Cooking with a Salt Block
A salt block is exactly what it sounds like, a block of salt. Why would you cook on a salt block? Is it healthy or safe? How do you clean it? You might be asking yourself so many questions, but we have all the answers!
Is cooking on a salt block healthy?
Cooking on a salt block is 100% safe and naturally adds health benefits from the Himalayan pink salt into your food while it cooks. Also adding more complex flavors than the average table salt has to offer.
Such health benefits include balancing your body’s pH, stabilizing hydration levels, improving digestion and reducing acid reflux!
The amount of salt that is absorbed depends on a number of factors, however. Moisture level, thickness and oil content of the food being prepared, as well as the temperature of the block being a few of the variables on how the food will turn out.
Why would I cook on a salt block?
Similar to cast iron, salt retains heat for up to 30-45 minutes after being away from a heat source.
You don’t need to use any oil or butter when using the block, because nothing will stick.
No need to wash pans, all you need to do is wipe the surface of the salt block down entirely with a slightly damp towel and leave to dry for your next use! Salt is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial meaning the surface will clean itself and stay clean.
Before use, wipe with a towel to make sure it is free of any dust or residue from previous uses.
How do you cook with it?
Salt block slabs can be heated up to 450 degrees fahrenheit to cook steak, chicken or even chilled in the freezer to serve cold foods such as sushi, cheese, and cured meats too!
To heat in the oven:
Place your dry salt slab into a cold oven and turn the heat to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. When the oven has reached 250 degrees, remove the salt slab and let cool for about 30 minutes. Then return it to the oven and set the temperature for 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat will distribute slowly and evenly throughout. If heated too quickly, the block can crack or break.
To heat using a gas burner:
Place your dry Himalayan salt slab over a low gas flame for 15 minutes. If you desire a higher temperature, heat for an additional 15 minutes on a medium-high gas flame.
To heat on an electric stove:
Use a metal spacer or wok ring to prevent the salt slab from making direct contact with the heating element. Follow instructions for gas heating.
Cook meat to desired taste & tenderness. Share pictures of success stories with us @SouthernSaltTherapies or #SouthernSaltPSL