Muối Ớt is a unique and versatile condiment that adds a spicy, salty kick to many dishes. This addictive seasoning is made by combining dried chili peppers and salt, often with other aromatic ingredients like garlic, citrus zest, ginger, or shrimp powder. Vietnamese chili salt has many uses beyond just sprinkling on food. It can be used as a dry rub or marinade for meats, stirred into dipping sauces, or blended with oils to make a chili oil. Making your own allows you to customize the flavors and heat level. Homemade chili salt also makes a great gift for fellow spice lovers.
Ingredients and Preparation For Muối Ớt
- Small hot dried chilies like bird’s eye, arbol, pequín, or Thai chilies are best. They provide intense heat and bright flavor.
- Larger milder chilies like guajillo or New Mexico can be used alone or blended with smaller chilies to make a milder salt.
- Soak dried chilies in hot water for 20 minutes to rehydrate before use. Drain well.
- Dehydrate fresh chilies in a low oven or dehydrator until crumbly dry if needed.
- Use 1-2 cups fine sea salt or table salt. The amount can vary based on personal taste. Start with less salt and add more as needed.
Optional Aromatics:
- 2-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 inches ginger, peeled and minced
- Zest from 1 lemon, lime, or orange
- 2-3 tbsp shrimp or fish powder – adds savory umami flavor
- 1-2 tbsp sesame seeds or chopped nuts
- 2-3 tsp sugar to balance flavor
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board and knife for chopping chilies
- Baking sheet for drying fresh chilies (if needed)
- Mortar and pestle or small food processor for grinding
- Mixing bowls
- Airtight jar or container for storing.
How To Make Muối Ớt (Vietnamese Chili Salt)?
Making Vietnamese chili salt is simple with just three main steps:
Grind the Chilies
With a mortar and pestle:
- Break chilies into small pieces, removing stems and seeds
- Add to mortar and grind using a circular motion with the pestle until a coarse or fine powder forms
With a food processor:
- Pulse chilies in batches until finely ground but not a puree. Be careful not to over-process.
- You can also use a spice grinder, blender, or coffee grinder.
Ideal chili powder consistency:
- Coarse grind with small chili flakes for a robust crunch
- Finer powder that mixes easily with the salt.
Mix in the Salt and Aromatics
- Combine ground chilies with salt and any additional aromatics
- Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly
- Taste and adjust seasonings – add more salt or aromatics as desired
- The salt should have a pronounced chili flavor balanced by salt. Add a bit of sugar if needed to round out flavors.
Tips and Variations Of Muối ớt
- Start with 50/50 mix of salt to chilies by volume. Adjust to preference.
- For milder heat, remove chili seeds and veins before grinding.
- For intense heat, use all small hot chilies like bird’s eye.
- Try different chili varieties like ancho, guajillo, habanero, or chipotle.
- Grind chilies to different textures – coarse flaky salt or fine powder.
- For ultra-fine chili powder, sift after grinding.
- Infuse chili salt with lime or lemon zest for citrus flavor.
- Use toasted sesame oil instead of regular oil when making chili oil.
- Whisk chili salt into vinegar and oil for fast salad dressing.
- Use as the salt component in rimmed cocktail glasses.
- Sprinkle on fruits like mango, pineapple, or watermelon.
Common Ways To Use Vietnamese Chili Salt
- Seasoning for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables
- Boosting flavor in stir fries, fried rice, and noodles
- Rimming cocktail glasses for spicy margaritas or micheladas
- Sprinkling on slices of fresh fruit or avocado
- Blending into a spicy, salty dipping sauce
- Mixing with oil and vinegar for a quick salad dressing.
Conclusion: Muối Ớt
Making your own Vietnamese chili salt allows endless opportunities for customization and experimentation. Adjust the chilies, salt ratio, and extra flavorings to create your ideal blend. Use this versatile, addictive seasoning to add heat and flavor to everything from grilled meats to fresh fruits. The combination of chili heat, salt, and aromatics makes this a pantry staple you’ll want to share. Making Vietnamese chili salt at home saves money and lets you control the quality of ingredients.
How to make Muối Ớt (Vietnamese Chili Salt)
Notes
- Spice level: This recipe is for a medium spice level. You can adjust the amount of chilies used depending on your preference. Start with 3 chilies and taste the Muối Ớt before adding more.
- Freshness is key: Muối Ớt is best enjoyed fresh. You can store leftover Muối Ớt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but the flavors will start to lose their intensity.
- Mortar and pestle vs. grinder: While a mortar and pestle is the traditional way to make Muối Ớt, you can also use a spice grinder or food processor in a pinch. However, be careful not to over-process the mixture, as it can become too fine and lose its texture.
- Sugar: Sugar is optional in this recipe. It helps to balance out the spiciness of the chilies, but it's not necessary for everyone.
Ingredients
- • Chilies: 3-4 birdseye chilies (or to taste)
- • Salt: 1/4 cup
- • (Optional) Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
- Grind the chilies: Use a mortar and pestle to grind the chilies until they are flat and a bit broken down.
- Add salt and sugar (optional): Add the salt to the mortar and pestle with the chilies. If you prefer a sweeter chili salt, add the sugar now as well. Grind everything together for 1-2 minutes, or until the chilies and salt are well combined and the mixture turns a slightly orange color.
- Serve: Enjoy your Muối Ớt immediately with your favorite fruits, vegetables, or even grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts
How to make Muối Ớt (Vietnamese Chili Salt)
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 0 | 0 | |
| Saturated Fat 0 | 0 | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 0 | 0 | |
| Sodium 600mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 1 | 0.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1 | 4% | |
| Sugars 1 | ||
| Protein 1 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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