master-cooks | The Grilled Cheese Addition Gordon Ramsay Uses For Deep, Rich Flavor

Gordon Ramsay, the renowned chef known for his culinary prowess, elevates the classic grilled cheese sandwich by incorporating a unique addition that enhances its flavor profile. Instead of sticking to the traditional combination of bread and cheese, Ramsay introduces a rich layer of kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, to his grilled cheese creation. This fermented cabbage dish, known for its spicy and tangy taste, adds a complex depth to the sandwich, transforming it from a simple comfort food into a gourmet experience. The kimchi's bold flavors meld beautifully with the melted cheese, providing a delightful contrast that excites the palate. By incorporating kimchi, Ramsay not only boosts the umami factor of the dish but also introduces a satisfying crunch that complements the gooey texture of the melted cheese. Additionally, the use of high-quality bread and a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, ensures that each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ramsay’s innovative twist on the grilled cheese sandwich showcases his ability to blend traditional and modern culinary techniques, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and refreshingly new, offering a deeply satisfying taste experience.

Perfectly caramelized onions requires patience but pays off

Even if you’ve never prepared them yourself, the taste of caramelized onions is familiar to everyone—just think of French onion soup. Their signature richness and earthy complexity come from the labor-intensive (but rewarding) process of slowly caramelizing large quantities of sliced onions.

For your next grilled cheese, you can use yellow, white, or even red onions. Slice them thinly or dice them, depending on whether you prefer a bit of crunch or a smoother, spreadable consistency. Just like with French onion soup, the key to caramelizing onions is patience—cook them low and slow for up to an hour.

If you believe that a touch of tanginess, brininess, or fermentation enhances almost any dish, caramelized onions, while not exactly fitting that description, offer a similar zesty kick and vibrant flavor. To elevate them further, finish by deglazing the pan with a splash of sherry vinegar, as recommended by Gordon Ramsay. The sweet, earthy onions add a wealth of flavor and a gourmet touch to your sandwich without the need for expensive cheeses or fancy ingredients.

Static Media is the owner and operator of Chowhound and Tasting Table.

The Grilled Cheese Addition Gordon Ramsay Uses For Deep, Rich Flavor

Perfectly caramelized onions requires patience but pays off

Recommended

Next up