Looking for a ginger substitute? You’re in luck!
This list includes 11 substitutes that will work great in your recipes.
Keep in mind that not all of these substitutes will taste the same, so you may have to do some experimentation to find the best one for your needs.
But don’t worry, we’ll give you some tips on how to do that.
So whether you’re out of ginger or just want to try something new, check out this list and see which one works best for you!
Substitutes for Ginger:
- Ginseng
- Allspice
- Ground Ginger
- Mace
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Candied or Crystalized Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Tumeric
- Nutmeg
- Cardamon
- Tumeric
- Galangal
Ginseng
If you find yourself out of ginger the next time you’re in the middle of cooking up a storm, don’t fret! Ginseng can be used as a substitute.
It has a similar bitter and sweet taste as ginger and can be used in recipes that call for ginger without anyone being the wiser. It also has a similar appearance, so if you’re looking to create an optical illusion with your food, ginseng is the way to go.
Additionally, ginseng is considered to be healthier than ginger, so you can feel good about using it as a substitute.
If you’re interested in trying it out, the ratio of ginseng to ginger is 1:3. So if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ginger, use 1 teaspoon of ginseng instead.
Bon appetit!
Allspice
Allspice is a great substitute for ginger. It is also known as Jamaica pepper, pimenta, myrtle pepper, pimento, or newspice.
It is the dried unripe berry of a plant in the family Myrtaceae and genus Pimenta. The allspice tree is native to the West Indies, Central America, and Mexico. And used as a spice that is available whole or ground.
Allspice can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It is used in Jamaican jerk seasoning. And has a sweet, warming flavor with hints of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Allspice is used in pickling and marinating. It is also used in cakes, cookies, pies, and other desserts.
Without a doubt, allspice can be used as a substitute for ginger in recipes. When substituting it for ginger, use a 1:1 ratio.
Allspice can be used in savory dishes such as curries and stews. It can be also added to soups and sauces for a warm, flavorful twist.
Ground Ginger
Ground ginger is a great substitute for fresh ginger in a number of cases. For one, it’s not as spicy, so if you’re looking to tone down the heat in a dish, ground ginger is a good way to go.
Additionally, it’s more concentrated than fresh ginger, so you don’t need to use as much of it.
Ground ginger is also great for baking and bread; the flavor really comes through in these types of recipes.
And finally, it has a long shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad as quickly as fresh ginger. Next time you find yourself in a bind, reach for the ground ginger!
Mace
Mace is a great substitute for ginger. It is a sweet, warm, and aromatic spice that gives baked goods and meat a nice flavor.
It is made from the coating of nutmeg, which makes it a great spice to use in baking and cooking. It is also a good spice to use in meat dishes, as it helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Mace is a good spice to use in place of ginger, as it has similar flavors and can be used in many of the same dishes. It is perfect if you are looking for a milder flavor, as it is not as strong as ginger.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute for ginger. It can change the colour of your dish, but it has ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg so it’s really an all in one spice.
The benefits of using this spice are that it is already ground up and measured out for you, so you don’t have to worry about doing any of that math.
Also, if you are making a dish that requires Pumpkin puree, this is a great way to save on dishes because you can just add the spice to the puree and not have to dirty another bowl.
Pumpkin pie spice is a great way to add some Fall flavour to your dishes without having to go out and buy fresh ginger root.
Candied or Crystalized Ginger
Candied ginger, also known as crystallized or candied ginger root, is a type of ginger that has been cooked in sugar water. This gives it a coat of sugar crystals that makes it look candied.
It is often used as a decoration on cakes and other desserts. And can also be used as a spice in baking recipes. Candied ginger is best used as a replacement for fresh ginger in baking recipes.
The ratio of fresh ginger to candied ginger is 1:1. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, you can use 1 tablespoon of candied ginger instead.
You can find candied ginger in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. It is also available online.
If you want, you can make it at home by cooking fresh ginger root in sugar water. The ratio of sugar to water is 1:1.
