How to Fix an Underseasoned Dish

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 15, 2020 References

Few kitchen dilemmas are as disheartening as an under-seasoned dish. Whether the food is bland, monotonous, or simply lacking the flavors you hoped for, tasteless meals are a quick way to take the fun out of cooking. Clever seasoning can bring a dish back to life, and smart use of herbs, spices, and other ingredients can make or break an entire meal. Adding flavor to compliment your dish is a simple eleventh-hour fix that turns disappointing food into a culinary experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Adding Herbs and Spices

1
Add salt. Salt is a universal additive that can make just about any food tasty by bringing out natural flavors. Take a pinch of table salt and sprinkle it over the dish. Hold your arm high so it spreads out evenly. Different meals require different amounts of salt, so add it in small doses to avoid overpowering the dish.
- If the meal becomes too salty, build up the original flavor so the ingredients balance out and some of the salt is absorbed. For soup, try adding broth. For meat, potatoes, and similar dishes, try adding a small amount of unsalted butter or cream.^{[1]
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2
Use earthy herbs. Consider falling back on some traditional flavorings that have wide culinary compatibility. Dill, parsley, basil, thyme, and similar herbs provide a natural taste and texture that can make a meal look good while adding subtle flavors. These herbs mesh well with many dishes involving meat, vegetables, and potatoes. ^{[2]
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3
Use hot spices. Ingredients like pepper, paprika, and chili powder can add heat to any meal. Pair them with dishes involving meat, soup, or curry to add a rich, challenging flavor. For an extreme kick, use them alongside actual peppers.
4
Use sweet herbs and spices. Ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg can add a strong element to sweet or fruit-based dishes. They can also enhance sweet meats like ham. Use them sparingly, as the bold flavors can quickly overpower a meal.
5
Use spice mixes. Spice mixes can provide a quick fix for under seasoned meals. Though they often contain preservatives and a lot of salt, they take the guesswork out of food preparation. If you want greater control over portions, check the ingredients of a mix and add them individually.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Utilizing Dips, Dressings, and Sauces

1
Use condiments. Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are staples for a reason, and they can be used to power up an otherwise bland dish. Mix them with herbs and spices used in the dish to bring out the originally intended flavors. A little bit can go a long way, so be careful when adding it to a meal.^{[3]
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Use specialty sauces. For grilled and barbequed dishes, barbeque sauce can add a tangy and smoky flavor. For regional dishes, sauces originating from the area provide distinct flavors unique to the cuisine in question. Some speciality sauces, like hot and buffalo sauce, can work wonders on just about anything, so long as the individuals eating it can handle the temperature.
3
Use dip. If your meal is served in pieces, try complimenting it with a dip. For meat, potatoes, and various vegetables, peanut sauce, choron sauce, chimichurri, and pesto can add a little extra kick to a meal.^{[4]
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Research source} Specific dips may be appropriate for different regional foods, such as soy sauce for Asian cuisine and hummus for Middle Eastern dishes, though they can often be incorporated into other meals as well.
4
Use salad dressing. For something unorthodox, add ranch, caesar, or a similarly thick salad dressing to your meal. Spread it over meat, mix it with vegetables, or pour it on pasta to give a sharp, distinct flavor to the meal. Some dressings even work well as a dip. ^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Using Other Ingredients

1
Add cheese. Cheese is an easy way to give flavor to a dull meal. Though parmesan is the most common, other types of grated cheese can give your dish a unique kick.^{[6]
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Research source} For sweeter meals, a side of cheese can complement and bring out any flavors already present.
2
Add citrus. To make a meal more zesty, squeeze a lemon, lime, or similar fruit over the dish. A few drops can provide a lot of flavor, distracting from underseasoned and even overcooked food. Citrus works especially well for meat entrees like beef and shrimp.
3
Add salsa. For some dishes, the meal isn’t complete without a side of salsa. From eggs or rice to pork and chicken, salsa is a simple solution to make a meal hotter and tastier. It mixes well with citrus and a variety of sauces and condiments, making it a perfect last-resort. ^{[7]
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4
Add a side. If the meal still tastes underseasoned, add a side dish to compliment whatever flavor is there. For hearty meals, try potato dishes or other strong sides. For lighter fare, try bread and butter, a salad, or similarly simple concoctions.
- If served correctly, sides can become a part of the dish itself. Try serving meat on top of mashed potatoes or fries, or pasta mixed with vegetables. The flavors will combine and add to each other.
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