easy sriracha salt recipe

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Creating your own Sriracha salt at home is not just a fun project; it’s a way to elevate your favorite dishes with an extra kick of flavor. This easy recipe allows you to control the heat level and customize it to your taste. Whether you are a spice lover or just want to add a little zing to your food, Sriracha salt is an excellent addition to your pantry. Making it at home means you don’t have to worry about preservatives or additives, just pure, flavorful salt!

Sriracha salt can be sprinkled on everything from popcorn to grilled meats. It’s versatile and can transform basic dishes into culinary delights. Plus, it makes a great gift for friends and family who enjoy cooking!

HOW TO MAKE Easy Sriracha Salt

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
• ⅓ cup sriracha

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (about 150°C). This temperature is perfect for drying out the salt without cooking it.

2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help the salt mixture not to stick and make cleanup easier.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of coarse sea salt or kosher salt with ⅓ cup of sriracha. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture until the sriracha is completely blended with the salt. The mixture should be a vibrant red color.

4. Spread the sriracha-salt mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s as flat as possible for even drying.

5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and then turn off the heat. This step is crucial as the residual heat will dry out the salt mixture without cooking or burning it. Allow the sriracha salt to sit in the oven for 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, stir the salt once or twice to break up any clumps.

6. After the time is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salt cool down.

7. If you notice any big chunks, you can break them up by mashing them in a mixing bowl or gently rolling over the mixture with a rolling pin.

8. Transfer the prepared sriracha salt into an airtight jar for storage. This way, you can keep it fresh and ready to use!

HOW TO SERVE Easy Sriracha Salt

Sriracha salt can be used in numerous ways. Here are some simple serving suggestions:

• Seasoned Popcorn: Toss freshly popped popcorn with a sprinkle of sriracha salt for a delicious movie night snack.

• Grilled Vegetables: After grilling your favorite veggies, add a dash of sriracha salt for an extra layer of flavor.

• Meat Seasoning: Use it as a rub for chicken, steak, or fish before cooking. It will add a nice spicy kick.

• Eggs: Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs or an omelet for breakfast for a spicy twist.

• Rims for Cocktails: Use sriracha salt to rim your cocktails instead of regular salt for a creative flair.

HOW TO STORE Easy Sriracha Salt

Store your homemade sriracha salt in an airtight jar or container. This will help keep moisture out and preserve its flavor. Keep the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The salt will remain fresh for several months, but it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks for optimal flavor.

If you notice any moisture or clumping, you can dry it out in the oven again briefly to restore its texture.

TIPS TO MAKE Easy Sriracha Salt

1. Choose Your Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best for this recipe, as it helps in absorbing the flavors from the sriracha.

2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha. Alternatively, for more heat, add a little extra sriracha to taste, but be cautious as it may increase the drying time.

3. Stir Regularly: During the drying process, give the salt a stir occasionally to break up lumps and ensure even drying.

4. Experiment with Flavors: You can also mix in dried herbs or spices to create a unique blend. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for different flavors.

5. Use Fresh Sriracha: Using fresh sriracha gives the best flavor. If using a store-bought version, ensure it’s not too runny; a thicker consistency works best for this recipe.

VARIATIONS

There are endless ways to customize your sriracha salt:

• Garlic Sriracha Salt: Add in a teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture for a garlicky kick.

• Citrus Sriracha Salt: Incorporate lemon or lime zest for a bright, zesty flavor.

• Smoky Sriracha Salt: Mix in a bit of smoked sea salt for a deeper, smokier flavor.

• Herb-Infused Sriracha Salt: Dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for an herby touch to your salt.

FAQs

Can I use regular table salt instead of coarse salt?

Yes, you can use regular table salt, but it may result in a saltier flavor since table salt is more concentrated. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preference.

How long will the sriracha salt last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, your sriracha salt should last for several months. However, for the best flavor, it’s recommended to use it within a few weeks.

Can I use homemade sriracha instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade sriracha will provide fresh flavors and may offer unique characteristics to your sriracha salt. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought for effective drying.

What if my sriracha salt clumps together?

If your sriracha salt clumps, simply break it up with a fork or put it back in the oven for a short period to dry it out again.

Is it safe to make flavored salts at home?

Yes, making flavored salts at home is safe as long as you follow proper food safety and storage guidelines. Using an airtight container also helps ensure your salt remains fresh.