The year 2021 was a remarkable one in the culinary world, marked by a resurgence of beloved classics, innovative twists, and comforting dishes that brought joy to kitchens around the globe. Serious Eats has compiled a list of favorite recipes that stood out in 2021, showcasing a diverse range of flavors, techniques, and inspirations. This guide delves deeply into each recipe, offering comprehensive preparation instructions, insightful tips, and creative variations to help you recreate these exceptional dishes.
1. Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Overview: Chicken wings, a popular favorite for gatherings and game days, reached new heights in 2021 with Serious Eats’ Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings. This recipe stands out for its ability to deliver the perfect crispy exterior without the mess of deep frying.
Key Ingredients:
- Chicken Wings: Choose fresh, high-quality wings for the best results.
- Baking Powder: The key to achieving a crispy texture; it helps dry out the skin.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika adds flavor and depth.
Preparation Steps:
- Preparation: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss with baking powder and seasonings.
- Baking: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and golden brown, about 40-45 minutes.
- Serving: Toss the wings in your favorite sauce or serve them plain with a side of dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Drying: Ensure the wings are thoroughly dried before applying baking powder for the crispiest skin.
- Rack Placement: Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the wings, promoting even crispiness.
Variations:
- Spicy Wings: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss with a glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
2. Perfect Beef Stroganoff
Overview: Beef Stroganoff, a comforting and classic dish, gained renewed appreciation in 2021. Serious Eats’ version is celebrated for its tender beef and creamy, flavorful sauce, making it a standout comfort food.
Key Ingredients:
- Beef: Use tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, sliced thinly.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, umami flavor.
- Sour Cream: Essential for the creamy, tangy sauce that defines this dish.
Preparation Steps:
- Searing Beef: Heat oil in a pan and sear the beef slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Making the Sauce: Sauté onions and mushrooms in the same pan. Deglaze with white wine or beef broth, then stir in sour cream and seasonings.
- Combining: Return the beef to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Tips:
- Avoid Overcooking: Sear the beef quickly to keep it tender; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Adjusting Sauce: For a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid slightly or add a cornstarch slurry.
Variations:
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh dill or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Mushroom-Free: Substitute additional vegetables like bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
3. Homemade Pizza Dough
Overview: Making your own pizza dough is a rewarding endeavor, and Serious Eats’ recipe is a testament to achieving a perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness. This dough serves as the ideal foundation for any pizza creation.
Key Ingredients:
- Flour: Use a combination of all-purpose and bread flour for optimal texture.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast is crucial for leavening and dough rise.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and enhances the dough’s elasticity.
Preparation Steps:
- Mixing Ingredients: Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shaping and Baking: Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, add toppings, and bake in a hot oven until crispy and golden.
Tips:
- Kneading: Ensure thorough kneading to develop the gluten for a chewy texture.
- Resting: Allow the dough to rest before shaping to make it easier to work with.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat Dough: Incorporate whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Herbed Dough: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for added flavor.
4. Classic Caesar Salad
Overview: The Caesar Salad, with its crisp lettuce and tangy dressing, remains a perennial favorite. Serious Eats’ Classic Caesar Salad recipe emphasizes a homemade dressing that brings out the best in this timeless dish.
Key Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, perfect for holding the creamy dressing.
- Garlic and Anchovies: Essential for a traditional Caesar flavor, adding depth and umami.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dressing.
Preparation Steps:
- Making the Dressing: Blend egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preparing the Salad: Toss chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing and top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Homemade Croutons: Use day-old bread and season with olive oil and herbs for the best texture and flavor.
- Dressing Consistency: Thin the dressing with a bit of water or extra lemon juice if needed.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative and omit the anchovies for a meat-free version.
5. Creamy Tomato Soup
Overview: Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting classic that pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich. Serious Eats’ recipe is praised for its rich, velvety texture and robust tomato flavor, making it a beloved choice.
Key Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes or canned tomatoes for a rich base.
- Cream: Adds smoothness and a luxurious texture to the soup.
- Onions and Garlic: Provide a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Preparation Steps:
- Sautéing: Cook onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down.
- Blending: Puree the soup until smooth, then stir in cream and seasonings.
- Simmering: Simmer the soup to blend the flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
Tips:
- Blending: Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture without transferring to a blender.
- Adjusting Thickness: Add more broth or cream to adjust the soup’s consistency to your preference.
Variations:
- Herbed Tomato Soup: Add fresh basil or thyme for additional flavor.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
6. Spaghetti Carbonara
Overview: Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy sauce made without cream. Serious Eats’ recipe captures the essence of this comforting dish with a rich, egg-based sauce and crispy pancetta.
Key Ingredients:
- Pasta: Use high-quality spaghetti or other long pasta.
- Pancetta or Guanciale: Adds a savory, crispy texture and flavor.
- Eggs and Parmesan Cheese: Create the creamy sauce without the need for cream.
Preparation Steps:
- Cooking Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water.
- Cooking Pancetta: Sauté the pancetta until crispy and set aside.
- Making the Sauce: Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese together. Combine with the pasta, adding reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips:
- Pasta Water: Use the starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve a creamy texture.
- Avoid Scrambling: Ensure the pasta is hot enough to cook the eggs but not so hot that it scrambles them.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Carbonara: Substitute pancetta with mushrooms or a vegetarian alternative.
- Additional Flavors: Add peas or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
7. Vegan Chocolate Cake
Overview: Vegan Chocolate Cake offers a rich, moist dessert option for those following a plant-based diet. Serious Eats’ recipe provides a decadent chocolate experience without the use of eggs or dairy.
Key Ingredients:
- Flour and Cocoa Powder: The base for the cake, providing structure and rich chocolate flavor.
- Applesauce or Vinegar: Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture.
- Plant-Based Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Preparation Steps:
- Mixing Ingredients: Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Mix together until smooth.
- Baking: Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick