Table or kosher salt are not the only way to excite our taste buds. Contrary to what most home cooks do, you can add more depth and complexity to a dish in a single pinch (or drop!) of specific ingredients. Here are 5 tasty and healthy alternatives to salt, both for cooking and tabletop flavoring!
1. White Shoyu Japanese White Soy Sauce
Made from a fermented paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain, and brine, soy sauce is certainly one of the most appreciated alternative salt. It adds great umami flavor to almost any type of food, from simple soups to elaborate stir fry and roasts.
2. Parmesan cheese
This aged cheese, especially when grated, brings up saltiness to your pasta, vinaigrettes, pesto, salads, bruschetta and many more. Discover our Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash recipe.
3. Bragg Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast has a rich, savory and cheesy flavor that makes is a tasty substitute for salt. Add it to your creamy sauces, sprinkle over popcorn, or add to rice or quinoa.
4. Red Boat Fish Sauce
Fish sauce, also known as Nuoc Mam in Vietnam is a condiment made using slow-fermented fish and salt that brings out great umami flavors. Try it on white rice or for grilling meat.
5. Kelp Granules
This sea weed is a great source of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, iodine, and a number of other vitamins/minerals. Shaker versions are a simple and nutritious swap for salt. Sprinkle on top of eggs, soups, rice and rice noodles, but feel free to experiment further!