresh Herbs
Even just a little handful of fresh herbs sprinkled onto your dish can completely change the taste and liven up the meal as a whole. From cilantro to parsley and dill, these herbs don't just brighten up your dish with color, they also make everything taste so much fresher. Add them in as the final touches to really experience those complex flavors.
Lemon or Lime Juice
When you're eating really rich foods, adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice on top can really cut through all that fattiness and add a new level of brightness to the dish. As long as you don't go overboard, it doesn't actually overpower or overwhelm the other flavors, it simply gives your food a nice level of acidity that livens it up.
It's most commonly used for seafood dishes, like salmon or ceviche, but it's also great for anything that stars avocado, like your avocado toast and guacamole.
