José Andrés Says This Is the Best Substitute for Salt

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Just because you can't have salt, it doesn't mean you can't have flavor.

The podcast of the restaurateur and founder of World Central Kitchen is at the top of my weekly playlist to listen to while commuting to work. The chef uses this platform to discuss innovative ideas with others in the food, art, and politics sectors, and he's also happy to answer questions from listeners who are interested in cooking at home.

Celebrity chef José Andrés took questions about tackling the challenges of holiday dinner, but one piece of advice he offered is applicable all year long.

A caller called in to talk to Andrés about the most common seasoning people use while cooking: salt. The caller told the chef, “I've watched a lot of cooking competitions and noticed that one of the most common complaints is that dishes are too bland and need more salt. When I cook, I worry that I'm adding too much salt and making my dish too salty,” and asked, “So my question is, how do you know when you've added enough salt? Are there other seasonings that can replace it?”

Celebrity chef José Andrés says this recipe of his wife's skirt steak is one of the main reasons he married her.

The fan also said, "I ask this question because, obviously, I want my dishes to be flavorful, but also, as we age, we're advised to lower our sodium consumption." Whether you're cutting down on salt for health reasons, cooking for someone who can't handle a lot of sodium, or simply prefer food with less salt, Andrés' answer is a piece of cooking know-how everyone should have at their disposal.

Salt is a wonderful ingredient that adds a lot to food, but if you can't have it, José Andrés suggests instead "Just add more spices. Play with the spices. The numerous spices at your disposal. Experiment until you find the one that sends a thrill to your taste buds. He personally enjoys black pepper, as long as it's fresh and finely ground, and considers it a suitable substitute for salt.

Of course, making the most of spices is something cultures have been doing in the US and around the world for centuries. However, Andrés' advice is a helpful reminder that just because you're using less salt doesn't mean you should use less of everything else. The absence of salt provides the opportunity to explore your relationship with spices and find one to use freely, like celebrity chef Andrés suggests using black pepper. I personally prefer to sprinkle ground coriander on everything. Learning about how various cuisines use spices, combining spices in new ways, and finding what ignites your taste buds, as Andrés so eloquently puts it, can be a fascinating experience.

The podcast host surprisingly recommends adding something other than a spice to add flavor to your cooking, specifically sesame seeds. He notes that toasted sesame seeds can add flavor to a simple vegetable like green beans. Given that they are small and can stick to the surface of a vegetable, this seems like a great idea. Their nutty flavor when toasted makes them a good choice. The host doesn't mention trying other types of seeds, but I plan to experiment with poppy and sunflower seeds as well, which may have a similar effect.

Mastering the Art of Creating Spice Blends Like a Pro

The caller also points out that finding the right balance of salt can be challenging. To avoid under-seasoning or over-seasoning, it's best to taste as you go during the cooking process. This means salting your food at every stage of preparation and tasting it at each point (except when it could compromise food safety, such as when tasting raw chicken).

When cooking pasta, start by salting the water, then taste it to see how it is, and add the pasta. Next, season your sauce, and also taste it before combining it with the cooked pasta. Finally, once you're done, give the finished dish a taste and add any additional salt you think it needs to reach the perfect flavor. By adding a little seasoning at each step, you can ensure that every component tastes its best.

Whichever seasonings you choose to use - whether that's salt, spices, sesame seeds, or a combination of all three - it's crucial that your ingredients are freshly selected. Using new, high-quality ingredients will result in stronger, more vibrant flavors, and even the potency of spices wanes over time. Thus, if you wish to reap the full benefits of these suggestions, ensure that your black pepper is as young as José Andrés'.

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