As we look back at 2022, it’s clear that the year brought an array of extraordinary dishes that captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts everywhere. From innovative takes on classic favorites to groundbreaking new recipes, Serious Eats has curated a list of standout recipes that define the culinary landscape of the year. This guide delves into each favorite recipe, exploring their origins, detailed preparation techniques, variations, and tips to help you recreate these beloved dishes in your own kitchen.
1. Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken
Overview: The quest for the ultimate fried chicken has been a long-standing culinary challenge. Serious Eats’ Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken recipe is celebrated for its perfectly seasoned, crispy coating and juicy, tender meat. This recipe takes the classic Southern comfort food to new heights with a methodical approach to brining, seasoning, and frying.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken Parts: Use a mix of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for optimal flavor and texture.
- Buttermilk: Essential for brining, buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and imparts a tangy flavor.
- Seasonings: A blend of spices and herbs, including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, adds depth to the coating.
Preparation Steps:
- Brining: Soak the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and seasonings for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Coating: Dredge the brined chicken in a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Frying: Heat oil to the appropriate temperature and fry the chicken in batches to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
Tips:
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy results without burning.
- Resting: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack to keep the coating crisp.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk brine for a spicier kick.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour mixture for additional flavor.
2. Classic Beef Stroganoff
Overview: Beef Stroganoff, with its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. Serious Eats’ version brings together perfectly seared beef with a luscious sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles or rice.
Key Ingredients:
- Beef: Use tender cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin, sliced thinly.
- Mushrooms: Add umami and texture with sautéed mushrooms.
- Sour Cream: Creates a tangy, creamy sauce that complements the beef.
Preparation Steps:
- Searing Beef: Quickly sear the beef slices in a hot pan to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Making the Sauce: Sauté onions and mushrooms, then deglaze with white wine or broth. Stir in sour cream and beef broth to create the sauce.
- Combining: Return the beef to the pan, simmer until cooked through, and serve over noodles or rice.
Tips:
- Avoid Overcooking: Sear the beef quickly to keep it tender; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Cream Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less beef broth.
Variations:
- Mushroom-Free: For a lighter version, omit the mushrooms and increase the amount of onions.
- Herb-Enhanced: Add fresh dill or parsley for added freshness and flavor.
3. Decadent Chocolate Cake
Overview: A rich, moist chocolate cake is a timeless favorite for celebrations and special occasions. Serious Eats’ Decadent Chocolate Cake recipe is known for its intense chocolate flavor and tender crumb, making it a standout dessert.
Key Ingredients:
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Chocolate: Incorporate melted chocolate for extra richness.
Preparation Steps:
- Mixing Ingredients: Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then mix together to form the batter.
- Baking: Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cooling and Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with your favorite chocolate icing.
Tips:
- Sifting Cocoa Powder: Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- Cake Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it moist.
Variations:
- Frosting Options: Try a cream cheese frosting or a ganache for different flavor profiles.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added texture.
4. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Overview: Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a nutritious and flavorful meal option. Serious Eats’ recipe combines hearty ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and vegetables for a satisfying and colorful dish.
Key Ingredients:
- Bell Peppers: Choose a variety of colors for visual appeal and different flavors.
- Quinoa: Provides a protein-rich base for the stuffing.
- Beans and Veggies: Black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes add texture and flavor.
Preparation Steps:
- Preparing Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Blanch if desired for extra tenderness.
- Making the Filling: Cook quinoa and mix with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices.
- Stuffing and Baking: Fill the peppers with the mixture, top with cheese if desired, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Tips:
- Pepper Preparation: Blanching the peppers before baking helps them become more tender and less crunchy.
- Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses or a cheese with a strong flavor to enhance the stuffing.
Variations:
- Protein-Rich: Add tofu or tempeh to the filling for additional protein.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling for a spicier version.
5. Homemade Pizza Dough
Overview: Homemade pizza dough is a game-changer for pizza enthusiasts. Serious Eats’ recipe for pizza dough is praised for its perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness, making it the ideal base for your favorite toppings.
Key Ingredients:
- Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour or a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for a chewy texture.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps with the dough’s elasticity.
Preparation Steps:
- Mixing Dough: Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water, then knead until smooth and elastic.
- Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shaping and Baking: Roll out the dough, add toppings, and bake in a hot oven until crispy and golden.
Tips:
- Kneading: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and ensure a good texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough for added flavor.
6. Classic Caesar Salad
Overview: The Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, is a staple of American cuisine. Serious Eats’ recipe emphasizes a homemade dressing that’s creamy and flavorful, elevating this classic salad to new heights.
Key Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, it holds up well to the dressing.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and pungency to the dressing.
- Anchovies: Essential for a traditional Caesar flavor, anchovies provide umami without overpowering the salad.
Preparation Steps:
- Making the Dressing: Blend egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy dressing.
- Preparing the Salad: Toss chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing and top with croutons and additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Homemade Croutons: Use day-old bread and season with olive oil and herbs for crispy croutons.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the dressing by adding a bit of water or additional lemon juice.
Variations:
- Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit anchovies and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute for a vegetarian-friendly option.
7. Creamy Tomato Soup
Overview: Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich. Serious Eats’ version is praised for its rich, velvety texture and robust tomato flavor, achieved through a careful balance of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Key Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes or canned tomatoes for a rich base.
- Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the soup.
- **Onions and