How much is a “splash”

languageMeasurements

I've run into several recipes which asked for a "splash of" water, soy sauce, etc. How much is a "splash"? I assume if it's something more concrete like 1/4 cup, they would have said so. Since it's a "splash", I just poured some (1/2 a cup) water into a coffee cup and poured once around the pan, although, my control isn't that good so I probably ended up pouring 1/4-1/3 of a cup.

Everything still tasted ok but I'm just curious what a "splash" is.

Best Answer

I'd have to do some testing to get firmer values for things, but they're still ranges, as it depends on what you're pouring it from. Here's what I typically use for imprecise measurements:

Liquids

  • dash : a quick shake from a bottle with a restricted top. If it doesn't have one of those plastic things in the neck of the bottle, cover the opening partially with your thumb. (likely less than a teaspoon)
  • splash : From a bottle with an unrestricted top, tip the bottle 'til the liquid starts flowing, then pull it back. (maybe a couple of tablespoons at most)
  • glug : start pouring at a steep angle, stop when the bottle attempts to aspirate (air is sucked back into the bottle, making a 'glug' sound; very dependent on the size of the bottle opening and liquid's viscocity; might be a couple of tablespoons to a half cup)

Solid powders/granules

  • dash : a shake or two from a container w/ a restricted top (eg, a shaker top on spices)
  • pinch : what you can pick up between your thumb and one finger (note: dependent on what you're picking up; you can pick up more flaked salt than fine salt in a pinch)
  • heavy pinch : what you can pick up between your thumb and two fingers

Misc

  • smidge : very small, but I have no clue. I typically use a dash or a pinch.