This is the first in what I hope will be an ongoing series sharing love for my favorite ingredients. No sponcon or ads - just things I would effusively recommend to strangers in a grocery store or yammer on about if you casually inquired about my favorite mustard (more on that soon).

I first encountered Red Boat salt a few years ago when it turned up in my Christmas stocking. Red Boat fish sauce is widely available (and fantastic) but the salt still seems to be a well kept secret. The smell is pungent and funky but the taste is pure umami - just like the package says. I have saved many humdrum recipes and experiments that didn’t turn out as well as I’d planned with a pinch of this magic powder. It’s one of the few foods that have managed to graduate from interesting stocking stuffer to full-time pantry resident.

Here’s how I use it:

Sprinkled over brussels sprouts before roasting
In salad dressings that needs a flavor boost - I’ve added it to everything from creamy blue cheese to vinaigrettes
A pinch in the last few minutes of cooking adds great depth of flavor to soups that need a little something extra
In gravy or pan sauces - it adds a hit of umami without competing with other flavors
Salted yogurt - I’m generally not a yogurt person but this makes a delicious accompaniment to soups and roasted vegetable or grain salads.

If you don’t spot it in the wild, Red Boat salt can also be ordered directly from Red Boat.