Fixing Over-Seasoned Dishes

Every chef over-seasons occasionally — the key is knowing how to recover. For salty dishes, adding sweetness (honey, sugar, or sweet vegetables) can balance the palate without adding more liquid. Acid (citrus juice or vinegar) can also redirect the taste. For curries and sauces, adding more unseasoned base ingredients or liquid helps dilute the salt concentration. However, prevention is better than cure: season gradually, taste constantly, and remember that salt levels concentrate as liquids reduce. Professional kitchens taste dishes repeatedly throughout cooking, adjusting seasoning at each stage rather than all at once at the end.