Chefs are always on the lookout for ways to elevate their dishes with unique flavours, textures, and visual appeal.
Microgreens—especially varieties like broccoli, radish, cabbage, and kale—are the perfect tool to achieve this.
These tiny greens deliver vibrant colour, intense flavour, and unparalleled nutrition, transforming any dish into a standout creation.
In this guide, I’ll share how chefs can use these microgreens to unlock their full potential in cooking, from enhancing flavours to creating visually stunning plates.
The Versatility of Microgreens
Microgreens are one of the most versatile ingredients in any chef’s arsenal.
With unique flavour profiles, textures, and nutrient density, they allow for endless creativity in the kitchen.
The varieties I grow—broccoli, radish, cabbage, and kale—each offer something special for chefs to experiment with.
Broccoli Microgreens
Salads: Add for a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a boost of vitamins A, C, and K.
Smoothies: Blend into green smoothies to increase nutrients without altering taste.
Garnishes: Use as a fresh garnish for soups, omelettes, or avocado toast.
Cabbage Microgreens
Slaws: Incorporate into coleslaws for tender texture and subtle cabbage flavour.
Sandwiches: Layer in sandwiches or wraps for added crunch and nutrition.
Stir-Fries: Toss into stir-fries just before serving to maintain texture.
Radish Microgreens
Spicy Kick: Enhance tacos, burgers, and sushi rolls with their peppery flavour.
Salads: Combine with milder greens for zest in salads.
Soups: Sprinkle over soups like gazpacho for a spicy note.
Kale Microgreens
Pesto: Blend into pesto for a nutrient-rich twist.
Egg Dishes: Fold into scrambled eggs or frittatas for added vitamins.
Smoothies: Mix into smoothies for a mild, earthy flavour.
Microgreens and Flavour Pairing
One of the keys to creating memorable dishes is understanding how to pair flavours effectively.
Microgreens can be a powerful tool in any chef’s flavour-pairing arsenal, thanks to their intense and unique taste profiles.
Pair spicy microgreens like radish or mustard with rich, fatty ingredients like avocado or crispy pork belly to balance out the flavours.
Use delicate, mild microgreens like pea shoots or sunflower to add a fresh, green note to creamy soups or risottos.
Combine bold, peppery microgreens like arugula or watercress with sweet, juicy fruits like strawberries or watermelon for a refreshing salad.
Garnish grilled meats or roasted vegetables with hearty, robust microgreens like beet greens or swiss chard for a pop of colour and nutrition.
Microgreens and Plating
In addition to their incredible flavour, microgreens can elevate the visual appeal of any dish.
Their vibrant colours and delicate textures add elegance and sophistication to a plate.
Use contrasting colours of microgreens to create a visually striking garnish, like bright pink amaranth against a backdrop of deep green parsley.
Create height and texture on your plate by mounding delicate microgreens like pea shoots or micro herbs in the centre of your dish.
Use larger, more robust microgreens like micro kale or beet greens to create a bed for your main ingredient, adding both colour and nutrition to your plate.
Experiment with different plating techniques, like scattering microgreens across your plate for a more rustic look, or using them to create precise, geometric shapes for a modern aesthetic.
Growing Your Own Microgreens
While many chefs buy microgreens from specialty grocers or farmers markets, growing your own is an excellent alternative.
It gives chefs complete control over the quality and freshness of their ingredients.
It also allows for experimentation with unique varieties that may not be available commercially.
If you’re interested in growing your own microgreens, check out our comprehensive guide for tips and techniques.
Conclusion
For chefs, microgreens are an essential ingredient in any kitchen.
With their incredible versatility, intense flavours, and stunning visual appeal, microgreens can elevate dishes to the next level.
By experimenting with different varieties, flavour pairings, and plating techniques, chefs can create culinary masterpieces that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Why not incorporate microgreens into your cooking? Your diners will thank you!