Say goodbye to your old frying pan and welcome the Himalayan Salt Cooking Slab into your kitchen. This avant-garde culinary tool is gaining popularity for its unique benefits. Not only is the Himalayan Salt Slab a beautiful serving and cooking piece, but it also contains 84 different minerals and electrolytes, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and even a bit of gold. This ancient mineral, sourced from the salt mines of Pakistan, offers significant health benefits.

Health Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt

Salt is essential for balancing our body's electrolytes. When combined with the minerals in Pink Himalayan Salt, it becomes an excellent remedy for dehydration and illnesses like the flu. Regular consumption of this salt aids in the regeneration of hydroelectric cells, sleep regulation, food absorption in the intestines, and blood sugar health. Unlike regular table salt, which has a higher sodium content, Pink Himalayan Salt helps regulate blood pressure and other heart-related issues.

Table salt contains 2,360 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon, whereas Pink Himalayan Salt has only 1,680 milligrams. Health experts recommend consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. To put this into perspective, an average hot dog has about 860 milligrams of sodium. By switching to Himalayan salt, you can significantly reduce your sodium intake and support your overall health.

How to Use the Salt Block

Cooking on a salt block may seem unusual at first, but it will quickly become your kitchen favorite. The natural properties of the salt block make it an excellent conductor of heat, perfect for cooking steaks, searing fresh tuna, and more. Here's how to get started:

  1. Ensure the block is dry: A completely dry block is essential for even heating.
  2. Heat the block slowly: Begin at a low temperature and gradually increase the heat every few minutes to prevent the block from cracking or breaking.
    • On a charcoal grill, stack the coals on the opposite side of the salt block to avoid rapid heating.
    • On a gas stovetop, place the block on the burner and slowly increase the heat until it reaches around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the block; if the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, it's ready.
  3. Cook on the same side: Always cook on the same side of the block to maintain its integrity.
  4. Enjoy the sizzle: Once the block has reached the desired temperature, anything you place on it should sizzle deliciously. These blocks retain heat for a long time, allowing you to cook multiple items without reheating.

How to Cure Foods Using a Himalayan Salt Block

Curing foods on a chilled salt block is a delicious way to enjoy fresh fish, meats, or seafood. Simply refrigerate the block for several hours, place your thinly sliced meat on it, and let the salinity work its magic. Here are some ideas:

  • Tuna Ceviche: Use ahi tuna to make a delicious Tuna Ceviche or Gravlax.
  • Beef Carpaccio: Trim any fat from the beef, refrigerate for an hour, slice it thinly against the grain, cure on the salt block, add toppings and dressings, and enjoy a mouthwatering appetizer.

How Will the Himalayan Salt Slabs Affect Different Types of Foods?

When food is placed on the salt block, it absorbs the block's natural flavor and minerals. Curing meats on a chilled block results in a clean, bright, salty flavor. The same applies to cooking with heat; any moist foods will take on the delicious flavors of this ancient mineral.

How to Clean a Salt Block

These blocks are low maintenance and long-lasting if cared for properly. Never submerge or rinse the block in water, as this can cause the salt to dissolve, crack, or break. There's no need to use detergents, as Himalayan salt is anti-microbial and self-cleansing. To clean it, simply wipe it with a dry cloth and wait 24 hours before using it again.

Himalayan Salt Block Cooking Recipes

Grilled Steak and Lemon Asparagus

Ingredients:

  • Steak
  • Asparagus
  • Lemon
  • Olive Oil

Instructions:

  1. Slowly heat up your salt block to around 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Lightly brush the asparagus with olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and place on the salt block.
  3. Cut lemons into round slices and set on top of the asparagus. Season with pepper. Cook until done.
  4. While the asparagus is cooking, place your steak on the salt block and season with pepper. Flip the steak halfway through and cook to the desired temperature.
  5. Enjoy!

Mango and Tuna Ceviche

Ingredients:

  • ½ lb. diced tuna
  • 1 diced mango
  • ½ julienned red onion
  • Chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • 1-2 tsp. minced jalapeno
  • 1 diced avocado
  • 3 tbsp. lime juice
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Chill your Himalayan salt block in the refrigerator for several hours.
  2. Dice the tuna and place it on the salt block for curing. Let the tuna sit until it is “cooked” to your liking, moving it around occasionally.
  3. Place all fresh ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Add lime juice and olive oil, then add the tuna. Mix and pepper to taste.
  4. Enjoy!

Cooking Healthier with the Himalayan Salt Cooking Slab

Our Himalayan Salt Cooking Slab can be used on gas, electric, or charcoal grills. Interlock the planks to create large grilling or serving platters. Salt block cooking adds a rich, smoky, and all-natural flavor to all foods, including vegetables, meat, and seafood. Impress your guests by grilling, cooking, and serving on Cedar Grilling Planks.