The Differences Between Table Salt and Kosher Salt, Explained

Have you ever followed a recipe to its exact specifications only to find the resulting dish way too salty? There’s a reason for that—but neither you nor the recipe is to blame. Rather, it all boils down to the differences between table salt and kosher salt.

Most home chefs treat kosher and table salts as though they’re interchangeable. In fact, they’re not. In a short video, Chef John of Food Wishes explains the physical differences between the two salt types, and why they can have such a huge impact on the flavor of your food. While table and kosher salt may taste the same, the different size and shape of the grains has a major impact on a recipe’s measurements. And since many recipes call for kosher salt, while most home chefs use table salt, big differences in saltiness can emerge.

Check out the video above to learn why it’s important to pay attention to which salt you use. But remember, when in doubt, skip the measurements altogether, and just add salt to taste. As Chef John says in the video, “I don’t care how much salt that soup or stew or sauce calls for, I’m not adding all that in. I might add a little, but I’m going to taste as I go and add more as needed.”

[h/t Food Wishes]

Banner Image Credit: Food Wishes, YouTube