Cooking is a delicate art. In fact, many people say it’s a combination of art and science. For people who really love food, it’s not just about making something to fill your stomach, but about creating something that’s the result of great chemistry.

You might not be a gourmet chef, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from knowing how to cook amazing food. Not only will it make your weeknight dinners better, but it’ll also get everyone asking what your secret is in the kitchen.

Good chefs will tell you that great cooking is the result of a couple of things. First, you need knowledge of flavors. That means finding a balance of saltiness and sweetness, fat and acid. If you haven’t heard, there’s a Netflix show about that exact topic!

Of course, you’ll also need to develop some techniques when it comes to cooking. That comes, simply, with practice. So, if you want to become a great chef, don’t give up when you burn grilled cheese or add too much salt to a dish. Every chef has done that.

But here’s the best part: every chef relies on some tips that are guaranteed to make food tasty and satisfying. Here are some secrets of the kitchen to improve your food.