It turns out that there’s a hidden ingredient that can elevate your holiday recipes: monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is sometimes misinterpreted. As innocuous as the salt, sugar, and pepper in your cupboard, MSG has a poor reputation historically, mostly because people believe it to be unhealthy. However, a variety of meals, including the well-liked foods we eat during the holidays, can benefit from this flavorful addition.
Tasting Table spoke with experts such as Chef Christopher Koetke, a corporate executive chef at Ajinomoto North America, and Chef Jon Kung, a self-taught cook, culinary influencer, and best-selling author of “Kung Food,” exclusively to find out how we can use this once-misunderstood and now cleared flavor enhancer. Kung and Koetke offered their knowledge and advice on how to incorporate the game-changing MSG into cherished holiday recipes.
“Umami is one of our five basic tastes and contributes mightily to delicious food. MSG is basically pure umami. As such, MSG is ideal to incorporate into holiday dishes because of how versatile it is. It works well as an ingredient in roast vegetables, thick gravies, and even desserts where it can add a special savory touch “says Koetke. Kung, meanwhile, emphasizes how flavorful foods like ham and Brussels sprouts can be enhanced with a small amount of MSG to bring out their best flavors.
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are gearing up to prepare the centerpiece of the feast: the turkey. But have you ever wondered if turkey naturally contains MSG (monosodium glutamate), the infamous flavor enhancer that has sparked countless debates? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the world of MSG in turkey, separating fact from fiction and helping you make informed choices for your culinary creations.
MSG in Turkey: The Straight Story:
Let’s get straight to the point: turkey does not naturally contain MSG. MSG is a synthetically produced flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, mushrooms, and seaweed. While turkey does contain glutamic acid, the amount is not significant enough to produce the noticeable umami flavor boost associated with added MSG.
MSG in Processed Turkey Products:
While turkey itself is MSG-free, it’s important to note that some processed turkey products, such as deli meats, sausages, and pre-cooked turkey slices, may contain added MSG as a flavor enhancer This is why it’s crucial to always check the ingredient list of processed turkey products before consuming them, especially if you have an MSG sensitivity.
The MSG Debate: Friend or Foe?
MSG has been a subject of controversy for decades, with some claiming it causes headaches, nausea, and other adverse reactions, while others tout its ability to enhance the flavor of food without any harmful effects. The scientific evidence on MSG is mixed, with some studies suggesting potential side effects in sensitive individuals, while others find no significant link between MSG consumption and adverse reactions.
To MSG or Not to MSG: A Personal Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use MSG in your turkey preparation is a personal one. If you’re concerned about potential side effects, you can opt for MSG-free options or use natural flavor enhancers like herbs, spices, and vegetables. However, if you’re comfortable with using MSG and appreciate its ability to add a savory depth to your dishes, then feel free to incorporate it into your turkey recipe.
Tips for Enhancing Turkey Flavor Without MSG:
Whether you choose to use MSG or not, there are several ways to enhance the flavor of your turkey without relying on artificial additives. Here are a few tips:
- Brining: Brining your turkey in a salt-water solution helps to keep it moist and flavorful. You can add herbs, spices, and even fruits to your brine for additional flavor.
- Dry Rub: A dry rub made with a blend of herbs, spices, and salt can create a delicious crust on your turkey. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Basting: Basting your turkey with butter, broth, or a mixture of both during the cooking process helps to keep it moist and adds additional flavor.
- Stuffing: Stuffing your turkey with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, herbs, and spices can infuse the meat with delicious aromas and enhance its overall taste.
While turkey itself does not contain MSG, it’s important to be aware of processed turkey products that may have added MSG. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use MSG in your turkey preparation is a personal one. By understanding the facts about MSG and exploring alternative flavor-enhancing techniques, you can make informed choices that align with your preferences and health concerns. So, go forth and create a Thanksgiving feast that is both delicious and satisfying, with or without the addition of MSG.
How MSG impacts the flavor of holiday mashed potatoes and veggies
Monosodium glutamates versatility extends to mashed potatoes and veggie side dishes that round out the holiday meal. For all cruciferous vegetables, Christopher Koetke suggests adding MSG at the same time as you season your food with salt and pepper. He continues, “My recipe for maple caramelized Brussels sprouts with whole grain mustard is one of my favorite vegetable sides. When it comes to mashed potatoes, Koetke enjoys adding goat cheese, which naturally has a high glutamate content similar to parmesan cheese and tastes even better when combined with MSG.
If this doesn’t persuade you to add MSG to your mashed potatoes, we don’t know what will. Jon Kung humorously responds, “What do you think the phrase where has this been all my life? tastes like? It tastes like MSG in mashed potatoes!” when asked for suggestions on incorporating MSG into plant-based holiday side dishes. Besides mashed potatoes, Kung feels braised vegetables would also benefit from adding some MSG.
The best way to use MSG in a holiday turkey, stuffing, or gravy recipe
Experts Jon Kung and Christopher Koetke offer convincing methods to start using MSG in your holiday turkey recipe. Kung suggests adding MSG to your turkey brine or basting liquids once you’re at ease and accustomed to using it. This will enhance the birds inherent flavors, ensuring its succulence. Koetke recommends infusing MSG directly into the turkey rub. He rubs the turkey heavily with a mixture of MSG, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, cumin, and thyme before baking it with butter and a bottle of ale. This method seasons the turkey and imparts a rich, complex flavor profile with enhanced umami.
The versatility of MSG extends to turkey gravy and its stuffing as well. MSG, according to Kung, “makes meaty things taste meatier,” giving foods like sausage stuffing a robust, scrumptious flavor. Koetke echoes this sentiment. He makes his stuffing with stale or leftover bread, enhancing it with MSG and using chicken or turkey broth rather than water. “The MSG adds an irresistible savory component to the stuffing, again because it is pure umami,” he states. As for his gravy, just a pinch of MSG will add layered depth and savoriness.