The Science of BBQ - How to Season Food: Salt
Do you know how to season food properly with salt? Some would say there is a science to it, a science of BBQ if you would. In this BBQ blog, we will explore what salt is and how to use it properly when seasoning. Read on to learn some handy tips and tricks that will help make you a better cook and even more proficient BBQ master.
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning, in the case of salt, is adding salt to foods while you are cooking to enhance flavour. While more than just salt is used to create depth and nuance in your dishes; it is all about how and when seasonings are used, that will create the unique tastes you love. In this article, we will focus on salt—the king of all seasonings.
Getting a Little Salty
The most important and basic seasoning that you can use is salt. If you do nothing else with food, use salt. What is salt? Salt is a mineral that is mined or harvested from evaporating saltwater. Salt can do many things and can be added to your food in the form of salted butter, bouillon cubes, anchovies, aged cheeses, and, naturally the crystalline form we know as salt.
What Does Salt Do?
- Enhances flavour by bringing out the natural essence of that food or contrasting the sweetness
- Preserves food by reducing the water activity in foods and preventing microbial growth
- Denatures protein by loosening the bundles of muscle fibres in meat
- Penetrates deep into foods to deeply flavour
- Gelatinizes protein, important for cheesemaking and cooking low and slow
- Aids in fermentation
- Preserves and enhances colour in vegetables
- Aids in caramelization by driving away moisture
- Cuts through bitterness, try adding a pinch to your coffee
How to Season with Salt
Remember that meme, Salt Bae? He had it right. When you season food, with salt or a blend of your choice, you should always sprinkle it from on high. The purpose of this is to create an even coverage, which you just won’t achieve when you get up close and personal with your sprinkling.
You also want to use kosher salt when you season. The fine stuff that is usually found on the table is great for baking and an extra little oomph on your meal, but will lead to oversalting when used to season food for cooking. Kosher salt features larger crystals and is easier to grip and control.
What if You Use Too Much Salt?
My Food is too Salty! It can happen. Food can be over-seasoned. But how do you rescue food that is too salty? That is a challenge.
- For soups and stews, you will have to dilute the saltiness by adding more unsalted stock. You can also try uncooked potatoes and other unsalted ingredients to attempt to soak up the saltiness. Noodles and lentils can also help.
- Don’t add water if you can help it. Adding water will dilute what you are making. Then you will wind up having to reduce it and just re-concentrate that oversalted flavour once again. For things like gravy, it is best to just start again.
- Try adding fat or acid to your too-salty food. Unsalted butter, quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, are all good choices. Start by tasting a little on a spoon with the considered addition. Did it work? Try it on a larger scale now.
People Also Asked:
How to Properly Season with Salt?
When seasoning your meal add salt in the beginning. Season as you go, tasting before you salt each time. When you are cooking with meat, dry brine your food by seasoning it thoroughly with salt, then resting the meat on a rack over a baking sheet in the fridge. Doing this at least 40 minutes and up to 48 hours ahead of time will result in deeply flavoured food that will crisp and sear better than you could have imagined.
How to Put Salt Correctly in Food?
Food can handle more salt than you would think, however, you need to start at the very beginning and taste as you go. Salt has some interesting properties and will change textures, preserve colours, drive out moisture, and bring out the best in your meal when used judiciously.
What is the Rule for Salt?
Salt from the beginning to ensure that the best of your meal is brought forward and tastes good. Yes, you can add salt at the end, but that is finishing salt, intended to add a little crunch, visual appeal, and pop of salt to contrast to the full flavour of the meal you expertly prepared.
How to Sprinkle Salt Evenly?
Sprinkle kosher salt from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above your food. This ensures that everything gets hit instead of getting thick spots and light spots. Using kosher salt is easier to control and ensures you don’t oversalt.
Take Your Barbecuing Game to the Next Level!
Mastering the Science of BBQ and learning how to season food with salt will elevate your barbecuing game and enhance every meal. Whether you're bringing out the natural flavours of your favourite cut of meat, perfecting a dish's texture, or balancing sweetness with a hint of salty contrast, understanding how to use salt is essential. With these tips in mind, go forth and season confidently—you’re one step closer to becoming a BBQ master who knows the true science of flavour. Do you have any tricks and tips for using salt? Share your well-seasoned stories, recipes, and photos with us on social like our Facebook and TikTok pages using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonBBQs.
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