So Redditoru/Iron_Undiesasked, “What’san add-inthat, to you, is a game changer?”

Here’s what people (including some members of theBuzzFeed Community) said.

“Mustard is an emulsifier and has lots of good uses when it comes to cooking.

Melty cheese being stirred in a pot with a wooden spoon. The cheese appears smooth and creamy, with some visible seasoning

“Fish sauce is a universal secret ingredient.

It’s fish sauce…”

u/deucemcsizzles

3.

“I add some curry powder to cream sauces/dishes.

A bowl of lentil soup garnished with cilantro and a dollop of butter on top

It’s not enough to taste the curry; just a little.

It always makes the sauce feel more complex or adds more body.”

Nutmeg, in general, is underrated, IMO, and we should re-embrace it.”

A baked meatloaf, partially sliced, placed on foil inside a kitchen

u/EclipseoftheHart

5.

“Cooked white rice in meatloaf.

Use rice instead of breadcrumbs.

A person is cooking scrambled eggs in a pan on a stove, using a wooden spatula to stir them

You’ll get a juicier, fluffier meatloaf every time.”

u/mollwallbaby

6.

“Anchovies in sauces or hearty soups.

A glass bowl filled with chocolate chip cookie dough, being stirred with a wooden spoon. Chocolate chips are scattered around the bowl

Chop them up small, and they will just melt in.

I love it for pizza sauce.

And I’m telling you, even people who hate anchovies don’t notice they’re in there.”

Two hash browns frying in a pan with hot oil

“I add MSG to soups, sauces, etc.

It’s best used when dissolved into something wet.

u/Ambitious_Wealth8080

8.

Close-up of a Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze

It really makes the eggs creamy and smooth.”

u/Frannie97

10.

“Tahini inchocolate chip cookies.

Close-up of a food processor with green pesto-like mixture and a metal blade

“Whenever I makecinnamon rolls, I always add cardamom.

It adds a depth of flavor to the cinnamon and makes them taste slightly less sweet.”

u/saywhat252525

12.

Close-up of a skillet containing simmering tomato sauce with chunks of vegetables and herbs

“Herbs de Provence in hash browns.

“Coffee in chocolate cake or brownies.

I add just enough to amp up the chocolate flavor.”

A baked quiche with visible pieces of vegetables and bacon, set on a wooden cutting board

u/crossfitchick16

14.

“My go-to for any dish that feels like it needs something is a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

This includes desserts, especially if I feel they taste too sweet.

A bowl of oatmeal with a spoon in it, placed on a textured surface

A little balsamic really cuts the sweetness and adds some depth.”

“Keep your leftover jar of pickle juice.

It can be used in many ways to add depth and awesome flavor.

A close-up of creamy fettuccine alfredo being lifted from a pan with a pasta server

It’s our secret weapon in potato salad.”

u/canadachris44

16.

“Miso paste in pesto sauce!

My favorite homemade pesto sauce uses miso and no Parmesan.

You wouldnt even know youre missing it.

“Chipotle in adobo sauce takes tomato-based dishes to the next level for me.”

u/ben_bliksem

18.

“I always add soy sauce when making a red pasta sauce.

It elevates it so much.”

“Vanilla instant pudding mix (just the powder) in cookies!

It makes them nice and soft, and they stay that way for days.”

karileah143

20.

“Gochujang is a great addition to any cheap pasta sauce in a jar.”

u/latihoa

22.

“Make your oatmeal with tea!

I love a good Earl Grey oatmeal with honey or vanilla coffee creamer.

It’s just a nice take on something classic.”

Just a dash adds a nice, subtle spice note to anything.

Meat sauces, stews, and fruit desserts are particularly nice.”

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.