Healthier, Here are 8 Natural Flavor Enhancers as MSG Substitutes

Kapanlagi.com - Flavor enhancers are one of the seasonings that are often used in cooking. In our society, flavor enhancers are more commonly known as MSG (monosodium glutamate). Many also call it micin or vetsin. The use of artificial flavor enhancers is considered to have a negative impact on health. But don't worry, because there are natural flavor enhancers that are safer.

When it comes to enhancing the taste of food, natural flavor enhancers are not inferior to artificial ones. In addition, these flavor enhancers are also generally safer to consume. Unfortunately, it seems that many people still don't know what natural ingredients can be used as flavor enhancers. It is evident that many people still choose to use MSG.

Summarized from various sources, here are some natural flavor enhancers as MSG substitutes.

1. Broth

(credit: freepuk)

Broth may be one of the natural flavorings that is already quite popular and widely used. Broth can be easily made. The way is simply by boiling chicken or beef bones. However, to get the perfect broth, it does require a longer boiling time.

No need to worry, if you want practicality, there are already many ready-to-use broths available in the form of powder or small cube pieces. In fact, lately not only beef and chicken, mushroom broth has also emerged as an option.

2. Salt and Sugar

One of the easiest to find and practice natural flavorings is salt and sugar. Yes, the combination of sugar and salt can give a delicious and savory sensation to dishes.

The sweetness of sugar can balance the saltiness of salt, and vice versa. So, you can adjust the ratio of the combination of sugar and salt according to your taste. Depending on your taste buds, which tend to prefer sweet or salty food.

3. Shallots and Garlic

Shallots and garlic are two types of spices or seasonings that are often used in various types of dishes. They are not only used as basic cooking ingredients, but shallots and garlic can also be used as additional flavor enhancers.

Their usage is quite easy, simply grind them and add a little salt. The mixture of shallots, garlic, and salt will add a savory taste to the dish.

In addition, there are other ways to use shallots and garlic as flavor enhancers. You can thinly slice them and fry them. As we all know, fried shallots and garlic never fail to complement the taste of various dishes.

4. Shrimp or Ebi

Small shrimp or ebi can also be used as a natural flavor enhancer. Grinding the ebi and combining it with other finely ground spices will add savory and delicious taste to the dish. Adding ebi to the seasoning will be very suitable for various stir-fried dishes.

5. Shrimp Paste

(credit: freepuk)

Made from shrimp, terasi can also be used as a natural flavor enhancer. Although terasi has a strong smell, it is proportional to the delicious taste it provides. It is proven that terasi can enhance the taste of various dishes, from sambal, stir-fry, to fried rice. 

6. Cheese

If the dish you make has a creamy taste with a thick texture, like pasta or soup, you can use cheese. The savory taste of cheese will make your dish even more delicious and creamy. The salty taste of cheese will also enhance the savoryness of your dish.

7. Herbs

(credit: freepuk)

Leafy herbs should not be underestimated. Leafy herbs like lime leaves, turmeric leaves, scallions, leeks, celery, and coriander leaves are also very useful in cooking. Besides adding deliciousness, these herbal leaves serve to enhance the fresh aroma and can mask the fishy smell in meat.

8. Mushrooms

(credit: freepuk)

Mushrooms have always been one of the favorite ingredients. Having a delicious taste and a unique chewy texture, mushrooms are suitable for various types of dishes. In addition, we often find mushroom slices as additional ingredients in several preparations, such as soup, stir-fry, or steak sauce.

Apparently, there is a reason why mushrooms are often added to various types of dishes. This is because mushrooms can be a natural flavor enhancer. So, you can use small mushroom slices to enhance the deliciousness of your dish.

Those are some natural flavor enhancers that can replace MSG. You can use them to make your dish more delicious and healthy. Hope it's helpful!

(kpl/psp)