Is your eggplant parmesan too salty?
Don’t fret!
We’ve got you covered with 10 simple fixes that will transform your dish from a sodium overload to a culinary masterpiece.
Whether it’s adjusting the salt levels or adding a touch of sweetness, these tips will ensure that each bite is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
So, get ready to say goodbye to salty disappointments and hello to a delectable eggplant parmesan experience like no other!

Adjusting the Salt Levels
If your eggplant parmesan is too salty, there are several ways you can adjust the salt levels.
First, you can dilute the saltiness by adding more ingredients to the dish. Try adding more eggplant or cheese to balance out the saltiness.
Another option is to make a larger batch of the dish by doubling or tripling the recipe. This will spread out the saltiness over a larger volume, reducing its impact.
Additionally, you can try adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to counteract the saltiness. These acidic ingredients can help balance out the flavors.
Lastly, if all else fails, you can always rinse the eggplant slices before cooking them to remove excess salt.
Soaking the Eggplant
When soaking the eggplant, be sure to use a mixture of milk and water to help reduce the saltiness.
Soaking the eggplant is an important step in preparing eggplant parmesan, especially if the eggplant is too salty.
To do this, simply slice the eggplant and place the slices in a bowl filled with equal parts milk and water. Let the eggplant soak in the mixture for about 30 minutes.
The milk helps to draw out the excess salt, while the water helps to dilute it.
After soaking, rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly with water to remove any remaining salt and milk.
This simple technique can greatly reduce the saltiness of the eggplant, resulting in a more balanced and delicious eggplant parmesan dish.
Using Fresh Ingredients
To ensure the best flavor and quality, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients when preparing your dish. Fresh ingredients are the key to a delicious eggplant parmesan that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Start by selecting a perfectly ripe eggplant, with smooth skin and no soft spots. Avoid using eggplants that are bruised or shriveled, as they may have lost some of their flavor.
When it comes to the other ingredients, such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, choose the freshest ones available. Use ripe and juicy tomatoes, creamy and flavorful mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves.
Adding Acidic Ingredients
You can enhance the flavors of your dish by adding acidic ingredients such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of tangy vinegar. Acidic ingredients not only add a bright and refreshing taste to your dish, but they also help balance out the flavors and cut through any excessive saltiness.
The acidity in the lemon juice or vinegar can help neutralize the salt, making your dish more enjoyable to eat. Additionally, the tanginess of these ingredients can help bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients in your dish, creating a more well-rounded and delicious meal.
Balancing With Sweetness
Adding a touch of sweetness can help balance out the flavors in your dish and create a more harmonious taste.
When your eggplant parmesan turns out too salty, don’t worry! There are simple fixes to bring back that perfect balance.
Start by adding a pinch of sugar to your tomato sauce. This will counteract the saltiness and bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Another option is to sprinkle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top of the dish before baking. The sweetness will mellow out the saltiness and add a delightful caramelized flavor.
Alternatively, you can incorporate sweet ingredients like roasted red peppers or caramelized onions into your dish. These will not only add sweetness but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Incorporating Herbs and Spices
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavors in your dish. When it comes to incorporating herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless.
Want to add a touch of warmth? Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg in your dish. Craving a bit of heat? Try adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a burst of freshness, reach for herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro.
The key is to start with small amounts and taste as you go, adjusting until you achieve the desired flavor profile. Remember, herbs and spices can make all the difference, turning a dull dish into a culinary masterpiece.
Neutralizing With Dairy
When neutralizing a dish that is too spicy, adding a dollop of sour cream can help mellow out the heat. Sour cream has a cooling effect and can balance out the spiciness in your dish.
Simply scoop a spoonful of sour cream and mix it into your spicy food. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the sour cream will counteract the heat, providing a relief to your taste buds.
You can adjust the amount of sour cream based on your personal preference and the level of spiciness in the dish. This simple trick works well with a variety of spicy dishes, such as chili, curry, or even hot wings.
Diluting With Liquid
If your dish is too spicy, you can dilute the heat by pouring in a little bit of liquid. Adding liquid to a dish can help to tone down the spiciness and make it more manageable for your taste buds.
Whether it’s water, broth, or even a splash of milk, the addition of liquid can help to spread out the heat and create a milder flavor. Start by adding a small amount of liquid and then taste the dish to see if it has reached your desired level of spiciness.
If it’s still too spicy, you can continue to add more liquid until you achieve the desired balance. Remember, a little liquid can go a long way in taming the heat in your dish.
Masking With Strong Flavors
Now that you know about diluting your salty eggplant parmesan with liquid, let’s move on to another fix: masking the saltiness with strong flavors.
Sometimes, the best way to distract your taste buds from the excess salt is by adding bold and robust flavors to your dish. Think about using ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, and spices to help balance out the saltiness. These strong flavors can help to overpower the salt and create a more complex taste profile.
You can also try adding a touch of sweetness, like a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar, to counteract the saltiness.
Serving With Accompaniments
To enhance your dish, consider pairing it with accompaniments such as a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. These additions can complement the flavors of your eggplant parmesan and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the saltiness of the parmesan cheese and add a fresh crunch to each bite.
Alternatively, a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, can provide a roasted sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the eggplant and cheese.
Both options offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will elevate your eggplant parmesan to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! If your eggplant parmesan turned out a bit too salty, don’t fret. These 10 fixes will come to your rescue and turn your dish into a culinary masterpiece.
From adjusting salt levels to soaking the eggplant, adding fresh ingredients and balancing flavors, you’ll be able to create a perfectly seasoned dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
So go ahead, take a leap of faith and transform that salty mishap into a delectable triumph.
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.