ON THIS WEEK’S episode of Dinner SOS, food director and host Chris Morocco talks to caller Yilin on how to take advantage of pantry heavy hitters to get the most flavor with less ingredients when trying new recipes.

Chris and food editor Shilpa Uskokovic make the case for recipes that are based on a tight edit of pantry ingredients. Shilpa’s pick? This Saucy, Tangy Slow-Roast Sambal Salmon, which leans heavily into sambal oelek to create a bolder dish. And Chris’s choice? These Coconut-and-Lemongrass-Braised Short Ribs that count on fish sauce and turmeric to brighten the aromatic, rich braise.

Yilin wasn’t the only one getting important life tips—Chris learned about a few recipe hacks now trending on TikTok.

Get the recipes:

Photograph by Jenny Huang, food styling by Tyna Hoang, prop styling by Sophie Strangio

Coconut-and-Lemongrass-Braised Short RibsSaucy, Tangy Slow-Roast Sambal SalmonSoy-Braised Black Lentils