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    Foods You Thought You Hated Until You Had Them Cooked Right

    Published: Sep 12, 2023 Modified: Sep 12, 2023 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Some foods are an acquired taste, and people may grow to like them later in life.  But oh, the betrayal of finding out you missed a lot of delicious food because it was done wrong the first time you ate it.  See if this list inspires you to give something a second try, and let us know the foods you think deserve a second chance.

    Chicken

    air fryer wings with celery
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly

    Overcooked chicken has a texture and flavor similar to cheap leather.  For some, a piece of fried chicken was the first hint chicken could be juicy and tender.  Adjusting heat and cooking time is unbreaded chicken’s salvation.

    Sauceless Steak

    Skirt steak on cutting board
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    People who slather their steak with A-1 make most beef eaters cringe.  Generally, using the sauce was an effort to choke down an unseasoned, dry steak.  Rubbed or marinated before proper cooking makes a delicious steak that stands alone.

    Spear to the Tastebuds

    Asparagus Spears
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Asparagus spears seem to top the list of foods that are truly delightful IF you get them properly prepared.  Kids who grew up with the soggy, smooshy, slightly slimy version of overcooked or canned asparagus likely still swear off the veggie.   This is sad because properly steamed or roasted with a bit of kosher salt and a couple of spritzes of olive oil makes them irresistible! 

    Grits

    Homemade Shrimp and Grits with Pork and Cheddar
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Made from ground corn, grits prepared poorly are tasteless and either watery or the consistency of spackle.  In the right southern hands, grits become a favorite side dish.  Sugar, butter, and cream make a nice sweet dish.  Adding butter, cheddar cheese, and salt makes a savory version.   

    It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts

    woman with healthy groceries
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    A couple of food items should come with instructions, or you’ll swear them off forever.  Edamame eaten in the shell is a terrible experience.  It’s nice if a friend clues you in on how to get the yummy beans out and put the shells on the throwaway pile.  Similarly, biting into tamales that are still wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf is a taste and texture disaster.  

    Brussels Sprouts

    Healthy Organic Green Brussel Sprouts in a Bowl
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    When boiled to a mushy mess, Brussels sprouts are nasty.  People who bravely push past the first try find sliced, spiced, and roasted Brussels are delicious.  

    Get Steamed

    Fresh steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt on a rustic tabletop.
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    It would seem an entire generation turned their backs on veggies or fish they were cooked by steaming.  Steaming cuts down on the amount of fat in a dish, but without proper prep and seasoning, it also turns out truly tasteless food.  Once you get it right, you may be thrilled by how healthy AND delicious steamed dishes can be.  Fish sprinkled with some pink Himalayan salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice is a game changer if you’ve only had it steamed solo before.  

    And steamed veggies, we’ve just been missing a step!  Talented cooks will tell you to steam the veggies, and when they’re you’re desired level of doneness, give them an ice water dip, then finish by reheating and adding some herbs and spices.

    Tofu

    Baked marinated tofu with herbs and spices
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    It’s a weird color and texture, basically tasteless… unless you’ve had it done right!  Well-drained tofu effortlessly takes on the delicious flavors of whatever spices and sauces cover the soy-based protein during cooking.   

    Focus on Fries

    A man full of fries
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Around the same time steaming came on the scene, we were being told all fats are bad all the time (of course they’re not).  But it led to a lot of oven-baked recipes that were kitchen disasters.  Oven-fried french fries not properly prepared tend to be soggy and limp. Bumping up the temperature and cooking time can easily solve the problem.  Or using the much-beloved air fryer.

    The people of Belgium (world famous for their “frites”) will tell you if they’re not double fried, they’re not done.   

    Pot Roast

    Man shocked saying oh
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    The inexpensive roast can be a juicy show-stopper.  But If you grew up eating pot roast that was dry, tough, and required ketchup to swallow, you can be forgiven for thinking you hate it.

    Calamari

    Macro Close up of grilled calamari (squid) and green asparagus.
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

    Like so many other foods on this list, calamari (squid) is on a lot of “I hate it” lists because improper cooking turns it rubbery.  Along with octopus, squid can be grilled to tender, juicy perfection in the hands of a European or Asian cook.  

    Beets

    Woman eating Beets salad
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    Some people like pickled beets.  Not many.  And if that was your childhood introduction to beets, you probably were not a fan.  But prepared fresh and sauteed in butter and salt, then served warm makes a believer out of former beet haters.

    So what if it’s not the way mom used to make it?  Maybe that’s the whole point (sorry mom!)  What foods would you love to love if you could find the right recipe?

    This thread inspired this post

    10 Seriously Boomer Foods That Boomers Love According to the Internet

    Senior man eats a pizza
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Baby boomers lived through tricky historical times, so we must be mindful of their food choices. My parents in England grew up in Austerity Britain between 1945 and 1955 when war rationing continued. While some of the meals that survived this era may still be with us, who would begrudge people for craving their childhood favorites? In a recent online post, people suggest foods baby boomers still love. Find the list here.

    10 Popular Foods That Men Voted They Can't Bring Themselves To Eat

    Man saying no
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    A recent online discussion among men involved foods they can't bring themselves to eat. From beef tongues to Haggis, these are popular foods men say they can handle, despite others despising them. Get the list here. 

    10 Foods Americans Eat That Are Banned in Other Countries

    surprised woman eating a donut
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock

    Did you know that several foods popular in America are banned in some other countries? Usually, this is because of chemicals or food production standards that aren’t considered acceptable in those countries. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of those foods and what they’re banned. Some might surprise you! Get the full list here. 

    10 Popular Foods Meant To Be Served Hot That People Prefer Cold. Do You? 

    Woman having fried chicken
    Image Credit: Shutterstock.

    Some people swear coffee can only be prepared with one method, or it’s improper. Others will take it cold, hot, on ice, or any other way. Are there certain foods that are supposed to be served fresh and hot that you prefer cold? This list came about because of an internet discussion where people argued whether foods like pizza or fried chicken could be eaten cold.  Get the list here. 

    The Boomer Food Hall of Fame: 10 Dishes That Are Iconic for Baby Boomers

    Senior man eats a pizza
    Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

    Baby boomers lived through tricky historical times, so we must be mindful of their food choices. My parents in England grew up in Austerity Britain between 1945 and 1955 when war rationing continued. While some of the meals that survived this era may still be with us, who would begrudge people for craving their childhood favorites? In a recent online post, people suggest foods baby boomers still love. Get the list here.

    12 Boomers Facts You Were Taught As A Child Only To Find Out They Were Not True

    woman with gum
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock

    If you grew up with Boomer parents or had Boomer teachers, you probably heard a lot of things that you later came to realize (or maybe did at the time) just weren’t true. Some of these things were well-meaning. Some seemed about making you behave, while some were downright bizarre. Get the list.

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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