I grew up with a steady supply of fresh ginger in my kitchen. While some kids woke up to the smell of pancakes or eggs and bacon, I rose to the sweet and slightly spicy scent of my mother’s ginger tea, a cup of which warmed me up on cold winter mornings and settled my stomach for the breakfast I’d prepare for myself before school (I was a very picky eater). Nowadays, my mornings begin with a strong cup of coffee, but I always have some fresh ginger on hand in case I’m feeling tea or am cooking something that could use a little extra oomph. But once in a while I reach into the crisper of my fridge to find that I’ve forgotten to replenish my stash: All that’s left behind is a shriveled up and slightly moldy knob that’s headed straight for the trash.
If you find yourself there, too, there’s still hope! When it comes to the best ginger substitutes, it’s certainly easier with some recipes than others. For example, apple pie cookies would be fine with a substitute, but in something like gingery spice cake (or my mom’s tea!), where ginger plays a main role, you might just need to head to the store. Regardless, there are likely a few items knocking around your pantry that can do the trick.
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4 Substitutes forGinger
1. Ground Ginger
If a recipe calls for fresh ginger, the easiest swap is ground ginger, as it’s the same ingredient in a different form. Still, it’s important to remember that ground ginger is much more potent. If you swap it 1:1, your dish might have more heat and earthiness than expected. Instead, for every 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger called for, use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
2. Crystallized Ginger
Crystallized ginger is fresh ginger that’s been boiled in a mixture of sugar and water, then rolled in sugar. It’s best used as a substitute for ground or fresh ginger in sweet dishes. For added texture and a bit of ginger with every bite, keep the pieces a little larger. Otherwise, very finely chop it. Be sure to separate pieces that might stick together in the batter by tossing them in with the dry ingredients first.
3. Galangal
Both galangal and ginger are rhizomes, plants with stems that spread underground and let off shoots that become new rootstalks. Ginger and galangal are quite similar in overall flavor, so if you can get it at your grocery store, the two can be swapped 1:1. The same goes for ground galangal and ground ginger. But be aware that galangal has piney and citrusy notes that ginger does not; if the recipe you’re substituting it in includes citrus or lemongrass as well as ginger, galangal is a great option.
4. Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace
Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them. This method will work best in quick breads and other baked goods.
Allspice is a great option if you need a substitute for ginger is a hearty stew, like Jamaican beef stew. It will supply the sweet spice that the ginger would have added. Turmeric, cardamom, and ginger all belong to the Zingiberaceae family of flowering plants. The difference is that we eat the pods and seeds of cardamom rather than the root, like we do with ginger and turmeric. Cardamom will add sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavor to cakes, curries, and drinks like mulled wine. Warm and earthy turmeric is a great addition to rice dishes, soups, and smoothies. Cinnamon and nutmeg are sweet and woody, making them fine swaps for ginger especially in custards, cakes, and pies like this pear ginger galette. Because nutmeg’s intense flavor includes notes of clove, it can add a welcome pepperiness in place of ginger’s spice. Maybe you need a substitute for the substitute? Mace is the skin found around a nutmeg seed, just slightly muted in flavor and without nutmeg’s subtle sweetness.
Did we miss anything? Share your go-to ginger substitutes in the comments!
FAQs
Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.
What is a good substitute for ginger? ›
Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.
What do Asians use instead of ginger? ›
Galangal, sometimes called "Thai ginger," tastes very similar to ginger but a bit more mellow and slightly citrusy. If you have an Asian grocery or specialty food store in your area, you'll find fresh galangal there.
What seasoning is close to ginger? ›
Substitutes for Ground Ginger
If you don't have fresh ginger or are making something sweet or a baked good, try replacing ground ginger measure for measure with allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.
What herb is similar to ginger? ›
Galangal root is a spice closely related to ginger and turmeric and a popularly employed remedy in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. It can add flavor, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds to your dishes and may provide a slew of health benefits.
What is similar to ginger but not ginger? ›
Put simply, galangal is ginger's more citrusy cousin. It's not as easily located as ginger, but its popularity in Southeast Asian and Indian cooking makes it a commonly stocked item in Asian markets. Galangal's flavor is spicy and peppery, with earthy notes and a bitter finish.
Does turmeric taste like ginger? ›
The difference between the turmeric and ginger
That is why turmeric is also called yellow-carrot and ginger has a bright yellow colour inside. Turmeric has a mild bitter taste and the taste of ginger is fresh, lemony, spicy and pungent.
What is the Indian substitute for ginger? ›
Galangal
As per experts, this root spice is a cross between ginger and turmeric and can be used in place of ginger for that pungency. One can substitute 1/2 tsp of galangal for 1 tbsp grated ginger.
What is a Korean substitute for ginger? ›
Galangal is a root often used in Southeast Asian cooking. Its flavor is similar to ginger but with a fresh, citrusy punch. It's less spicy than fresh ginger. Use the same measurements as you would ginger.
What is a good substitute for ginger allergy? ›
For those allergic to ginger, several alternatives can provide similar flavor profiles and health benefits without triggering an allergic reaction. These include turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, among others. Turmeric is a common alternative, offering a warm, earthy flavor similar to ginger.
Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric (Curcuma longa), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and galangal.
Does allspice have ginger in it? ›
A common misconception is that allspice is a blend of different spices. The truth, however, is much more magical. Allspice does contain all the flavors of cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon combined - in one single berry. Which is, legend has it, how this unique spice got its name.
What flavor does ginger add? ›
While somewhat hard to describe, the flavor of ginger is often labeled as spicy, peppery, and either warm or hot. I also find it a bit sweet. Young ginger is very juicy, and has a much mellower flavor.
What can I use if I don't have ginger? ›
Substitute Other Spices For Ginger
- Allspice (half as much as ginger called for)
- Cardamom.
- Cinnamon.
- Mace (half as much as ginger called for)
- Nutmeg.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice.
One of our editors got us even more ready to take on the tropics when she discovered an exotic Brazilian fruit called jaboticaba that apparently tastes like ginger and blueberries!
What is the healthiest form of ginger? ›
Shilpa Arora weighs in, "While dry ginger is potent in terms of nutrients, fresh ginger roots help add some water content in your food or drink. In fact, fresh ginger has better antioxidant properties. And the essential oil of gingerol makes it a better option when it comes to cold and sore throat."
Does ginger make a difference? ›
Eating ginger can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas. Wear and tear on cells. Ginger contains antioxidants. These molecules help manage free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells when their numbers grow too high.
Is ginger similar to turmeric? ›
They have the same scientific classification and are reported to have anti-inflammatory and many therapeutic effects. This article reviews the physiological and therapeutic effects of ginger and turmeric on some endocrine gland functions, and signal pathways involved to mediate their actions.
What makes ginger taste like ginger? ›
Ginger has a spicy flavour, and an invigorating aroma. It produces a warming and fiery taste that gives an unmistakable and comforting kick. Ginger tastes spicy because of its chemical composition, specifically the compound gingerol, which creates its hot sensation.
