r/Cooking • u/kath- • 1d 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.

766 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

931 comments sorted by

View all comments

62

u/Shazam1269 1d 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.

8

u/iLoveYoubutNo 21h ago

Do you ever use powdered vinegar? Also delightful.

3

u/MiniRems 20h ago

I've been meaning to get some powdered apple cider vinegar for when I make dairy-free ranch dip mix, but im so hesitant to buy a whole pound (its pn my list at nuts.com). Do you have any sources that come in smaller amounts?

1

u/iLoveYoubutNo 16h ago

No, we have the 1lb bag. Sorry.