Onion salt is a versatile seasoning that adds a burst of savory onion flavor with a salty kick to any dish. Whether you’re sprinkling it on roasted vegetables, mixing it into dips, or using it to season meats, onion salt is a pantry essential for many home cooks. But did you know making your own onion salt at home is quick, easy, and lets you avoid additives found in store-bought versions? In this article, we’ll explore how to make onion salt from scratch, share tips for customizing your blend, and provide answers to common questions.
What Is Onion Salt?
Onion salt is a seasoning blend made primarily from salt and onion powder or dried onion flakes. It combines the salty taste of salt with the sweet, pungent flavor of onions, making it a convenient way to add onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onions.
Why Make Your Own Onion Salt?
– Control over ingredients: Store-bought onion salt often contains anti-caking agents like sodium aluminosilicate, which some people prefer to avoid. Homemade onion salt is free from these additives.
– Customizable flavor: You can adjust the salt-to-onion ratio to suit your taste or dietary needs.
– Cost-effective: Onion powder and salt are inexpensive, and making your own blend saves money compared to buying pre-made onion salt.
– Freshness: Homemade blends can be made in small batches to ensure freshness and potency.
How to Make Onion Salt at Home: The Basic Recipe
Ingredients
– 3 parts salt (e.g., kosher salt, sea salt)
– 1 part onion powder (or finely ground dried onions)
Instructions
- Measure your salt and onion powder in a 3:1 ratio. For example, combine 3 tablespoons of salt with 1 tablespoon of onion powder to make about 1/4 cup of onion salt.
- Mix the salt and onion powder thoroughly in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.
- Before each use, give the container a shake or stir to break up any clumps, as homemade onion salt does not contain anti-caking agents.
Using Dried Onions Instead of Onion Powder
If you don’t have onion powder, you can make your own by grinding dried onion flakes or minced onions in a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle until fine. Then, mix with salt as above.
Advanced Homemade Onion Salt: Caramelized Onion Salt
For a richer, sweeter flavor, try making caramelized onion salt. This involves slowly cooking onions until caramelized, then dehydrating and grinding them into a powder before mixing with salt.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Salt
- Slice 6 large yellow onions into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Cook the onions slowly in a pan with a little neutral oil over medium heat for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark brown and jammy.
- Spread the cooked onions on a baking sheet or dehydrator trays.
- Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 15-20 hours until crispy and dark.
- Grind the dehydrated onions into a powder.
- Mix with kosher salt and store in an airtight container.
- Use to add deep umami flavor to eggs, fries, popcorn, pasta, and meats.
Tips for Making the Best Onion Salt
– Use high-quality salt like kosher or sea salt for better flavor.
– Store onion salt in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to preserve flavor.
– Make small batches to keep your onion salt fresh and prevent clumping.
– Experiment by adding other spices like black pepper, chili flakes, or dried herbs to create your own seasoning blends.
– If clumping occurs, break up the salt by stirring or pulsing in a spice grinder before use.
How to Use Onion Salt
– Sprinkle on roasted or grilled vegetables.
– Season meats, poultry, or fish before cooking.
– Add to salad dressings or dips for extra flavor.
– Mix into mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs.
– Use as a finishing salt on popcorn or fries.
FAQs About Making and Using Onion Salt
1. What is the ratio of salt to onion powder for onion salt?
A common ratio is 3 parts salt to 1 part onion powder.
2. Can I use fresh onions to make onion salt?
Fresh onions have too much moisture and will spoil. Use dried onion flakes or onion powder instead.
3. How do I store homemade onion salt?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
4. Will homemade onion salt clump?
Yes, because it lacks anti-caking agents. Stir or break up clumps before use.
5. Can I make onion salt without onion powder?
Yes, grind dried onion flakes or minced onions into powder and mix with salt.
6. How long does homemade onion salt last?
If stored properly, it can last several months.
7. Can I add other spices to onion salt?
Absolutely! Try black pepper, chili flakes, or dried herbs for custom blends.
8. Is onion salt healthier than fresh onions?
Onion salt adds flavor but lacks the vitamins and fiber of fresh onions.
9. Can I make onion salt in bulk?
Yes, but smaller batches stay fresher and reduce clumping.
10. What’s the difference between onion salt and onion powder?
Onion powder is just ground dried onion; onion salt is a blend of salt and onion powder.
11. Can I use garlic powder to make garlic salt similarly?
Yes, the same method applies for garlic salt using garlic powder and salt.
12. Is caramelized onion salt better than regular onion salt?
Caramelized onion salt has a sweeter, richer flavor but takes longer to make.
Making onion salt at home is a simple way to enhance your cooking with fresh, flavorful seasoning tailored to your taste. Whether you stick to the basic mix or try caramelized onion salt, homemade blends offer superior flavor without unwanted additives. Enjoy experimenting and elevating your dishes with this easy DIY seasoning!