How to Avoid Over-Spicing When Preparing Food

Commercial Steamer

Even those of us who love spicy food will admit that we have limits. There really is such a thing as “too spicy,” and one simple way to ruin a dinner is by over-spicing. In order to avoid that sad scenario, follow the steps below.

Step One: Pair Well

One reason why people sometimes over-spice is that they are attempting to over-compensate. Because their spice combination is less than fully flavorful, they fall back on the mistaken logic that more is better. Instead of over-spicing with mediocre or mistaken ingredients, take some time to select the perfect pairing.

With the right spices, only a little is needed to enhance the natural flavors of your dish.

Step Two: Salt!

According to top chefs, an oft-made mistake of new or inexperienced cooks is that they don't use nearly enough salt—especially with their meats.

[Chris] Brown, who runs the catering division at The Stop, a food-focused charity, doesn't chastely sprinkle a few grains from a shaker before serving, the way most home cooks do. He seasons little by little, at almost every stage of cooking, tasting as he goes. Meat and poultry get the blizzard treatment – he seasons from a foot above the counter, letting kosher salt fall like a snowstorm from his fingers. “The meat should look like it's completely covered in salt, like the sugar on a funnel cake,” he said (The Globe and Mail).

Salt brings out the natural flavors in your dish. There are a few tricks, such as using kosher or sea salt and learning the proper timing and amounts for adding salt; however, these are easily mastered with a little practice.

Step Three: Balance 

Foods such as acids, veggies, nuts, sweets, broths, and dairy can all cut through the strength of hot spices. If you find you've accidentally added a few too many red pepper flakes, choose from among the above ingredients to add some balance to your dish.

We Can Help

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We look forward to serving you.

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Posted in: Cooking Tips & Recipes