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CookMatey

Cooking guide

How to Season Food

Use salt, acid, herbs and spices to make everyday meals taste their best.

  • 5 min read
  • 5 steps
  • Easy
Spices, fresh herbs, garlic, ginger and chillies on a wooden table

Seasoning is what turns a plain meal into a delicious one, and it's mostly about tasting as you go. Salt brings out flavour, acid such as lemon juice or vinegar brightens it, and herbs and spices add character.

Add seasoning in small amounts. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Season in layers

    Add a little salt at each stage, such as when softening onions and again when adding liquid, instead of all at the end.

  2. Step 2: Taste as you go

    Taste the dish a few times while cooking, using a clean spoon each time.

  3. Step 3: Add acid to brighten

    If a dish tastes flat even with enough salt, add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar.

  4. Step 4: Toast spices

    Cook dried spices in a little oil for 30–60 seconds before adding liquid to bring out their flavour.

  5. Step 5: Finish with fresh herbs

    Stir in soft herbs such as parsley, coriander or basil just before serving.

    Tip: If something is too salty, add more of the unsalted ingredients, or a little acid or cream to balance it.

Put it into practice