When it comes to grilling, the secret to achieving restaurant-quality flavor isn’t just in the prep or the perfect sear—it’s in the final touch. Enter finishing salt, the gourmet upgrade that can take your grilled creations from merely tasty to unforgettable.
But what is finishing salt exactly? It’s a sprinkle of flavor, a touch of crunch, and a way to take your grilled steak, veggies, or even desserts to the next level. Let’s dive into the world of finishing salts and discover why they’re a must-have for grill masters everywhere.
What Is Finishing Salt?
Finishing salts are all-natural, unrefined salts that are added to a dish just before serving to provide a final layer of salty flavor, a pleasant crunch, and even a touch of visual flair.
Unlike regular table salt or kosher salt which dissolves into your food during cooking, finishing salts are designed to stand out. Whether your finishing salt is harvested from land or sea, these salts are packed with electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, giving each type of finishing salt a distinct flavor, texture, and appearance.
Types of Finishing Salt
Not all finishing salts are created equal. Let’s explore some popular types, each with its own unique flavor and ideal uses.
Pink Himalayan Salt
- Where does it come from? Mined from the Salt Range in northeast Pakistan.
- What does it look like? Naturally pink thanks to minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
- How does it taste? Mild, slightly sweet, and subtle.
- How do I use pink Himalayan salt? Fruits, salads, desserts, dips, soups, and steak.
GRILL SPOT TIP: If you want to finish steak or other warm dishes with pink Himalayan salt, use larger flakes so they don’t melt before you get a chance to eat.
Maldon Salt
- Where does it come from? Harvested from the Blackwater Estuary in Maldon, England.
- What does it look like? Large, coarse pyramid-shaped flakes.
- How does it taste? Clean and fresh with a fleeting saltiness.
- How do I use pink Himalayan salt? Salads, fresh vegetables, meat, and fish.
Fleur de Sel
- Where does it come from? Hand-harvested from French salt marshes.
- What does it look like? Moist, delicate crystals.
- How does it taste? Bright, complex, and highly salty.
- How do I use pink Himalayan salt? Salads, seafood, and desserts.
GRILL SPOT TIP: Avoid using fleur de sel on steak as it melts too quickly.
Sel Gris (also known as Celtic sea salt or French gray salt)
- Where does it come from? Harvested from clay-lined salt basins in France.
- What does it look like? Gray and flaky.
- How does it taste? Briny and mineral-rich.
- How do I use pink Himalayan salt? Similar to Maldon salt, but with added minerality for a deeper flavor.
Infused Finishing Salts
Infused finishing salts are salts that have been infused with other flavors like herbs and spices, black charcoal, truffle, or smoked notes.
They are made using a variety of techniques ranging from mixing and drying salt with flavoring agents to smoking or aging the salt with natural elements.
The best use for infused finishing salts depends on the flavor of your salt and what you’re cooking. For example, truffle salt will stand out on risotto, while smoked salt will shine when it’s paired with grilled meats.
How to Use Finishing Salts
Using finishing salt is simple, but timing is key. Follow these tips for perfect results:
- Choose the right salt: Look for a finishing salt with flavors that complement your dish. For example, the briny flavors of sel gris will stand out on fish and salads, but might not pair well with steak.
- Sprinkle it last: Add finishing salt right before serving, especially on hot dishes, to maintain its crunch.
- Use sparingly: A little goes a long way. Too much can overwhelm your dish.
- Reduce cooking salt: To avoid oversalting, you might want to reduce the amount of salt during cooking if you’re planning to finish with a specialty salt.
- Control the sprinkle: Use your fingers for precise application and let the warmth of your hands bring out the salt’s natural flavor.
How to Use Finishing Salt for Grilling
Grilling and finishing salts are a match made in culinary heaven. While kosher salt is best for seasoning meats before grilling (thanks to its ability to penetrate and tenderize), finishing salts are the star of the show once the grilling is done. Sprinkling a high-quality finishing salt onto your steak, chicken, or vegetables right before serving brings out their natural flavors and adds that coveted crunch and pop of flavor.
For the perfect steak, try using a flaky salt like Maldon salt, a favorite among steakhouses for its clean flavor and crisp texture. If you’re looking to elevate your grilled meats or vegetables, the subtle sweetness of smoked salt, such as our Quebec Maple Smoked Salt, adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled dishes.
Want to explore more flavor profiles? Specialty collections like the Kanel Salt Collection offer a range of infused salts perfect for grilling. For example:
- Fiery Sea Salt delivers a punch of heat that complements hearty dishes like steak, or simple dishes such as eggs or avocado toast.
- Cold Smoked Sea Salt pairs perfectly with grilled salmon or even as a finishing touch on roasted root vegetables.
- Holy Grail Garlic Salt brings a bright, herbal flair to poultry or even grilled bread drizzled with olive oil.
- For a touch of indulgence, Summer Black Truffle Salt is ideal for subtle dishes like risotto or grilled mushrooms, where its earthy flavor can truly shine.
GRILL SPOT TIP: The key is to sprinkle the finishing salt on your dish right before serving, after resting—the residual heat will enhance the salt’s aroma without melting away its signature crunch.
Shop for finishing salts:
The Final Sprinkle: Elevate Your Grilling Game with Finishing Salts
Whether you’re enhancing a juicy steak, a delicate dessert, or a simple salad, finishing salts offer a gourmet upgrade that’s easy to achieve. With so many options available, the hardest part might just be choosing your favorite. So grab a pinch, sprinkle generously, and let the magic of finishing salts elevate your meals!
Keep reading
Sources
- “What Is Finishing Salt? Types and Tips“. Jennifer James. ITTEFAQ Salt.
- “How to Use Finishing Salts to Add Flavor and Texture to a Dish“. Kelly Vaughan and Randi Gollin. Marth Stewart. Updated on September 25, 2024.
- “Choosing the Perfect Gourmet Salt“. SaltWorks.
- “All About Sea Salt, Artisan Salts, and Other Finishing Salts“. Sara Bir. Simply Recipes. Updated on January 27, 2023.
- “What Is Finishing Salt? Most Common Types Of Finishing Salts“. Saltean.com. January 13, 2023.
- “Best Salt to Use for Steak and Cooking [Kosher, Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt or Table Salt]“. Heatherlea.ca.
