How to Cook With Sea Moss Gel: Soups, Sauces, Dressings and More
Most people put sea moss gel in smoothies, and that's a great start. But sea moss has been used in kitchens for a long time, in Ireland and across the Caribbean, as a natural thickener. Once you know how, it's easy to stir into the food you already cook.
Use the Original gel for cooking
Our Original Sea Moss Gel is made with just sea moss, spring water and lime. It has a mild, neutral taste and no added sugar, so it won't change the flavor of savory dishes. Save the fruit gels for smoothies, desserts and breakfast.
1. Soups, stews and gumbo
Stir 1–2 tablespoons of gel into a big pot of soup or stew near the end of cooking. It adds a little body without changing the taste. It works well in vegetable soup, red beans or a pot of greens. Add it after the pot comes off a hard boil, stir well and let it rest a few minutes.
2. Gravies and pan sauces
Whisk a spoonful of gel into a pan sauce or gravy to help it thicken and turn glossy. Start with a teaspoon, whisk, and add more until you like the texture.
3. Salad dressings
Sea moss gel helps oil and vinegar stay mixed. Try this simple lemon dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Original Sea Moss Gel
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shake it all in a jar. It stays creamy instead of separating.
4. Oatmeal and grits
Stir 2–3 teaspoons into a bowl of hot oatmeal or grits right before serving. It makes them extra creamy. For a sweet breakfast, use a fruit gel instead and skip the sugar.
5. Puddings and desserts
Sea moss naturally helps things set, which is why it shows up in old-fashioned puddings and Caribbean sea moss drinks. Add a spoonful to homemade pudding, chia pudding or a fruit smoothie bowl for a thicker, smoother texture. Our Mango and Strawberry gels are great here.
Tips for cooking with sea moss gel
- Start small. A little goes a long way. Begin with a teaspoon or two and add more if you want it thicker.
- Add it near the end. Stir it in after the heat is lowered, then mix well.
- Keep it cold until you use it. Keep the open pouch in the fridge for up to 30 days.
- Freeze in cubes. Spoon gel into an ice cube tray, freeze it, then drop a cube into soups and smoothies as needed. Frozen gel keeps 6–8 months.
A quick note
Most people enjoy 2–3 teaspoons of sea moss gel a day. Sea moss naturally contains iodine. If you're pregnant, nursing, have a thyroid condition or take medication, check with your healthcare provider before use.