Choi Kang-rok's Kelp Salt

1. In a pot, add 2.4L of water and 60g of kelp, and bring to a boil to make a rich broth. If you have time, soaking the kelp in cold water the day before or a few hours in advance will yield a more flavorful broth.
2. Once the broth is sufficiently rich, strain out the kelp cleanly using a sieve.
3. Pour the prepared 500g of sun-dried sea salt into the kelp broth, turn on the heat, and begin to boil while stirring well.
4. Initially, cook over medium-high heat, allowing ample time for the moisture to evaporate. As the moisture gradually decreases, the salt liquid will thicken.
5. When the moisture is reduced to a simmer and salt crystals are fully revealed, and salt begins to splatter, immediately reduce the heat to low.
6. Continuously stir with a spatula or cooking utensil to prevent the salt from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning, and completely evaporate the remaining moisture.
7. When the salt crystals become white and distinct, make a rustling sound when mixed with a spatula, and it falls off your hand dry without any stickiness, turn off the heat.
8. The finished salt will harden due to residual heat if left in the hot pot or pan, so immediately spread it out on a wide tray or another container to cool completely before storing.

Cooking tips 💡

• Using fresh, unused kelp generously will result in a salt with a much richer umami flavor.
• Be extremely careful of burns during the final crystallization stage when all moisture evaporates, as the salt splatters and is very hot.
• Using a non-stick pan or pot is much easier than a regular pan, as the salt will not stick to the bottom.
• The finished kelp salt has fine grains that dissolve quickly in the mouth. Use a small amount for dipping fried foods, or in meat broths like seolleongtang or gomtang, or fish dishes to add a deep flavor.

Recommended for 🙋

• ⭐Those who want to make a homemade seasoning with natural umami without artificial additives.
• ⭐Those who want a special salt to enhance the flavor of fried foods or meat dishes.
• ⭐Those who want to elevate the detail and completeness of their cooking with effort and time.