What if pasta sauce is too salty

The antidote depends on the nature of the sauce: for French cream- or butter-based sauces, add more cream or a little brown sugar to neutralize the salt. With tomato-based sauces , brown sugar creates a sweet counterpoint. And for a lighter sauce, such as an herb-based one, squeeze in a little lemon; its acidity will help to balance out the saltiness. The same goes for the state of the sauce, too. If a sauce has been reduced too much, then dilute it and its sodium level with unseasoned stock.

Adding wine is another option, although it's a little tricky; if the alcohol does not cook out entirely, then the sauce will become bitter. Add Water. Add Acid. Add Sweetness. Add Bulk. The Potato Fix: Fact or Fiction. Saltiness Prevention Tips. Six Functions of Salt in Food. Featured Video. Read More. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for thespruceeats.

At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. It is important to remember that all salts not are created equal , so if you have a recipe that calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, depending on the type of salt you use, your sauce can end up way too salty. As a rule of thumb, make sure that you always start with less of what a recipe calls for, because you can always add more, but once you add more, you can't take it out.

When I think about the different flavors in cooking, I want to achieve balance. So, if something is too salty, I always try to fix it with the other flavors that can add balance, starting with acidity. Which spices are good alternative options for someone on a salt-free diet? Unfortunately, it is really hard to replace things that aren't salt. But, while I always say "salt awakens flavor," there are definitely things you can do to up the flavor of the foods you are eating.

I like to think about focusing on the other flavors you can enjoy such as sweet, heat, fat, acid and herbs. Which flavors can be added to homemade simple syrup that will keep well in the fridge?

Homemade simple syrups are so much fun to make and easy as pie. All you need is an even ratio of 1 part sugar and 1 part water. Every time you add ingredients, taste the sauce and add salt as necessary. Adding a splash of wine vinegar or lemon juice will conceal a moderate degree of over-salting, and usually doesn't upset the flavor of the sauce too noticeably. If you find the sauce is too acidic afterwards, add sugar -- just a light sprinkle at a time -- until its taste is balanced again.

If you're partial to spicy foods, sprinkling in some chili heat to the sauce can also mask the saltiness of moderately over-seasoned tomato sauce. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a minced fresh pepper until you're happy with the result. How to Reduce the Salty Taste in Foods. How to Unsweeten Sauce.