Chicken salt, a seasoning blend that epitomizes Australiana, has long been a beloved companion to our golden, crunchy fish and chips. However, this unassuming seasoning is far more versatile than most Aussies realize. While it's commonly associated with takeaway food and childhood nostalgia, chicken salt is a bona fide culinary ingredient that can elevate almost any savoury dish. In this article, I'll explore some unconventional ways to use chicken salt, from donuts to martinis, and discuss why this seasoning blend is so fascinating and underutilized. Personally, I think that chicken salt is a true chameleon in the kitchen, capable of transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. One thing that immediately stands out is the way chicken salt can enhance the natural savoury notes of foods, whether they're traditionally savoury or naturally sweet. For example, chef Alex Charasse suggests that a small amount of chicken salt on buttered noodles creates a surprisingly sophisticated flavour, similar to the comforting richness found in garlic butter pasta dishes. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way chicken salt can balance the richness of pork belly and grilled lamb, complementing their caramelized exteriors and natural sweetness. From my perspective, this versatility is what makes chicken salt so intriguing. It's not just a seasoning; it's a culinary tool that can be used to create a wide range of flavours and textures. What many people don't realize is that chicken salt contains a carefully balanced combination of savoury, salty, and subtly sweet notes. This allows it to pair well with both fatty, crunchy foods like fish and chips, and naturally rich ingredients like pork belly and lamb. In fact, chef Charasse suggests that chicken salt can even enhance the natural sweetness of sweet corn and sweet potato, creating a combination that is both familiar and unexpected. One of the most surprising uses of chicken salt is in guacamole. Melbourne-based founder and recipe developer Maggie Turansky suggests that chicken salt adds an extra umami quality to this Mexican classic, along with its saltiness. This is especially interesting because it's common in Mexico to use chicken bouillon powder in guacamole, but Turansky has found that chicken salt lends the same flavour profile. Another unconventional use of chicken salt is in martinis. Bar Manager Jai Lyons at Smoke Bar in Barangaroo House created a chicken salt martini in 2023, featuring a chicken salt-infused Lustau Amontillado Sherry, rice syrup, and a potato tuile. This cocktail was originally released as part of their immersive Memories menu, intended to evoke feelings of childhood nostalgia. While the martini has since been discontinued, Lyons shared the recipe, allowing anyone to attempt it at home. If you take a step back and think about it, it's fascinating how chicken salt can be used to create such a wide range of flavours and textures. From savory doughnuts to chicken salt-infused guacamole, this seasoning blend is a true chameleon in the kitchen. What this really suggests is that chicken salt is not just a seasoning; it's a culinary tool that can be used to create a wide range of culinary experiences. In conclusion, chicken salt is a seasoning blend that deserves far more attention and experimentation than it currently receives. Its versatility and ability to enhance a wide range of flavours make it a true chameleon in the kitchen. So, the next time you're cooking up a storm, why not give chicken salt a try? You might just be surprised at the delicious results.
