Two James Beard-Award winners show how to unlock the secrets of the global pantry and elevate all your favorite foods

Make the most succulent pot roast ever with oyster sauce. Transform a broiled salmon filet with miso. Give an irresistible kick to chicken wings with gochujang. Turn out the crunchiest French toast with panko breadcrumbs. Use Mexican chorizo to add depth to a quick skillet chili. Enliven a no-churn ice cream pie with freeze-dried berries. Impart a savory kick to shrimp and grits with sambal oelek. Add coconut milk to banana pudding—it’s magical. And even your best ribs will take on a sticky newdeliciousness with sweet soy sauce. In more than 120 recipes, here’s how—with just a dash here or a tablespoon there—you can elevate your cooking using 65 common pantry items from around the world.