Salt is a crucial ingredient in many recipes, but not all salts are created equal.
Different types of salt have varying granule sizes, which can affect the amount of salt in a tablespoon. For instance, one tablespoon of kosher salt may not be the same as one tablespoon of table salt.
This can be confusing for home cooks who want to substitute one type of salt for another. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between table salt and kosher salt and provide tips on how to convert measurements so you can confidently use either type of salt in your cooking.
So let’s dive in and learn how much table salt is equivalent to one tablespoon of kosher salt!
How Much Table Salt Is 1 Tablespoon Of Kosher Salt?
To understand how much table salt is equivalent to one tablespoon of kosher salt, we need to first understand the differences between the two types of salt.
Table salt is the most common type of salt found in households. It is highly refined and has small, uniform granules. Kosher salt, on the other hand, is less refined and has larger, irregularly shaped granules.
Because of these differences in granule size, one tablespoon of kosher salt may not be the same as one tablespoon of table salt. In fact, to use kosher salt in place of one teaspoon of table salt, you will need to add another 1/4 teaspoon to the measurement.
So, how much table salt is equivalent to one tablespoon of kosher salt? According to experts, you can use 1 1/2 tablespoons of Morton Kosher Salt or fleur de sel in place of one tablespoon of table salt. Alternatively, you can use 2 tablespoons of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or Maldon Sea Salt.
It’s important to note that kosher salt and coarse sea salt do not dissolve as readily as table salt. For this reason, it’s not recommended to use them in baking recipes.
The Differences Between Table Salt And Kosher Salt
Table salt and kosher salt have distinct differences in terms of their granule size, texture, and taste. Table salt is finely ground rock salt that includes additives to prevent clumping. Its small granules dissolve easily and cover a greater surface area, making it ideal for baking recipes. However, it has a less intense flavor than kosher and sea salts.
Kosher salt, on the other hand, has larger and irregularly shaped granules that are less dense than table salt. Its coarser texture makes it more difficult to dissolve, but it has a brighter taste and enhances the natural flavors of ingredients. Kosher salt is commonly used for koshering meat and poultry, as well as in brines for added flavor.
When substituting kosher salt for table salt, it’s important to note that one tablespoon of kosher salt is not equivalent to one tablespoon of table salt due to the differences in granule size. It’s recommended to use 1 1/2 tablespoons of Morton Kosher Salt or fleur de sel or 2 tablespoons of Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or Maldon Sea Salt in place of one tablespoon of table salt.
In baking recipes, fine sea salt or table salt may be preferred over kosher salt due to its smaller granule size that dissolves more evenly into baked goods. Additionally, when sifting dry ingredients together, kosher salt may get trapped in the sifter, so it’s recommended to sift everything except for the salt and then mix it in afterwards.
How Granule Size Affects Salt Measurement
The granule size of salt can have a significant impact on how much salt is needed in a recipe. This is because different types of salt have different sized granules, which means that the amount of salt in one tablespoon can vary.
For example, Diamond Crystal kosher salt has larger crystals than Morton kosher salt, so it takes fewer of them to fill measuring spoons. One teaspoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt weighs 3 grams, while one teaspoon of Morton kosher salt weighs about 5 grams. This means that if you were to substitute Morton kosher salt for Diamond Crystal kosher salt in a recipe, you would need to use more of it to achieve the same level of salinity.
Similarly, if a recipe calls for coarse sea salt or kosher salt, those large crystals take up more space than finer crystal table salt. This means that less of the bigger crystal salt fits in a teaspoon compared to the finer crystal table salt. As a result, people often think that coarse sea salt and kosher salts are healthier because they are lower in sodium. However, this is because you are using less of them due to their larger crystal size.
Converting Measurements: Table Salt To Kosher Salt
When converting measurements from table salt to kosher salt, it’s important to keep in mind that the granule size of each type of salt is different. This means that a measurement of one type of salt may not result in the same amount as another.
For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of table salt, you will need to use 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt instead. This is because kosher salt has larger granules and is less dense than table salt.
To make things easier, you can use a conversion table to determine the correct amount of kosher salt to use in place of table salt. For instance, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of table salt, you can substitute with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Morton Kosher Salt or fleur de sel. If you prefer Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or Maldon Sea Salt, you will need to use 2 tablespoons to achieve the same level of salinity.
It’s important to note that kosher salt and coarse sea salt do not dissolve as readily as table salt. Therefore, they are not recommended for use in baking recipes. If you must substitute, be prepared for a bit of math as you’ll need to check the nutrition label of the salt you use and figure out how much to use based on the mg of sodium.
Converting Measurements: Kosher Salt To Table Salt
To convert measurements from kosher salt to table salt, it’s important to understand the differences in granule size and structure between the two types of salt. While one tablespoon of table salt may seem like it should be equivalent to one tablespoon of kosher salt, this is not the case.
To substitute kosher salt for table salt, you will need to add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt for every teaspoon of table salt called for in the recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of table salt, you can use 1 1/2 tablespoons of Morton Kosher Salt or fleur de sel instead.
It’s important to note that kosher salt and coarse sea salt do not dissolve as readily as table salt, which can affect the texture and consistency of baked goods. For this reason, it’s recommended to use table salt in baking recipes whenever possible.
If you need to substitute kosher salt for table salt in a recipe, it’s important to check the nutrition label of the salt you are using and calculate how much to use based on the amount of sodium needed in the recipe. This can be a bit of a hassle, so it’s generally best to stick with the recommended substitutions outlined above.
Tips For Substituting Salt In Recipes
When substituting salt in recipes, it’s important to consider the type of salt being used and the recipe itself. Here are some tips for substituting salt in recipes:
1. Use regular table salt as a substitute for kosher salt. This will work in most recipes but may not have the same flavor as kosher salt.
2. Sea salt is another option for a more natural substitute. It has a more intense flavor than table salt and is less refined.
3. Remember that different types of salt have different sized granules, so the amount of salt in one tablespoon can vary.
4. To use kosher salt in place of one teaspoon of table salt, you will need to add another 1/4 teaspoon to the measurement.
5. Diamond Crystal kosher salt has no anti-caking agents but is coarser than Morton brand, so you will have to measure by weight to get the required amount.
6. Do not substitute coarse kosher salt one to one for table salt in a recipe, unless you are using Morton brand (for amounts less than a teaspoon).
7. Check the nutrition label of the salt you use and then figure out how much to use based on the mg of sodium if you want the recipe to come out with the correct balance of salt in relationship to the other ingredients.
By following these tips, you can feel comfortable substituting one type of salt for another in your recipes while still achieving the desired taste and texture.
Conclusion: Mastering Salt Measurements In Your Cooking
To master salt measurements in your cooking, it’s important to understand the differences between table salt and kosher salt. While they may seem interchangeable, their granule sizes can greatly affect the amount needed in a recipe.
When substituting kosher salt for table salt, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need to add an additional 1/4 teaspoon for every teaspoon of table salt called for. And when measuring out kosher salt, it’s best to use a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
It’s also important to note that different brands of kosher salt can have varying granule sizes. For example, Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is coarser than Morton Kosher Salt, so you will need to measure by weight to get the required amount.
