Sriracha Salt

This vibrant homemade sriracha salt adds a spicy kick to practically any dish. With just two ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a flavor-packed finishing salt that will elevate everything from eggs to roasted vegetables.

I first made this sriracha salt when looking for a way to jazz up my popcorn game. Now it's become my secret weapon in the kitchen. My guests always ask what makes my dishes taste so special, and this bright red flavor booster is often the answer.

Ingredients

• Coarse sea salt or kosher salt: The larger crystals provide better texture and dissolve more slowly, creating a lingering flavor experience. Look for salt without anti-caking agents for the purest result.
• Sriracha sauce: This fermented chili sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, garlic, and subtle sweetness. Choose a quality brand like Huy Fong for the most authentic flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Take a baking sheet and line it carefully with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as the mixture can be quite sticky initially.

Mixing:

Combine the coarse salt and sriracha in a small mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until every grain of salt is coated with the bright red sauce. The mixture will be wet and slightly clumpy at this stage which is exactly what you want.

Spreading:

Transfer the sriracha-salt mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. This ensures uniform drying and prevents large clumps from forming.

Drying:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven then immediately turn off the heat. This gentle residual warmth dries the salt without cooking or burning the sriracha. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed in the warm oven for 60-90 minutes until completely dry.

Breaking Up:

Check on your salt once or twice during the drying process. Use a fork to break up any large clumps that are forming. This helps ensure even drying throughout.

Cooling:

Once fully dried, remove the salt from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. The salt will continue to harden as it cools.

Finishing:

Break up any remaining chunks either by mashing them in a mixing bowl or gently rolling over them with a rolling pin. You want a consistent texture for even distribution when using.

Storage:

Transfer your finished sriracha salt to an airtight jar or container for storage. A glass jar with a tight seal works perfectly.

The sriracha brings more than just heat to this salt. Its complex fermented flavor adds depth that plain chili powder simply cannot match. My favorite weekend ritual is sprinkling this over fresh avocado toast, where the creamy avocado perfectly balances the salt's spicy kick.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can create your own signature versions by adding complementary flavors. Try mixing in a teaspoon of lime zest before drying for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with seafood and Mexican dishes. For an umami-rich version, add a teaspoon of crushed dried mushrooms or nutritional yeast. Garlic lovers can include a half teaspoon of garlic powder to intensify that component of the sriracha.

Creative Uses

This versatile salt goes far beyond simple seasoning. Rim cocktail glasses with it for spicy margaritas or Bloody Marys. Sprinkle over freshly popped popcorn or homemade potato chips for an addictive snack. Add a pinch to chocolate desserts for a surprising sweet-heat combination that's unexpectedly delicious. I particularly love it on watermelon in summer, where the contrast between sweet fruit, spicy heat and salt creates a flavor explosion.

Gifting Ideas

Homemade sriracha salt makes an impressive and thoughtful gift. Transfer to small decorative jars, add a handwritten label, and pair with a wooden salt cellar or spoon for a complete package. For food-loving friends, create a themed gift basket with homemade sriracha salt, gourmet popcorn kernels, and a quality olive oil. The bright red color makes it especially festive for holiday giving.

Storage Best Practices

Store your sriracha salt in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain maximum flavor intensity. While it won't spoil, the vibrant color and spice potency will gradually diminish with exposure to light and air. For the longest shelf life, keep in an airtight container away from heat sources and direct sunlight. The salt will stay flavorful for up to six months when properly stored, though the heat level may gradually decrease over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of salt should I use?

Use coarse sea salt or kosher salt for the best texture and flavor.

→ How long does sriracha salt last?

Stored in an airtight jar, it keeps for several months in a cool, dark place.

→ What can I use sriracha salt on?

It’s great on eggs, grilled meats, vegetables, fries, or popcorn.

→ Is it very spicy?

It has a mild kick, but the salt balances the heat nicely.

→ Can I use other hot sauces?

Yes, you can experiment with your favorite hot sauces, but the result may vary in flavor and color.