Kosher Salt

Kosher Salt is a coarse-grained salt that is free of additives and widely used in cooking for its pure, clean flavor. It is not tied to a specific season and is available year-round. Kosher Salt is a staple in many kitchens for its versatility and is particularly favored for seasoning meats due to its larger flakes, which allow for better control when seasoning. It is commonly used in Jewish cuisine for the koshering process, but its use extends to various culinary traditions, including American and European kitchens.

Kosher Salt Synonyms

Coarse Salt
Kitchen Salt
Rock Salt
Cooking Salt

Different Forms/Types of Kosher Salt

Fine Grain

Some brands offer a fine grain version of kosher salt, which dissolves more quickly and is suited for certain recipes or finishing.

Coarse Grain

Kosher salt typically comes in a coarse grain that is easy to pinch and sprinkle, providing good control over seasoning.

How to Choose Kosher Salt

When choosing kosher salt, look for a brand that is pure, with no added iodine or anti-caking agents, which can affect the taste of your food. The texture should be consistent, with uniform grain size. Packaging should be intact to prevent moisture from clumping the salt.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Kosher Salt

Kosher Salt is a versatile seasoning that is essential in any cook's pantry, especially for those who have moved beyond the basics. Its larger, flaky crystals provide a less intense and more even salting than table salt. For intermediate and expert home cooks, it's important to note that Kosher Salt dissolves quickly and adheres well to the surface of foods, making it ideal for seasoning before, during, and after cooking. When using Kosher Salt, be mindful of its volume-to-weight ratio; it's less dense than table salt, so you'll need to use more of it by volume to achieve the same level of saltiness. This is particularly crucial in baking, where precision is key. For brining or marinating, Kosher Salt's larger crystals can be beneficial as they dissolve slowly and give a more uniform distribution of salinity.

Shelf Life of Kosher Salt

Kosher salt should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity to prevent clumping. An airtight container is ideal for maintaining its texture and quality. There is no expiration date for salt, but keeping it dry is crucial for ease of use.

Recommended Brands for Kosher Salt

Fine Grain: Morton

Coarse Grain: Diamond Crystal

Cooking Techniques for Kosher Salt

Brining: Kosher Salt is often used in brining solutions to tenderize and flavor meat before cooking. The salt solution penetrates the meat, helping to break down proteins and retain moisture.

Finishing: A pinch of Kosher Salt can be used as a finishing touch on dishes to add texture and a burst of flavor. It's particularly effective on salads, grilled meats, and even sweets like chocolate and caramel to balance the flavors.

Seasoning: Kosher Salt is used for seasoning dishes before cooking to enhance flavor. Its larger grains allow for better control when sprinkling by hand, which is ideal for seasoning meat, vegetables, and starches.

Popular Kosher Salt Recipes

Dry-Brined Roasted Turkey
Salted Caramel Sauce
Grilled Ribeye Steak

Kosher Salt Nutritional Information (100g)

fat: 0 g
fiber: 0 g
sugar: 0 g
protein: 0 g
calories: 0 kcal
carbohydrates: 0 g

Flavor Combinations

Kosher Salt pairs well with virtually all ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors without imparting any additional flavors of its own. It is particularly effective in drawing out the moisture and deepening the taste of meats, balancing the sweetness in desserts, and providing a contrast in texture and flavor when used as a finishing salt on vegetables and salads.

Allergen Information

Kosher Salt does not contain any known allergens. However, individuals on a sodium-restricted diet should use it cautiously due to its sodium content.

Recipes with Kosher Salt

Chashu Roasted Pork

Homemade Taco Seasoning