Cooking

How to Bring More Flavor to Your Vegetables

Grilled Teriyaki vegetables on skewers presented on a tray

Posted on: May 5, 2023

Eating vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. Luckily, there are countless ways to prepare vegetables to ensure that each dish is healthy and flavorful.

Combining different herbs, sauces or even cooking methods will make a world of difference in how your vegetables taste. Keep the following tips in mind if you need some inspiration the next time you prepare vegetables.

1. Try a Healthy Dip

Complement your raw vegetables with healthy dips such as hummus or miso yogurt dressing. Dips and dressings are a great way to enhance the flavor of your vegetables and add nutrients to your meal. You can also enjoy dressing on salads or over grilled vegetables. 

2. Stuff Your Vegetables

Turn a vegetable from a side to the main dish by stuffing it with your favorite meat or plant-based protein and cheese. Many people stuff bell peppers, but other vegetables, such as eggplants, mushrooms, zucchini, summer squash, potatoes and artichokes, also work well. Be sure to sprinkle your favorite spices or add a splash of sauce on top for extra flavor. 

3. Try New Cooking Methods

Steaming and boiling are common cooking methods for vegetables, but these techniques can leave them tasteless or mushy. Switching up your cooking method can unlock new flavors and possibilities for your vegetables. Some options include:

  • Air frying.
  • Grilling.
  • Oven roasting.
  • Sauteing.
  • Slow cooking.
  • Pressure-cooking.

4. Use Citrus

Adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange is an excellent way to bring out the flavor of your vegetables. The citrus will balance out any remaining bitterness, especially in vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Add a dash of citrus to steamed spinach or broccoli for a flavorful surprise or squeeze it over a vegetable of your choice before cooking. 

5. Add Spices and Seasonings

Fresh herbs and spices will add flavor to any food. Think about your favorite meals and the spices featured in these dishes. You can use these same seasonings for mixed vegetables.

Some spices you can use to season vegetables include:

  • Hot sauce.
  • Tarragon.
  • Curry.
  • Vinegar.
  • Garlic.

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With San-J’s collection of cooking sauces, it’s easy to make vegetables taste good. Shop our selection online or use our store locator to find our products near you.