If you want to take your home-cooked dishes to the next level, then you’re in for a treat! Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor powerhouse that adds a depth of deliciousness to your meals. Today, I’m excited to share with you my very own recipe for an incredible All-Purpose MSG Seasoning that will elevate your favorite dishes and become a staple in your kitchen.
Unveiling the Secret to Flavorful Delights
If you’ve been following my culinary adventures, you probably know how much I adore MSG. Those little white crystals have the power to transform any savory dish into a magical culinary experience. Surprisingly, I realized that I haven’t shared my official recipe for our all-purpose MSG seasoning until now. It’s about time!
So, let’s dive into the world of MSG and explore how you can create an amazing all-purpose seasoning that will add a burst of flavor to your home-cooked meals.
What is MSG?
MSG, short for monosodium glutamate, is a combination of one sodium molecule and the amino acid glutamate. The sodium in MSG is the same type found in regular salt. In simple terms, MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid.
Discovered by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908, MSG is now typically fermented from sugar beets or sugar cane. It’s important to note that MSG contains two-thirds less sodium than table salt, making it a great option for flavor enhancement without excessive sodium intake. In fact, MSG is a common ingredient in many popular foods, like Doritos, which owe their signature flavor to this amazing seasoning.
While MSG is widely used in Asian cuisines, it has faced undeserved criticism in the United States. In the 1960s, a letter to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine reported vague symptoms after eating at a Chinese restaurant. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the myth of “Chinese restaurant syndrome” arose, perpetuating unfounded fears about MSG. It’s essential to recognize that MSG is a safe and natural combination of two common molecules found in the natural world.
Natural Sources of MSG
MSG can be found in many foods and ingredients that naturally contain glutamine, glutamate, and monosodium glutamate. Some examples include tomatoes and tomato-based products, mushrooms (especially dried shiitake mushrooms), Parmesan cheese, anchovies, oysters, egg yolks, walnuts, soy sauce, miso, fish sauce, and even breast milk. Our bodies are also capable of producing glutamate on their own, highlighting its presence as a key component in our natural systems.
The Safety of Cooking with MSG
Rest assured, cooking with MSG is perfectly safe. It’s highly unlikely that you could add an amount of MSG that would pose any health risks. In fact, MSG is self-limiting, meaning that adding “too much” can actually ruin the flavors of your dish. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers MSG to be “generally recognized as safe” when used as an ingredient in food.
Looking at countries where MSG is commonly consumed, such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, even heavy consumers only consume about 1.1-3.0 grams of MSG per day. This is still below the levels used in studies that found adverse effects in rodents. While we can’t directly apply rodent studies to humans, no high-quality trials on humans have provided sufficient evidence to suggest that MSG is harmful or dangerous when consumed at typical levels.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the science of MSG, KnowMSG is an excellent resource provided by Ajinomoto, a company that produces MSG. It offers valuable insights and research updates on the safety of MSG.
Unlock the Flavors of Umami with MSG
MSG is all about umami, a savory flavor that brings depth and richness to your culinary creations. It’s one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. Describing the exact flavor of MSG is challenging because it’s primarily a flavor enhancer that amplifies the existing umami flavors in your dishes. When used in the right proportions, MSG can bring out subtle flavors or intensify the already-present umami notes.
Crafting Your All-Purpose MSG Seasoning
Creating your own all-purpose MSG seasoning couldn’t be easier! The most challenging part is finding MSG, as it might not be readily available in your local grocery store. However, don’t fret—I’ll share some tips on where to find it later on.
To make your All-Purpose MSG Seasoning, gather the following ingredients:
- MSG: This will be the primary ingredient, providing the flavor-enhancing power.
- Garlic powder: Adds a delightful aroma and depth.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
- White and black pepper: Choose one or the other, depending on your preference. I lean towards white pepper for its unique flavor. Opt for a finely ground pepper for better integration.
- Cayenne pepper: This adds a touch of heat, but use it sparingly.
Combine all the ingredients in a small jar and stir them together using a fork or whisk. Alternatively, if the jar has a lid, you can shake it vigorously to blend the spices. Keep in mind that the pepper might float to the top, especially if it has a coarser grind. When it’s time to cook, simply sprinkle a pinch of your homemade MSG seasoning over your food to infuse every bite with its captivating flavors.
Where to Find MSG
While MSG is becoming more readily available, you might still need to do a little searching. Here are my top tips for finding MSG:
- Check your local grocery store: Look for an MSG product called “Accent Seasoning” in your regular grocery store, as this is a common brand.
- Explore Asian grocery stores or markets: MSG is frequently found here, often under the Ajinomoto brand. It’s often sold in a clear plastic bag with red lettering, and you may find it at a more affordable price compared to other stores.
- Online shopping: If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily find MSG through various online retailers. Consider getting a cute panda shaker, like the Ajinomoto Ajipanda Bottle (70g), to make your seasoning even more enjoyable.
Infuse Umami into Your Culinary Creations
With your all-purpose MSG seasoning ready to go, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Season meats like chicken, pork, beef, steaks, or seafood before grilling or roasting.
- Sprinkle a little MSG over eggs or mixed dishes just before serving.
- Elevate the umami in your sautéed, roasted, or grilled vegetables by adding MSG during cooking or even after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enrich your soups or stews by incorporating MSG during the cooking process or adjusting the flavor to your liking once finished.
- Sprinkle a pinch of MSG over avocado toast, roasted potatoes, or French fries for an extra special touch.
- Experiment with adding MSG seasoning to homemade salad dressings or vinaigrettes for a delicious twist.
A New Culinary Adventure Begins
Congratulations! You have unlocked the secrets of all-purpose MSG seasoning and are now ready to embark on a journey of flavor exploration. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please leave a rating or comment to share your feedback. And don’t forget to spread the word to anyone who is curious about cooking with MSG!
Thank you for joining me on this flavorful adventure. For more inspiration, make sure to follow me on Instagram and YouTube (along with other social media platforms). Oh, and sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with all my latest posts.
Here’s to fearlessly nourishing and delighting your taste buds with every meal you create. Cheers!