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Accent seasoning is quite a popular ingredient in the USA and quite useful in preparing Asian dishes. The seasoning is also called MSG, which stands for Monosodium Glutamate. But what are the best substitutes for accent seasoning?
If you run out of accent seasoning while cooking, you can use seasoned salts, creole seasoning, kosher salt, soy sauce, Korean bamboo salt, sulfuric Indian black salt, other spices and herbs in place of accent seasoning in your dishes.
These are all excellent replacements for accent seasoning, and you will find out why shortly!
What Is Accent Seasoning?
As mentioned above, accent seasoning is quite popular in Asian dishes, and its also found in several households. It is used in place of salt in many recipes and is available in several stores all over the United States.
One of the significant ingredients in accent seasoning is MSG which stands for Monosodium glutamate. MSG is a crystal material, white in color, with the resemblance of sugar or salt. MSG doesn’t have a specific taste but adds flavor to food.
Wondering how this is possible? Scientists believe that MSG will activate glutamate receptors in your tongue, which will increase tastes similar to that of meat.
MSG is not the only ingredient in accent seasoning. The seasoning also contains a fair amount of salt, chili pepper, onion extractives, garlic extractives, and several more ingredients.
What is Accent Seasoning Used For?
Accent seasoning is versatile and can be used on soup, meat, potatoes, rice, and other sauces. The seasoning was initially used only on Asian dishes but can be found in all households and restaurants.
It is also used as a flavor enhancer, and it is believed to be a top-secret ingredient in dishes of some of the top chefs for years.
Best Substitutes For Accent Seasoning (Accent Salt Substitutes)
Accent seasoning is used as a flavor enhancer. However, the use of accent seasoning is totally dependent on your recipe; thus, substituting accent seasoning will also depend on the recipe you have at hand.
So, if you’ve been asking what can I use instead of accent seasoning, below are the best alternatives for accent seasoning:
1. Spices and Herbs
Herbs like rosemary, pepper, garlic, tarragon, as well as savory spices, will also add a fantastic warmth to your sauces. Turmeric and cumin also serve as a suitable accent seasoning replacement.
Nothing stops you from combining these spices and herbs to get your desired result.
2. Salt Varieties
Sea salt is a good flavor enhancer, thus making it a suitable replacement for accent seasoning.
Other seasoned salt varieties like Kosher salt, Korean bamboo salt, sulfuric Indian black salt are all excellent replacements for accent seasoning.
3. Salt
Your good old-fashioned salt will make a good replacement for accent seasoning. Many people prefer to use accent seasoning instead of salt because salt has a high concentration of Sodium.
A high concentration has the potential of causing a spike in blood pressure, which will cause complications in your body.
It follows that using salt as a substitute for accent seasoning is not advised if you have severe heart complications and other restrictions.
4. Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning is another suitable replacement for accent seasoning in your dishes!
This seasoning is mostly used in creole cooking, and it’s a mix of herbs and spices, such as paprika, ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, granulated onion, granulated garlic, kosher salt, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Cayenne pepper is usually added to boost the hotness in meals like jambalaya and gumbo. Creole seasoning works perfectly with seafood, stews, soups, salads, and meat dishes.
5. Korean Bamboo Salt
Korean Bamboo salt is a mild salt that delivers a sweet flavor and little sulfur aroma to dishes.
Korean bamboo salt is basically an ancient Korean process that consists of processing seawater with bamboo to obtain the salt.
This salt can also work in place of accent seasoning; however, it is incredibly expensive compared to other options.
6. Soy Sauce
Soy Sauce is an Asian sauce that works well with stir-fries, rice, noodles, marinates, and salad dressings. It contains amino acids, which help to enhance the flavor of dishes. Soy sauce is somewhat salty and sweet, with a mildly bitter taste.
Soy sauce helps to improve the umami flavor in dishes, making it a good accent seasoning substitute.
It’s worth noting that some soy sauces contain MSG, so if you don’t eat MSG, ensure the brand you’re buying doesn’t contain it.
