How to Use Smoked Salt

Infused with an amazing smokey flavor, this gourmet salt is notoriously famous for adding a rich, flame-grilled touch to your dishes. Try incorporating smoked salt in your recipes with some helpful recipes and tips compiled by Tastessence.

Salt, among other condiments, has been an integral part of table-side accompaniment in many cultures. We require salt to survive, not just because it performs different metabolic functions in our bodies, but also because it is one of the 5 elements of taste perception. No matter what cuisine you’re attempting to master, salt is one of the most essential reasons for getting the flavors right. So, what is the role of smoked salt in all of this?

Smoked salt is prepared with Kosher salt, or coarser sea salt, cold smoked over untreated wood over a period of 12 to 24 hours. Since there are no artificial flavors or colors added during the process, the smoke enhances its taste. And when you incorporate it into your dishes, it can intensify the natural flavors tenfold. In this Tastessence article, we will be discussing interesting ways to use smoked salt.

Cooking with Smoked Salt

Although there are many popular brands that provide a variety of flavors, courtesy the type of wood chunks/chips used for the procedure, we urge you try your hand at making your own version. You will save yourself the trouble of spending too much just to get a range of flavors.

SPRINKLED ON EGGS

Add the word ‘gourmet’ to your everyday breakfast and egg dishes by sprinkling your eggs―poached, scrambled, Florentine, omelet, frittata―with a pinch of smoked salt.

SUBSTITUTE FOR TABLE SALT

Incorporate smoked salt in your favorite salad or vinaigrette dressing, unsalted butter, while making fresh mayonnaise at home, and a variety of sauces for different dishes.

SPRINKLED ON SNACKS, SIDES, & DESSERTS

Apart from the dishes shown above, the salt can be sprinkled over salted caramel, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, pancetta, vanilla ice cream with dolce de leche, roasted tomatoes or other vegetables, soups, salads, and so much more.

DRY RUB FOR MEATS & POULTRY

Prep time – 5 min
Cook time – 2 min
Serving size – ¾ cup

Ingredients

• Smoked salt, 1½ tbsp.
• Dark brown sugar, 1½ tbsp.
• Sweet paprika, 1 tbsp.
• Mustard powder, 2 tsp.
• Garlic powder, 2 tsp.
• Black pepper, 1½ tsp.
• Cilantro, dried, ground, 1½ tsp.
• Cumin, ground, ½ tsp.
• Thyme, dried, ½ tsp.

Directions
In a clean, airtight mason jar, mix all the ingredients together. You can use the dry rub immediately on meats and poultry, or store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

MARINADE FOR SEAFOOD

Pan-fried Shrimp

Prep time – 5 min
Cook time – 2 min
Serving size – ½ cup

Ingredients

• Orange juice, fresh, 3 tbsp.
• Soy sauce, low-sodium, 2 tbsp.
• Scallions, minced, 2 tbsp.
• Ginger root, grated, 1 tbsp.
• Hot chili sesame oil, 3 tsp.
• Smoked salt, 2 tsp.
• Black pepper, ground, 1 tsp.

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients vigorously until properly combined. You can use this marinade immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.

AS A GARNISH

You can add a pinch or two in BBQ sauce, or use it as a garnish for corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, freshly-cut fruits, mashed potatoes, pastas, bruschetta, and any of your favorite dishes.

FOR BEVERAGES

Whether it’s for including the fabulous flavor as an ingredient or to rim the glasses before serving the drinks, you can be sure that your beverages are going to taste good every time.

Don’t be alarmed by the amount of tips and suggestions we’ve provided above. The bottom line is that you can easily substitute table salt, or any other variety you may be using on a daily basis, with equal amount of smoked salt.

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