Reducing Sodium Consumption Through Strategies with Soy Sauce and MSG
A Tale of Salt, MSG, and Soy Sauce
I recently shared a giant soft pretzel with beer cheese and a bunch of pals, including a precocious 7-year-old. As we munched away, I noticed how she, too, loved salting each pretzel bite before taking a chomp. It brought back memories of my own middle school days, devouring seasoned salt by the handful. I might have outgrown that habit, but I'm still a salt fiend at heart.
However, as I get older, I've come to realize that a salt-heavy diet isn't the best choice if I want to stick around for the long haul. So, I've been making a conscious effort to cut back on the sodium – and that's where MSG and soy sauce come in.
To me, this might as well be blasphemy, but the truth is, there are five main flavors we should be paying attention to, not just salt. Along with bitter, sour, and sweet, umami should get its day in the sun. You could be craving umami flavors without even realizing it – that's what happens when you keep reaching for the salt shaker during cooking. If your dish lacks "something", it might be missing one of these overlooked flavors.
By adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, a spoonful of tomato sauce, or even a handful of raisins, you're introducing delicious acidity, bitterness, and sweetness into your dish. For umami, MSG and soy sauce are your best bet.
Why MSG and Soy Sauce are Your New Best Friends
MSG and soy sauce might not have as much sodium as table salt, but they're still flavor powerhouses. A teaspoon of table salt contains about 2,300 mg of sodium, while the same amount of soy sauce boasts only around 300 mg, and MSG barely 500 mg. Moreover, MSG is more potent than salt when it comes to enhancing flavors, so you can use less of it to make a big impact.
I usually add no more than an eighth of a teaspoon of MSG when I'm cooking for myself, and it makes all the difference. Soy sauce is also a versatile seasoning that goes well with practically everything, so you don't have to spend hours tinkering with recipes to find the perfect pairings.
My Top Tips for a Low-Salt Cooking Style
There's a simple method I use to reduce sodium in my meals while still enjoying the savory flavors I love. Instead of adding salt at the beginning of the cooking process, I wait until the end. I sauté, braise, or make soup as usual, but I season with MSG and soy sauce first. Then, I taste the dish and adjust with a bit of salt if needed. This way, I can create well-rounded, flavorful meals without oversalting.
But don't worry, I'm not a salt purist. I still indulge in deli meats and fast food on occasion – moderation is key. And when I do enjoy salty treats, I make sure to balance them out with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
So, if you're looking to cut back on sodium while still enjoying delicious meals, look no further than MSG and soy sauce. These umami powerhouses are a game-changer in the kitchen – trust me, I've been there!
- To reduce salt intake in food and drink, consider using MSG and soy sauce as alternatives, as they are flavor powerhouses with lower sodium compared to table salt.
- MSG is more potent than salt when it comes to enhancing flavors, so you can use less of it to make a big impact in cooking.
- Soy sauce, a versatile seasoning, pairs well with practically everything, reducing the need to spend hours tinkering with recipes to find the perfect pairings.
- Instead of adding salt at the beginning of the cooking process, try waiting until the end and seasoning with MSG and soy sauce first, then adjust with a bit of salt if needed.
- This method allows you to create well-rounded, flavorful meals without oversalting while reducing overall sodium intake.
- Balancing salty treats with plenty of fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Voraciously experiment with MSG and soy sauce in your cooking, and you may find that nutritious, healthy-diets can still be delicious and exciting.
- Whether you're an aussiedlerbote or simply enjoy food-and-drink, incorporating these tips into your food-and-drink adventures can lead to a more balanced, health-and-wellness focused lifestyle, even when it comes to fitness-and-exercise and cooking.
