The Salt Substitute That Gives Brownies A Flavor Boost

If you're in the know, you already understand that a little salt makes sweet foods even better. Whether it's salted caramel or saltwater taffy, salt has been an ingredient in our treats for ages, but it can be used in all manner of other treats, especially chocolate-based ones like brownies. But there's one salt substitute that you can use to give your next batch of brownies a major flavor boost that goes beyond salt. It's unorthodox, to be sure, but this addition can make even boxed brownies taste gourmet.

Soy sauce is the secret ingredient to give your brownies that extra special something. While soy sauce is typically reserved for savory dishes like miso-glazed salmon, it's a very versatile ingredient that has a lot to offer many desserts. It's rich in sodium, making it a natural substitute for salt, but it goes further with a unique umami flavor that pairs well with almost any dish, even when you don't expect it. When added to brownies in measured quantities, the results can be hard to notice at first, but it won't take long for you to pick up an additional savory edge and a caramel-esque flavor. Soy sauce will be a bit player in a brownie recipe, but it's one that can readily take the batch from good to fantastic. 

This trick isn't just for brownies, either. Cookies, fudge, and even a chocolate cake can benefit from a quick splash of soy sauce. So, the next time you're baking, reach for the bottle and let the results speak for themselves.

How much soy sauce should you add to your brownies? As is the case with many other dishes, the answer is "not much." A little soy sauce goes a long way, as it's a very flavorful ingredient. While the exact amount depends on individual taste, you'll likely need less than you think you do, especially if you're working with more intense dark soy sauces. Ultimately, be sure to use a light hand — a couple of teaspoons to replace one of salt is a decent place to start.

When using soy sauce to upgrade your brownies, add it to the wet ingredients to help distribute it more evenly throughout the batter. The small amount means that you likely won't need to make many adjustments or add more dry ingredients to compensate for the extra liquid (though you'll likely want to skip adding salt).

Of course, whenever you're baking, it's important to remember the dietary restrictions of anyone who will enjoy the results. For example, if you're making the batch for someone with a soy allergy, skipping the soy sauce should be obvious. However, you should also leave it out if someone has celiac disease, even if the rest of the brownie ingredients are gluten-free. That's because soy sauce contains wheat (tamari is a gluten-free alternative). Finally, since soy sauce is also high in sodium, you may wish to skip it if someone is on a low-sodium diet, especially if that's for medical reasons.