7. Beef broth
Beef broth is also similar to accent seasoning when it comes to boosting the umami flavor in a recipe, especially in liquid recipes, even though it delivers a different texture.
8. Bouillon powder
Bouillon powder is undoubtedly one of the best accent seasoning substitutes on this list. It is made of meat stock, MSG, and dried vegetables, with a little portion of salt, fat, and seasoning.
With bouillon powder, you can easily add enough flavor to your dishes without using any fresh veggies or ingredients.
Interestingly, beef bouillon powder is made with natural flavors that are cholesterol and fat-free, and it comes in both vegan and non-vegetarian varieties.
9. Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning is made with paprika, peppers, black pepper, thyme, oregano, onion, garlic, and cayenne pepper. It has an intense flavor and is very spicy, although the spiciness may vary from brand to brand.
It delivers garlicky and smoky flavor, and you can also use it in recipes that call for accent seasoning.
10. Kosher salt
As I stated earlier, many salts will serve as a suitable substitute for accent seasoning, and kosher salt is definitely one of them as it blends easily with many recipes.
Kosher salt helps to boost the flavor and saltness in dishes. Other salts like black salt, Himalayan (pink) salt and rock salt will also work.
11. Homemade accent seasoning
The good thing is that you can also make your own accent seasoning at home if you have all the ingredients found in accent seasoning.
In fact, a homemade accent substitute is an excellent way to bring a new flavor to your favorite meals.
To make accent seasoning at home, simply mix all the required ingredients in a bowl; the ingredients include:
- 26 oz. table salt
- 5 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 Tbsp. black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. onion powder
- 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. thyme
- 1 Tbsp. sweet basil
- 1 Tbsp. bay leaf
To add to the spiciness of the seasoning, add more spices and herbs accordingly. When you’re done, keep the seasoning in an air-tight jar and store it in a cold, dry, and dark place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use Instead Of Accent Seasoning?
You can use salt, cajun seasoning, beef broth, soy sauce, creole seasoning, spices and herbs instead of accent seasoning.
How Do I Make Accent Seasoning?
It has been believed that MSG, which is the primary ingredient in Accent seasoning, may be harmful to humans.
Luckily, if you share this fear, you can make Accent seasoning in the comfort of your home without the MSG factor, of course.
Firstly, you need to assemble the following ingredients then mix them in a blender except for the salt. Salt should be added after blending:
- 26 oz. table salt
- 5 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 Tbsp. black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. onion powder
- 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. thyme
- 1 Tbsp. sweet basil
- 1 Tbsp. bay leaf
Is Accent seasoning bad for you?
No, accent seasoning is totally good for you.
What Spices Are In Accent Seasoning?
Some major spices in accent seasoning are Salt, Chili Pepper, Tricalcium Phosphate, Cumin, Oregano, Paprika Extractives, Garlic Extractives, Onion Extractives, and so on.
Is lawry’s seasoned salt the same as accent?
Lawry’s seasoned salt and accent seasoning are both spices use for dishes, but they have somewhat different compositions.
Is seasoned salt the same as accent?
Accent seasoning is a flavor enhancer just like salt. It has similar but not identical purpose as salt.
Is Accent Seasoning the Same As Meat Tenderizer?
No, Accent seasoning is not a meat tenderizer but a flavor enhancer. It can be found in most supermarkets like Walmart.
What spices are in Accent seasoning?
Some of the spices in accent seasoning include, salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Chili Pepper, Garlic Extractives, Tricalcium Phosphate (As Anticaking Agent), Onion Extractives, Spice (Cumin, Oregano), Paprika Extractives (color), etc.
Conclusion | What Is A Substitute For Accent Seasoning?
It has been believed throughout the years that accent seasoning is a secret ingredient used by chefs in most Chinese restaurants.
A few years back, the accent seasoning received a lot of bad press when it was said that the MSG contained in Accent seasoning is harmful to humans.
The answer to the question, what is a substitute for accent seasoning, becomes more important when you consider these claims. Most importantly, this post highlighted the way you can make your homemade accent seasoning. Good Luck!