Too Much Salt? How to Fix an Overly Salty Dish

In The Kitchen

Have you done this… you're almost done cooking a delicious meal when you taste it and realize it's too salty. This happened to me recently, and I ran to the internet to see what I could do.  I didn’t want to toss the amazing sauce I’d just made, and I couldn’t remake it because I didn’t have enough ingredients.  I also couldn’t eat it.  It was just too salty.

Well, don't panic! I found several ways on how to fix an overly salty dish so I wanted to share them with you.  I recommend bookmarking this page so you can come back to it if you face this emergency. 

How to fix an overly salty dish

If It Is a Soup, Stew, or Sauce - Dilute It

One of the easiest ways to reduce saltiness is by diluting the dish. Adding more of the main ingredient or liquid can help distribute the salt more evenly. For soups, stews, and sauces, try adding water, unsalted broth, or another liquid to dilute the salt concentration. Just remember you won’t be able to reduce it, so if adding more liquid will make it too watery, you might want to look a bit farther down the list. 

What About A Casserole or Stir-Fry?

You can’t water down a casserole or stir-fry easily, plus you don’t want them swimming in liquid.  In this case, consider adding more vegetables, grains, or proteins to balance out the flavors.  If I have a casserole that is already baked, depending on the type of casserole, I may add more veggies, pasta, potatoes, or even beans, etc, and stir the whole thing up, burying the crust.  Then re-apply the crust layer.  It adds a depth of flavor while solving the problem.

Add Acid

This is one I didn’t know about. Acidic ingredients help counteract the saltiness in your dish. A splash of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a dollop of yogurt can brighten the flavors and reduce the perception of salt. Be careful not to add too much acid, which can overwhelm the dish. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.  If you are adding yogurt, you should do this off the heat. Otherwise, it may split.

Cooking Something Creamy - Incorporate More Dairy

Dairy products like cream, milk, sour cream, or unsalted butter can help mellow out salty flavors. The fat content in these ingredients can coat your taste buds and mask the saltiness. This method works well for creamy soups, sauces, and pasta dishes. If your dish allows, try adding a bit of dairy to see if it helps balance the flavors.  You can even use coconut milk if you’d like.  Once time I turned a stiry-fry into a curry by adding coconut milk and it was delicious.

Add Sweetness - But Just a Bit

I already knew about this and the dairy alternative. A touch of sweetness can help neutralize saltiness. Adding a small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup can help balance the flavors in your dish. This method works particularly well for tomato-based dishes, barbecue sauces, and glazes. As with acid, start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid making the dish too sweet.

Add Starch - And Then Potentially Remove It

Starchy ingredients like potatoes, rice, pasta, or bread can absorb some of the excess salt. If your dish can accommodate it, try adding a peeled potato to soups or stews and let it cook for a while. The potato will absorb some of the salt, which you can then remove before serving. Who knew? Alternatively, serve the salty dish over a bed of rice or pasta to help balance the flavors.

Rinse if Possible

Ok - I lied. I did use this once for a really salty small ham I bought.  Not only did I rinse it, but I soaked it in water for a bit.  You have to be careful doing that because you can rinse or soak away too much salt (I’ve done that, too). This isn’t just for ham. For some dishes, like over-salted beans or vegetables, you can rinse them under cold water to remove some of the excess salt. This method works best for solid ingredients that can withstand rinsing without losing their texture or flavor.

Worried About Oversalting? Use a Salt-Free Seasoning

If your dish is too salty, consider adding salt-free seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavors without adding more salt. Fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and spices can add depth and complexity to your dish while masking some of the saltiness.  I especially like to add spices to my dishes and then add salt toward the end.  I find that you don’t need much salt.  I have a Butter Chicken Sauce Recipe that uses so many spices that you barely use salt, and it is delicious!

Keep Your Tasting Spoons At the Ready

The best thing you can do is taste as you go.  I have tasting spoons next to my stove, so I can quickly grab one, taste, and adjust as many times as needed.  But mistakes happen. 

Knowing how to save an overly salty dish can save you from a kitchen disaster and ensure your meal is still enjoyable. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently rescue your dish and serve a delicious meal.

Remember, cooking is both an art and a science. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust flavors to suit your taste.

What additional tips do you have?