Creating good food isn’t just about the taste. They say we eat with our eyes first, so what kind of taste are you offering up for your dinner guests when you plate your dishes?
Especially when you spend a lot of time making delicious food, it’s a shame to have it not look as good as it should look.
These six tips for plating can help you create dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Choose Your Canvas Wisely
Before you begin plating, make sure you’re choosing a plate size and shape that works well with your dish. Choosing something too small will make everything look crowded, while choosing a certain color might mute or disrupt the color palate you’re aiming for with your food. But above all else, make sure your plate is clean—we recommend keeping a small towel close by to quickly wick away any rogue sauces or smears that could taint an otherwise beautiful picture.
Think about Color Contrast
Don’t be afraid to play around with the colors on the plate. Whether it’s green herbs or red tomatoes, there are many dishes where you can transform how it looks by adding vibrant splashes of color. A lot of this will come down to the recipe; some will be easier to make colorful than others. Your best bet is reviewing the recipe and seeing where you can add or swap things out to make it more colorful without compromising the integrity of the dish.
Garnish With Purpose
Gone are the days where garnishes were only there to make a dish look prettier—chefs know better than to add a sprig of parsley if there’s no point. A good garnish adds visual appeal AND makes sense with the flavors in the dish. Elements like fresh herbs, edible flowers, and microgreens can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor. But be mindful not to overdo it; a garnish should enhance the dish, but never overpower it.
Use Sauces Creatively
Sauces can be more than just an accompaniment; they can be a design element. Instead of simply pouring sauce over the food, try drizzling, dotting, or brushing it onto the plate. You can use a squeeze bottle to create intricate patterns or a brush to add artistic streaks. Use online resources to see new sauce plating methods and master the technique by watching those who already have!
Create Height
Adding height to your dish can create a more dynamic and interesting presentation. You can achieve this by stacking ingredients or using garnishes that stand tall. For example, you can place a piece of grilled chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes and top it with a sprig of rosemary. The added height draws the eye and adds a sense of sophistication to the dish and you barely have to do anything else.
Find Opportunities to Practice
Like any other skill in the kitchen you’re working on, plating takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t look like they came out of a Michelin-starred kitchen—they probably won’t, and that’s okay! Take the time to experiment with different techniques and styles. Look for inspiration from cookbooks, food blogs, and social media. And remember, the ultimate goal is to make your food look as good as it tastes.
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