Kitchen Confidence: How to Season Like a Pro

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I just don’t know how to season food like chefs do,” I’d have... well, a whole lot of dollars and probably a spice company by now.

The truth is, seasoning isn’t a mystery, it's a skill. One that anyone can learn. And once you do? It’ll completely change the way you cook.

Here’s my take on the seasoning trifecta:

1. Salt is not the enemy — it’s your best friend.Salt enhances flavor, plain and simple. If your dish tastes flat, it likely needs more salt — or it wasn’t layered properly. Always season as you go, not just at the end. That means salting proteins before cooking, seasoning veggies before roasting, and tasting your sauces as they reduce.

2. Acid is the spark.A squeeze of lemon. A splash of vinegar. Even a dollop of yogurt. Acid brightens everything and balances richness. I use acid the same way I use salt to wake flavors up. Try finishing a stew with a little red wine vinegar, or squeezing citrus over roasted veggies. It pops.

3. Herbs add life.Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill should be treated like flavor confetti. Toss them in at the end for freshness. Dried herbs like oregano or thyme are great early in the cooking process to infuse deeper flavor. Don’t overthink it  just toss some in and see what happens.

My Go-To All-Purpose Spice Blend

All-Purpose Spice Blend

This is the mix I reach for when I want instant flavor — no guesswork, no fuss:

Chef Starr’s Everyday Magic Blend:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp dried thyme

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1 tbsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp cracked black pepper

  
  

Mix it up, store it in a small jar, and sprinkle it on chicken, veggies, tofu, seafood — anything you’ve got. It’s flavorful without being overpowering and works in just about any cuisine.

The more you season with intention, the more confident you’ll feel. Taste everything. Trust your palate. Keep salt, acid, and herbs within arm’s reach. You don’t need a fancy culinary degree — just the willingness to play and learn.

Ready to cook with more confidence (and way more flavor)?

Let’s keep building your kitchen intuition together.👉 Visit the Tastery for more tips, recipes, and kitchen inspo.

You’ve got this — and I’ve got your back.

With flavor & flair,

Chef Starr

Season boldly. Cook freely. Always taste.