Chefs share the seasoned salts they keep in their kitchens.
Seasoning can take a basic meal to the next level, but the wrong one can ruin a dish. Seasoned salts make it easier to add layers of flavor with just a sprinkle, combining salt with herbs, spices, and other ingredients. But with so many blends on store shelves, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth buying, and that’s where the pros come in. Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to share which seasoned salts they keep in their kitchens, and here are the top five.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
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A versatile salt is a useful starting point for building your own seasoning blend, and for Judith Naranjo, head chef at Protein Chefs and a Red Seal certified chef, Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is her go-to. “I like it for its texture,” she says. “If you want to turn it into seasoned salt, I like to do that at home by adding smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the salt as a base. You can also add cayenne pepper, chilli powder, chilli flakes or other spices you like based on the recipes you cook most often.” Chef Judith adds, “I use it as seasoning for almost everything.”
Ostmann French Fry Seasoning
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French fries are a natural canvas for bold seasoning, whether they’re homemade or straight from the freezer. Ostmann’s French Fry Seasoning blend is designed specifically for fries, offering a convenient way to add more flavor without measuring out several individual spices. “We love French fries, and sometimes I make them at home,” says Tanya Kuruts, home chef, co-founder and recipe developer at Vegtasty. “If I don’t have time, I use frozen ones from the grocery store. I use this seasoning on both. I love the spice blend, especially the paprika and smoky flavor.” She adds, “My tip is to add it right after the fries are ready. I take the hot fries out and sprinkle the seasoning on top immediately. This way, the fries stay crispy, and I still get plenty of flavor and aroma from the seasoning.”
Redmond Real Salt
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Redmond Real Salt is made from salt harvested in Utah and is sold in several seasoned varieties. Its Season Salt combines the brand’s mineral-rich salt with additional herbs and spices for a ready-to-use blend, and it’s a kitchen staple for Marissa Stevens, home chef, founder and recipe developer at Pinch and Swirl. “Redmond Real Salt is one I recommend all the time,” she says. “If you ever try Real Salt compared to any other brand, you’ll never go back. I love that they’ve started adding seasonings to their salt too, and their Season Salt is excellent.”
Caravel Gourmet Habanero Gourmet Sea Salt
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For those who love a little sharpness to their food, the Caravel Gourmet’s Habanero Sea Salt blends natural sea salt with real habanero peppers for a boldness that spice lovers appreciate. “Its versatility makes it an easy way to add heat to grilled meats, seafood and roasted vegetables, or to give tacos, eggs, popcorn, soups and salsas an extra kick,” says Rania Batayneh, MPH, home chef, recipe developer, nutritionist and author of the bestselling book, The One One One Diet: The Simple 1:1:1 Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss. “It can also be used in marinades, rubs and dressings.” She adds, “It’s made with all-natural ingredients; the salt contains no preservatives, MSG or artificial additives and is gluten-free, non-GMO and soy-free, with no added sugar or anti-caking agents.”
Simply Organic Citrus Rosemary Finishing Salt
Discover five seasoned salts chefs recommend for adding flavor to fries, meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.
Simply Organic Citrus Rosemary Finishing Salt adds a touch of citrusy zest that doesn’t overpower your plate. “The blend brings a fresh, savory layer of flavor to prepared dishes and is an easy way to elevate everyday meals,” Batayneh explains. “Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, potatoes, seafood or chicken, or use it to add extra flavor to salads, grain dishes and freshly baked bread. Designed to be used as a finishing touch, this salt is a simple way to bring citrus and rosemary flavor to the table.”
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