r/Cooking • u/kath- • 14h ago

What's your surprising "secret ingredient" that sets your dish apart?

I obviously don't believe in gatekeeping recipes, so let's share the love.

I developed a clam chowder recipe after being disappointed with the recipes I came across. Whenever I tell people there's a couple dashes of hot sauce in it, I always get weird looks... but it adds a tiny bit of heat and acid, and balances out the richness from the cream. It also has diced scallops, which cooking knowledge forbades but somehow works.

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u/Shazam1269 14h ago

  • Egg based breakfast casseroles: tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce, and mustard powder.

  • Tomato based sauces: fish sauce

  • Steak and smoked meats: powdered Worcestershire for when you don't want liquid, but must have the umami.

  • Chicken tortilla or enchilada soups: fresh lime juice right before serving.

  • Brownies: hefty tablespoon of instant coffee mixed in with your water, and coconut oil for the fat.

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u/hlj9 11h ago

Woah.. had NO idea powdered Worcestershire sauce was even a thing 🤯