Questions tagged [seasoning]

Questions about the use of spices, herbs, salt and other flavorings to create the desired flavor in the final dish. See also the [salt] tag. For questions about seasoning cookware (e.g. cast iron) please use the tag [seasoning-pans]. Note that questions on flavor combinations (as in, "how should I season X", or "what seasoning goes with X") are off topic. This is a general site rule that goes beyond this tag.

There is no universal definition of "seasoning", the word means different things to different people. The answers to "Is there a difference between seasoning and flavouring?" are divided, but the combined answers do give the reader a basis for communication, and this tag is intended to broadly cover the ways people use the term, rather than trying to mandate a particular definition.

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What are some ways to season that don't rely on garlic and onions?

I am looking for some alternative ways to season food. I am very familiar with currying, pesto, and chili. My difficulty is that each of these relies on onions, tomatoes and garlic. What are some other ways to season food that don't rely on these…
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Why can't I get a seasoning layer on my carbon steel pan using an induction hob?

I recently purchased a carbon steel pan (DeBuyer Mineral B Element), and have attempted to perform pre-seasoning on it. I checked out a bunch of videos on the process, and ended up doing the following steps: Warm up pan Coat pan in a thin layer of…
James Craig
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How can I make my own Super Noodles/instant noodle seasoning?

I like BBQ Beef Super Noodles, but they don't taste the same as they used to. The flavour sachet is not as strong as it used to be (maybe they use more filler nowadays). I can buy plain egg noodles, but how can I make the seasoning? The ingredients…
Danny Beckett
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How to see if cast iron cookware is enameled?

I have found a cast iron grill manufactured by the French company Le Creuset. This cookware is probably around 20 years old and you can see a picture of the same model below. I'm wondering if this grill is enameled cast iron or raw cast iron.…
ppr
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Is it a good idea to grind dried oregano with a mortar and pestle?

Someone explained to me that I could increase the surface area of my herbs significantly when grinding them in a mortar with a bit of salt. It is indeed quite easy to grind them down to a powder. I do have the impression though that my sauces get…
Christian
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How can I add a strong orange flavor to my dishes?

I love the taste of oranges, and I'm looking for ways to introduce that flavor into some of my cooking. I've tried adding orange juice and pieces of orange when frying or baking, but I find that these only add a hint of orange to the dish, and of…
e.James
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Should meat be seasoned before or after cooking?

When should meat be seasoned? I heard that salting meat prior to cooking draws out the moisture but I have noticed that a number of chefs season their meat prior to cooking.
rose
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Seasoning for Ground Meat

I am trying to figure out how to season the ground meat in my goulash. Here are the ingredients that are in the dish. What seasonings would be best so that the dish comes together nicely? Other ingredients: turkey sausage corn red bell…
Karen
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"Post-marinating"? Is it a real term or do my taste buds deceive me?

Two nights ago I cooked some chicken on my George Foreman grill, just plain (a bit of non-stick spray but that's it). Then I chopped it up and put it in rice and stuck it in a tupperware for lunch today. I then rummaged my fridge for something to…
Ricket
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Are residues from seasoning coating harmful when using carbon steel pan?

I seasoned this carbon steel pan a few months ago, but after several times I cooked, the seasoning coating started to flake. I wonder are the residues harmful? Can I remain the way it is or should I scrub off all of them and re-season again? Thank…
Tzu-Ching Lin
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Why isn't "pasta" water salted in Chinese cuisine?

I'm American-born Chinese and my parents never salt the water in which they boil noodles and there's never been an issue - at least with my palate - with seasoning or the texture of the noodles w.r.t. clumping or sticking together. I don't think…
m136487
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When should you season sauce that needs to be reduced?

I just thought about how seasoning a sauce is not a wise decision because if it needs to through reduction like marinara then the flavors would get too concentrated. But I always see people put salt and pepper into sauces before they are properly…
Bar Akiva
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Should I season my sushi rice before or after cooking?

When I make rice for sushi, I season it with sugar, salt, rice vinegar, and mirin. I'm never sure if I should add these at the beginning or near the end of cooking the rice. Does it matter when I add these seasonings?
Malper
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What spices are used to make a mexican fajita seasoning?

I'm trying to make my own homemade fajitas, for both vegetarian and non vegetarian tasters. I know they have grocery store pre-mixed fajita seasoning, but I'd like to know how to make my own.
Mnebuerquo
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Stainless steel pan too hot?

I have been cooking with my stainless steel pan for a while, and have tried many techniques to prevent sticking. Hot pan then oil did work to some extent, but I still had trouble with eggs, potatoes, and tofu. While I was doing this, I did make sure…
Elbert
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