There’s no denying that seasoning can really enhance the flavour of food; in fact it’s amazing the difference a pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper can make. But what happens if you accidentally add too much salt to your soup, stew, curry or casserole? Don’t worry we’ve got some easy ways that you can reduce the saltiness and salvage your dish.
The first method involves adding pieces of raw, chopped potato to the dish. The potato acts as a salt-sponge and will absorb the excess salt. The starch from the potato also helps to dilute the saltiness. Scoop the potato out after 10-15 minutes and discard. No potatoes on hand? You can make a simple dough of flour and water, shape into balls and drop 3-4 into your dish. Leave to cook for 10 minutes and then remove the dough before serving.
Dilution is another method and works particularly well on soup or broth. Just adding some extra water or liquid will help to dilute the salty taste. If water isn’t going to do the trick then turn to acid flavours to balance out the dish. Lemon or lime juice or vinegar are all acidic and will tame the salt taste. Adding a creamy or fat component like yoghurt, sour cream or butter (unsalted) will also help to reduce overly salted flavours in your dish.
With all of these methods, it is important to taste the dish while you attempt to fix it. Achieving the perfect result is literally an act of balancing flavours and the only way to ensure that you nail it is to taste as you make adjustments.
FAQs
Just adding some extra water or liquid will help to dilute the salty taste. If water isn't going to do the trick then turn to acid flavours to balance out the dish. Lemon or lime juice or vinegar are all acidic and will tame the salt taste.
How can I fix food that is too salty? ›
Add an Acidic Ingredient
It won't reduce the sodium level of your dish, but adding an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or even a tomato product, can neutralize the saltiness of a dish. Start with a dash or a squeeze, stir well to combine, and give it a taste before adding any more.
How do you get salt out of Hamburger Helper? ›
Add a squeeze of 🍋 or lime. The sharp bite will help mask and offset the salt.
What absorbs salt in food? ›
Other ways to remove salt from food
In addition to potatoes, you can use other starchy vegetables like carrots or parsnips to absorb excess salt. Dairy products like milk, cream, yogurt, or sour cream can help balance out the saltiness of a soup or stew.
How do you flush out salty food? ›
Drink Plenty of Water
This is because water helps the body flush out excess sodium. Not only is hydration important for managing sodium levels, but it is also important for overall health. When you drink plenty of water, your body can flush the excess sodium in your body.
How to get rid of salty taste in sauce? ›
Just Add Acid
Use an acidic ingredient, like vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, or fresh tomatoes or unsalted tomato sauce, to cut the saltiness of soups, sauces, meat dishes, pastas, salads, and more. A splash should be all it takes to dial back the taste of saltiness.
What cancels out too much salt in food? ›
You can add lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar to salty food to help neutralize the saltiness. A tomato product, such as tomato sauce or tomato paste, will also work since tomatoes are acidic.
How do you get rid of the taste of too much salt? ›
Lemon or lime juice or vinegar are all acidic and will tame the salt taste. Adding a creamy or fat component like yoghurt, sour cream or butter (unsalted) will also help to reduce overly salted flavours in your dish.
How to fix meat that is too salty? ›
Squeeze some lemon juice or orange juice over your dish. The sour flavor provides a new layer of complexity to the meal and should mellow out the salt. Drizzle in a mild vinegar like all-purpose vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar to help mask the salt with acidity by distracting the taste buds.
Does sugar fix salty food? ›
Depending on the type of recipe, adding a little sugar or alternatives such as maple syrup or honey can help to balance the saltiness of the dish. This works wonderfully in Asian cuisines or any tomato-based dish. Start by adding very small amounts, stir well and taste constantly before deciding to add more.
“Dehydration changes the quality of your saliva,” says Dr. Medina. “Often, you can get rid of the salty taste by drinking enough water each day.”
Does lemon reduce salt in food? ›
Lemon Juice
The juice has a strong presence of acidity that allows it to cut through the saltiness of most meals and as such, a balance is created. This method of reduction works best when the meal does not have too much sodium.
How to fix overly salty food? ›
Use a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of a mild vinegar to help mask some of the aggressive salt with a new flavor. Acid will bring out the best of salty potatoes or salty fish (fish and chips, anyone?).
How do you fix too much salt in stew? ›
Dilute with water or broth.
Adding more liquid to the soup will dilute the salinity and make the salt level more palatable. Remember that many boxed broths contain salt as well, so use one that is low-sodium or unsalted to remedy an oversalted pot of soup.
What foods break down salt? ›
Enjoy high-potassium foods regularly.
These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure.
What cancels out salty taste? ›
Add an acid.
You can add lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar to salty food to help neutralize the saltiness. A tomato product, such as tomato sauce or tomato paste, will also work since tomatoes are acidic.
What makes salty taste go away? ›
Be sure to drink lots of water and avoid spicy and salty foods until your symptoms subside. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or using an over-the-counter (OTC) oral rinse, such as Act Dry Mouth Mouthwash, to help stimulate saliva production.
How to fix a too salty stir fry? ›
Many cooks combat a salty dish with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also try mixing in a sweetener like white sugar, brown sugar, honey or agave syrup.
