Hawaiian sea salt, also known as Alaea salt, is a popular ingredient used in many dishes, especially in Hawaiian cuisine. This sea salt is harvested from the Pacific Ocean and has a unique reddish-brown color due to its high iron content. It is commonly used to add flavor and texture to dishes, such as poke bowls, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.
However, Hawaiian sea salt may not be readily available in all parts of the world or may not be suitable for some dietary restrictions. In such cases, it is important to know the best substitutes for Hawaiian sea salt. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best substitutes for Hawaiian sea salt and how to use them in your dishes.
What is Hawaiian Sea Salt?
Alaea, Hawaiian sea salt, is a natural, unprocessed salt that is loaded with minerals derived from seawater. This reddish-brown salt gets its distinct color from the addition of a red volcanic clay called alaea, which does not alter the taste or aroma of the salt but enhances its health benefits by providing over 80 different minerals.
The flavor of alaea salt is delicate and smooth, with a milder and less salty taste than regular table salt, and its texture is exceptionally crunchy. Hawaiians traditionally use alaea salt to purify, cleanse, and bless their tools, canoes, homes, and temples. It is also a crucial ingredient in several Hawaiian delicacies like kalua pig, Hawaiian jerky, and poke.
However, the salt is challenging to find on the mainland and is quite expensive due to its hand-harvested nature. Nevertheless, some producers do distribute it throughout the mainland.
Best Hawaiian Sea Salt Substitutes
1. Kosher Salt
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is commonly used in Jewish cuisine. It has a coarse texture and is made by compacting salt crystals together. Kosher salt is different from table salt and sea salt in terms of its texture and flavor. It has a milder taste and dissolves quickly, making it a good substitute for Hawaiian sea salt.
To use kosher salt as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of kosher salt as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. However, if you are using kosher salt in a recipe that requires a lot of salt, you may need to add more kosher salt to achieve the same level of saltiness as Hawaiian sea salt.
2. Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is a type of salt that is harvested from the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. It is known for its pink color, which is caused by the presence of iron oxide. Pink Himalayan salt is also rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which make it a healthy substitute for Hawaiian sea salt.
To use pink Himalayan salt as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of pink Himalayan salt as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. Pink Himalayan salt has a similar taste to Hawaiian sea salt and can be used in the same dishes.
3. Celtic Sea Salt
Celtic sea salt is a type of salt that is harvested from the coast of Brittany in France. It is known for its grayish color, which is caused by the presence of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Celtic sea salt has a coarse texture and a briny taste, making it a good substitute for Hawaiian sea salt.
To use Celtic sea salt as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of Celtic sea salt as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. Celtic sea salt has a stronger flavor than Hawaiian sea salt, so you may need to use less salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
4. Fleur de Sel
Fleur de sel is a type of sea salt that is harvested from the surface of salt ponds in France. It has a delicate texture and a mild flavor, making it a good substitute for Hawaiian sea salt. Fleur de sel is commonly used as a finishing salt, meaning it is sprinkled on top of dishes just before serving to add flavor and texture.
To use fleur de sel as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of fleur de sel as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. Fleur de sel has a milder flavor than Hawaiian sea salt, so you may need to use more salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
5. Smoked Sea Salt
Smoked sea salt is a type of sea salt that is smoked over wood chips, giving it a smoky flavor. It is commonly used to add flavor to meats, seafood, and vegetables. Smoked sea salt has a coarse texture and a rich flavor, making it a good substitute for Hawaiian sea salt in dishes that require a smoky flavor.
To use smoked sea salt as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of smoked sea salt as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. However, keep in mind that smoked sea salt has a stronger flavor than Hawaiian sea salt, so you may need to use less salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
6. Lemon Salt
Lemon salt is a type of salt that is infused with lemon zest, giving it a tangy and citrusy flavor. It is commonly used as a seasoning for seafood, poultry, and vegetables. Lemon salt has a fine texture and a bright flavor, making it a good substitute for Hawaiian sea salt in dishes that require a citrusy flavor.
To use lemon salt as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can use the same amount of lemon salt as the recipe calls for Hawaiian sea salt. However, keep in mind that lemon salt has a different flavor profile than Hawaiian sea salt, so it may not be suitable for all dishes.
7. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a type of sauce that is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt. It has a salty and savory flavor and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt in dishes that require a savory and umami flavor.
To use soy sauce as a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, you can add soy sauce to the dish until you achieve the desired level of saltiness. Keep in mind that soy sauce has a strong flavor, so it may not be suitable for all dishes.
Conclusion
Hawaiian sea salt is a popular ingredient used in many dishes, but it may not be readily available or suitable for some dietary restrictions. In this article, we discussed the 7 best substitutes for Hawaiian sea salt, including kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt, Celtic sea salt, fleur de sel, smoked sea salt, lemon salt, and soy sauce.
When choosing a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt, consider the flavor profile of the dish and the dietary restrictions of the ingredients. Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that best suits your needs. With these substitutes, you can enjoy the flavor and texture of Hawaiian sea salt in your dishes, no matter where you are in the world.
