- Water
- Unsalted broth
- Milk
- Unsalted cream
- Coconut milk
Add a small amount at a time, then taste again.
Be careful not to add too much liquid at once, because you could end up with a dish that is bland or too thin.
3. Add More of the Main Ingredients
Sometimes you don’t need more liquid—you simply need more food.
Suppose you’ve prepared a tomato sauce that is too salty. Adding more unsalted tomatoes can help restore the balance.
Likewise, if a stew is too salty, increasing the vegetables, meat, beans, or other unsalted components can spread the salt throughout a larger volume of food.
This method is especially useful when you want to preserve the original texture.
4. Use Acidity to Balance the Flavor
A salty dish can sometimes taste less harsh when you introduce a little acidity.
Depending on the recipe, try a small amount of:
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Vinegar
- Tomatoes
The acid doesn’t actually remove the salt. Instead, it changes the overall flavor balance and can make excessive saltiness less noticeable.
Add it gradually. A few drops may be enough.
5. A Touch of Sweetness Can Help
For certain dishes, a small amount of sweetness can also balance excessive saltiness.
