When I was younger, my parents always had a big jar of orange zest in their kitchen.
They would use it in all sorts of recipes – from cookies to chicken dishes.
I remember watching her grate the oranges and thinking how difficult it must be.
Now that I’m a grown-up, I’ve come to appreciate the flavor that orange zest can add to a dish.
But sometimes, I don’t have oranges or the time to peel and grate them.
That’s when these substitutes come in handy.
If you’re looking for a substitute for orange zest, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll share 9 different substitutes that will give your recipe the orange flavor it needs.
Substitutes for orange zest
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Orange extract
- Orange juice
- Lime zest
- Grapefruit zest
- Grapefruit juice
- Apple cider
- Vinegar
Lemon zest
In many recipes, lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest. It will add a sour and refreshing flavor to the dish, with a slightly bitter undertone.
When substituting lemon zest for orange zest, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of orange zest, substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Keep in mind that lemon zest is more potent than orange zest, so you may need to adjust the amount used to suit your personal preferences.
Ultimately, whether you use lemon or orange zest is up to you – both will add a delicious citrus flavor to your dish.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a great substitute for orange zest. The fresh juice has a similar sour and bitter taste, making it a perfect 1:1 replacement.
The only difference is the acidity level, so if you’re using it in a sweet recipe, you may want to add a little less sugar.
Orange extract
Orange extract is a powerful flavor that can be used as a substitute for orange zest. It is made from the oil of oranges and has a strong citrus flavor.
Orange extract can be added to cakes, cookies, and frostings to give them a boost of flavor. It can also be used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes such as chicken or fish.
When substituting orange extract for orange zest, use 1/4 teaspoon of extract for every teaspoon of zest called for in the recipe.
Keep in mind that orange extract is a concentrated flavor, so start with less and add more to taste. Citrus extracts can also be used interchangeably in recipes, so feel free to experiment with different flavors.
Orange extract is also shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand.
Orange juice
This substitution works best in recipes where the orange flavor is not the star of the show, such as in baked goods or marinades.
The same 1:1 ratio applies – for every teaspoon of orange zest, use one tablespoon of orange juice.
Orange juice will add a more dominant orange flavor to your dish, so it is best to use fresh oranges or bottled juice that has not been sweetened or diluted.
When using orange juice as a substitute, keep in mind that it will also add moisture to your recipe, so you may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Lime zest
Lime zest is a great substitute for orange zest. It has a sour and bitter taste that can be used in place of orange zest in a 1:2 ratio.
Lime zest can add a tangy flavor that is perfect for dressings, soups, and sauces. It is also a great way to add flavor to baked goods without adding sweetness.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add tartness to your dish, lime zest is the perfect ingredient.
Grapefruit zest
Grapefruit zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest in many cases. The two have a very similar flavor profile, with grapefruit being slightly sweeter and less bitter than most other citrus fruits.
When substituting grapefruit zest for orange zest, use a 1:1 ratio.
Grapefruit zest can also be used in any dish where you would use orange zest, including baked goods, sauces, or marinades.
Plus, you can use it to add a touch of flavor to drinks and cocktails. Simply add a twist of grapefruit peel to your favorite beverage for a refreshing twist.
Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice can be used as a substitute for orange zest in many recipes. It is especially good in desserts that require a sweet and sour flavor, such as grapefruit cake or grapefruit cookies. You can also use it to make salad dressings and marinades.
To substitute grapefruit juice for orange zest, simply use 1.5 teaspoons of grapefruit juice for every tablespoon of orange zest called for in the recipe.
Keep in mind that grapefruit juice is more tart than orange zest, so you may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to create delicious dishes using grapefruit juice as a substitute for orange zest.
Apple cider
Apple cider can be used as a substitute for orange zest. In baking recipes, the sour and tangy taste of apple cider can be a welcome addition to cakes and cookies.
Apple cider is also a good way to add a strong apple flavor to savory dishes without adding sweetness.
When substituting apple cider for orange zest, use a 1:2 ratio. For every teaspoon of orange zest called for in the recipe, use a half teaspoon of apple cider.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great substitute for orange zest in many recipes. It has a sour and tangy flavor that can be very strong, so it’s important to use it in the right proportion.
Vinegar is also less likely to spoil than orange zest, so it’s a good choice for recipes that will be stored for a long time.
When substituting vinegar for orange zest, use a 1:2 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of orange zest, use a half teaspoon of vinegar, especially if the vinegar has a very sour taste.
FAQ
What is the difference between orange zest and orange juice?
Orange juice is a drink made from orange juice concentrate and water. Orange zest is the outermost, colored layer of the orange skin that contains essential oils.
Orange zest has a stronger orange flavor than orange juice, which is why it is used in recipes to add flavor. Orange juice is mainly used for its sweetness and moisture.
Can I use apple cider as a substitute for orange zest in baking?
Yes, apple cider can be used as a substitute for orange zest in baking. In baking recipes, the sour and tangy taste of apple cider can be a welcome addition to cakes and cookies.
Apple cider is also a good way to add a strong apple flavor to savory dishes without adding sweetness.
Are orange zest and orange peel the same thing?
No, orange zest and orange peel are not the same things. Orange zest is the outermost, colored layer of the orange skin that contains essential oils. Orange peel is the entire orange skin, including the white pith underneath the zest.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for orange zest that can be used in a variety of recipes. Each substitute has its own unique flavor profile, so it’s important to experiment until you find the right one for your dish.
We’ve provided a list of substitutes, along with their corresponding ratios and examples of how they can be used. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect orange zest substitute for your next dish.
Happy cooking! 😉