5 Tips to Elevate Food Plating
As the saying goes, you eat with your eyes first. That’s why, when spending time preparing a new recipe or a whole meal, an appealing presentation is an important step towards dining success. If you’re not sure where to start or just need some fresh ideas, here’s a breakdown of tips and tricks to elevate your skills. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a dinner for twenty, using these five pointers from Chef Melissa Nolan at Jax Cooking Studio will take your meal to the next level.
1. Start at the literal bottom with the choice of serving dishes.
Think of your food presentation as a painting. The dish should frame your food, making it look clean and not jumbled.
Choose the right plate or dish for the right food. If you are planning a plated dinner, choose individual plates that are not too large or too small for your meal. The rule of thumb is to leave a one-inch edge around your food.
When hosting a family style event, choose serving dishes that are the perfect size for the different food items. It looks better to pile each side dish high than to have one-layer trays. This saves room on the table and is more appealing to the eye.
2. Play with contrasting colors to increase visual appeal.
Make sure to use the whole color wheel to achieve a balanced look.
Keep in mind that we associate colors with emotions. Greens evoke freshness, browns remind us of comfort and reds are associated with strength, so don’t skip that refreshing salad.
Incorporate veggies like bright green Brussels sprouts, tri-colored bell peppers, or even purple eggplant or figs to balance some of the orange, brown and cream colors of traditional foods like turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.
3. Include different textures such as crunchiness or creaminess to avoid taste boredom.
To achieve firm texture, include crisp green beans or roasted broccoli. This will help with color too.
To incorporate crunchy elements, add a sprinkle of pecans or parmesan crisps for a satisfying bite.
To integrate creamy, don’t forget sauces, puree or gravy. I know this is a touchy subject for those of us who grew up in the South. Avoid a one note appearance. Try not to make everything a stew, casserole or drowned in cheese!
Upgrade a serving of turkey by including different textures to engineer a plate that ensures each bite has an element of wonder.
4. Create height with your food to increase visual interest.
When serving plated events, place the starch (mashed potatoes, polenta, mac and cheese, risotto, etc.) in the center of the plate. This will be the base of your dish. Next, gently lay vegetables cascading down the starch. Asparagus spears create a high arc, but any vegetable can work.
Lastly, place the protein slightly adjacent to the vegetables. This should be high and pronounced, the focal point on your plate. For added flare, cut the protein, such as steak or duck, and stack it or fan it out slightly.
Try not to smother your protein with a sauce or gravy. You worked hard on achieving the beautiful crust on your steak or perfectly rendered pork chop, so let it shine! A little sauce won’t hurt, perhaps as a decorative drizzle, or serve it separately in a gravy boat.
5. Pull the whole plate together with an eye-appealing garnish.
Make sure the garnishes complement the plate without crowding it. A quick sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives will not only add flavor but will also create a nice pop of contrasting color.
Don’t forget that dessert needs a decorative element too. Edible flowers, citrus zest or fruit supremes will add a bright visual and aromatic element to the plate.
Shaved red or watermelon radish or pomegranate arils might not add much flavor, but they’ll contribute a beautiful burst of red. This is perfect for a plate that already has a lot of green on it. And these will deliver the satisfying crunch you’re craving.
Infused oils, sauces and even whole spices can be used as garnishes as well.
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To recap:
From the bottom to the top, be mindful of the completed dish. Start by picking the right size plate. Play with different textures and colors to please not only your eyes, but also your taste buds. Create height by layering and stacking the food. To pull the plate together, garnish, garnish, garnish! Now go out there and wow your guests.
