Recipe: Korean sesame salt

Sesame salt can either be provided in a communal dish or in individual dishes. (Photo by Tammy Quackenbush)

It seems silly to call this a recipe because a simple way of marrying salt and sesame seeds in a way that make them better together than they are by themselves.

Sesame salt is a typical Korean way to "cut" the salt usage while maximizing flavor in vegetables, braised and grilled meats.

Here are the ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon coarse Korean sea salt

If the sesame seeds aren't already toasted, it's easy to do yourself in a cast iron skillet or wok. Just gradually stir and heat the sesame seeds over low heat until they start to turn golden brown and aromatic.

You can use a spice grinder to blend the sesame salt. I'd advise you not to use your coffee grinder for this task. (Photo by Tammy Quackenbush)

While the seeds are still warm, put them into a grinder or mortar.  Stir in the sea salt of your choice and start grinding.

This is simply a serving suggestion. Place a tablespoon of sesame salt in a small dish for each guest to increase the flavor profile of their own meal. (Photo by Jeff Quackenbush)

I usually will do this as fresh as possible right before serving my main course, whether it's a plate of Korean BBQ or Braised Short Ribs. If you aren't making it for immediate use, store the sesame salt in a tightly covered jar.

Here's a beautiful slideshow of a salt farm on Korea's southwest coast.  



Sea Salt