First, peel the fresh ginger root and slice it into thin pieces. Next, put the sugar and water in a saucepan and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sliced ginger and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. The candied ginger can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is often used as a substitute for ginger because of its sweet flavor. It can be used in baking to add richness and aroma. It is best used in savory and light dishes.
Cinnamon also works in holiday recipes. It has a wide variety of uses and can be substituted for ginger in many recipes. Did you know that cinnamon can also be used to make tea?
It has many health benefits and is known to be a powerful antioxidant. Cinnamon is also known to help regulate blood sugar levels. And can be used in savory dishes such as curries and stews.
Cinnamon can also be used in sweet dishes such as pies and cakes. It is simply a versatile spice that can be used in many different recipes.
Tumeric
Tumeric is a great substitute for ginger. Both spices are from Asia and have a warm bitter taste. It also has an aroma and beautiful yellow color.
Tumeric can be used as a replacement in many cases. It is known to have many benefits, including the following: it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it helps improve circulation, it is a natural detoxifier, boosts cognitive function, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tumeric can be used in both sweet and savory dishes and is a great addition to curries, stews, soups, and rice dishes. It can also be used to add flavor and color to baked goods.
When substituting Tumeric for ginger, use a little less Tumeric than you would ginger, as Tumeric is more potent. Start with 1/3 the amount of turmeric called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.
Tumeric is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite recipes.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg may not be the first spice that comes to mind when you think of ginger, but it actually makes a great substitute in many recipes.
It has a sweet and spicy flavor that is similar to ginger, but it is not quite as strong. This makes it a good choice for dishes like pasta and rice, where you want the flavor of ginger to be present but not overwhelming.
Nutmeg can also be used in place of ginger in many vegetable dishes. When substituting it for ginger, the general rule is to use half as much nutmeg as you would ginger. This will help to ensure that the dish has the right balance of flavors.
Nutmeg is a versatile spice that can be used in sweet or savory dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it in your cooking.
Who knows? You may just find that you prefer nutmeg to ginger!
Cardamon
Cardamon is a perfect substitute for ginger in many cases. It has a specific aroma that is fruity, floral, and slightly citrusy.
The Cardamom plant is native to the tropical rainforests of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Their pods are used as a spice and have small black seeds inside which are used either whole or ground.
Cardamon is a healthy and nutritious spice as it is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It can be used for baking or for cooking meat.
Cardamon pods can be used whole or the seeds can be ground to make cardamon powder which can be used as a replacement for ginger powder.
There are many benefits of using Cardamon as a replacement for ginger such as its specific aroma, health benefits, and versatility in use.
Cardamon is an ideal substitute for ginger in many recipes. Try it the next time you are looking for a change from ginger!
Galangal
Galangal is a great substitute for ginger. They are both from the same family, but galangal has a stronger, more distinct taste. It is native to Southeast Asia and is therefore a bit more rare to find in stores.
However, if you can get your hands on some, it makes a great addition to many dishes. Galangal is often used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s also common in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine.
If you’re looking for a substitute for ginger, galangal is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about substituting ginger:
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh ginger?
A: Yes, you can. Dried ginger is more potent than fresh ginger, so you will need to use less of it. Start with half the amount of dried ginger called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.
What is the best substitute for ginger?
A: That really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a substitute that tastes the same as ginger, then galangal is your best bet. If you’re looking for a substitute that is more readily available, then cardamom or nutmeg are good choices.
Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger?
A: Yes, you can. Powdered ginger is more potent than fresh ginger, so you will need to use less of it. Start with half the amount of powdered ginger called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.
How do I store my ginger so it lasts longer and I don’t have to use substitutes?
A: Store your ginger in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last even longer, you can store it in the fridge or freezer. Fresh ginger can last up to three weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer. Dried ginger will last indefinitely if stored properly.
Wrapping Up
We hope you found this article on substitutes for ginger helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave us a comment below.
And be sure to check out our other articles on cooking tips and tricks!
Until next time, happy cooking!