scant teaspoon onion salt
Onion salt is primarily sodium chloride and therefore high in sodium; the onion component contributes minimal vitamins or minerals in the small quantities typically used, though it does retain some trace antioxidants from the original onion.
About
Onion salt is a seasoning blend composed primarily of sodium chloride combined with dehydrated onion powder and anti-caking agents such as calcium silicate or sodium silicoaluminate. The ingredient originated in mid-twentieth-century American food manufacturing as a convenience product designed to deliver both salt and allium flavor in a single application. The dehydrated onion component typically comprises 85-90% salt by weight, with the remaining portion consisting of finely ground onion solids that impart a pungent, slightly sweet savory quality reminiscent of both raw and cooked onion aromatics.
Culinary Uses
Onion salt functions as both a seasoning and sodium source in American, Tex-Mex, and casual international cuisines. It is commonly used in dry rubs for grilled meats and poultry, sprinkled onto roasted vegetables, incorporated into ground meat mixtures for burgers and meatballs, and added to egg dishes, soups, and salads. The ingredient offers convenience in applications where separate onion flavoring and salt would otherwise be added. However, because it combines salt with onion powder at a fixed ratio, it provides less precise flavor control than using these components independently. It is particularly valued in quick-cooking applications and outdoor grilling where measurement efficiency is prioritized.