13 Easy Ways to Level Up Your Basic Recipes

Cooking can be as simple as following a recipe, but a few tweaks can make a world of difference. Whether you’re tired of the same old flavors or want to impress your family and friends, these easy upgrades can transform your everyday meals into something special. Here are easy ways to level up your basic recipes:

Two glass bottles of infused oil with herbs next to a lemon half, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and potted basil on a wooden surface. — Photo credit: Pexels

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Herb Infusion

Close-up of fresh basil leaves in a brown paper bag and a bundle of green thyme sprigs placed next to it. — Photo credit: Yayimages

Fresh herbs can breathe life into any dish. Toss in some chopped basil, cilantro, or parsley to your sauces, salads, and soups for a burst of flavor that feels gourmet.

Citrus Zest

Hands wearing gloves zesting a lemon over a clear glass bowl using a metal grater on a white cutting board. — Photo credit: Yayimages

A little citrus zest can go a long way. Grate lemon, lime, or orange peel into dressings or marinades to brighten up flavors without adding acidity.

Toast Your Spices

Various jars of spices and seasonings, which are among the foods you should always have in your pantry, are neatly arranged on a wooden shelf. — Photo credit: Pexels

Enhance the flavor of dried spices by toasting them in a dry skillet for a few minutes. This simple step releases their essential oils, making your dishes more aromatic and flavorful.

Add Umami

A small glass cup filled with a soy sauce, placed on a light surface next to a tipped-over bottle and a green plant leaf. — Photo credit: Yayimages

Umami is the savory flavor that adds depth to your dishes. Incorporate ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to amplify the taste of your meals.

Creamy Additions

Measuring cup filled with milk on a wooden surface. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

A splash of cream, coconut milk, or yogurt can make soups and sauces richer. This little addition can create a luxurious mouthfeel without much effort.

Nuts and Seeds

An assortment of nuts, including cashews, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and hazelnuts—all potential foods you might be storing wrong—spread out on a wooden surface with a small white dish partially visible. — Photo credit: Pexels

Adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds can provide a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition. Consider almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds sprinkled over salads, grain bowls, or pastas.

Cheese, Please!

A wedge of Parmesan cheese and a cheese grater rest on a gray plate, beside a pile of grated Parmesan—showcasing how cheap ingredients can make meals gourmet. — Photo credit: Pixabay

Cheese can elevate just about any dish. Top casseroles with a blend of cheeses or add grated Parmesan to pasta dishes for a flavor boost that’s hard to resist.

Infused Oils

Use infused oils instead of regular olive oil to add layers of flavor. Garlic, chili, or herb-infused oils can enhance salads, drizzles, and marinades effortlessly.

Upgrade Your Broth

A bowl of clear soup with chopped green onions on top sits on a wooden table, highlighting the simple elegance of foods you should always have in your pantry. Small dishes with condiments are visible in the background, completing this wholesome setup. — Photo credit: Pexels

Instead of using plain water for cooking grains or soups, try using broth or stock. This simple swap can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Sweet and Savory Combos

A stream of honey being poured onto a silver spoon against a black background.

Don’t shy away from pairing sweet ingredients with savory ones. Adding a touch of honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze can create a balanced flavor in dishes like roasted vegetables or glazes.

Sauté Your Veggies

A frying pan containing chopped carrots, leafy greens, and onions on a textured white cloth. — Chopped vegetables in frying pan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Instead of steaming or boiling, try sautéing your vegetables. A quick stir-fry with some garlic and olive oil can bring out their natural sweetness and add a hint of caramelization.

Pickled Vegetables

A bowl of sliced pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns. — Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pickling veggies like onions or radishes adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to any meal. Top tacos, sandwiches, or salads with these quick-pickled delights for a flavorful twist. Recipe: Picked Onions

Layering Flavors

Chopped onions and minced garlic sautéing in oil on a pan. — Photo credit: Yayimages

Take the time to layer flavors while cooking. Start with aromatics like onions and garlic, then add spices, and finish with your main ingredients. This technique builds complexity and richness in your dishes.