There is no doubt that when you eat out and have nice food, it is helped by the fact that the chefs can use the most luxurious ingredients. These can often elevate their dishes to something far beyond those that you make at home. These usually come with ridiculously high prices, unfortunately.
If you are on a budget, then you may have to miss out. However, a cheat around this is to prepare the dishes yourself. This may sound intimidating but here are some tips on how to prepare and cook with luxurious ingredients.
Wagyu
Wagyu steak is one of the most expensive cuts around. The highest grade of wagyu beef can cost over $1000. Though you do not need a super high-grade steak to have a good quality wagyu. There has been a recent trend of more approachable and affordable steaks being available like olive-fed wagyu beef.
Despite this being an expensive steak, there is no real need to cook it any differently. If anything, this steak is bursting with flavor and requires less than others. You need a hot pan that will sear the steak without burning it. Then just cook it how you like it. Do not overthink it. The steak provides the flavor you just need to cook it.
Truffles
Another popular ingredient that has become a mainstay on premium restaurant menus is the simple truffle. They can be used easily to recreate a restaurant-grade dish at home without too much hassle. An important thing to know is that you need to make the truffle the star of the show. Pick simple foods like pasta, eggs, or potatoes to keep the simplicity.
In order to use them, many fresh truffles are shaved or grated into dishes. The tricky part is preserving them. Fresh truffles only stay that way for a few days. If you cannot source fresh ones, then you should consider more preserved versions of them like oil or butter.
Oysters
Every film seems to have these in when the character goes to a fancy restaurant. They are known to bring a glamourous and premium feel to any occasion. Oysters can be purchased relatively cheap if you live near a coast where they are harvested. The fresher they are, the better.
In order to prepare them, then you will need to take some time and effort. One of the safest ways to prepare them is to use a flat-head screwdriver and a knife. Use the screwdriver to pry open the oyster then use the knife to slide it open. Oysters can be cooked but are equally good raw. You should think more about the accompanying sauce or condiment.
Luxury ingredients
These ingredients can seem intimidating due to them being more expensive than your bog-standard ones. However, many of them are easy to prepare and can give you full flavourful food. Research your options and then see how best to cook them. One piece of advice is to look at what is local, this will save you on cost and may minimize your risk.
Comments are closed.