In this article, we will describe the taste and properties of the top five substitutes for ginger.
Ginger brings to mind countless dishes, from pumpkin pie and gingerbread to ginger beef, curry, and ginger tea. The spice is used around the world in both its fresh and dried form. Fresh, it is indispensable in countless Asian dishes.
You’ll likely never catch an Indian or Chinese cook without ginger on hand. In fact, it is one of the most common household spices. Nearly everyone has a thumb of ginger readily available or a bit of ginger powder in the pantry. But in case you don’t, here are five excellent substitutes to mimic the warm spicy flavor of ginger.
Its benefits are not only limited to adding its unique flavor to cuisines. It also has numerous medicinal benefits. These benefits have made it one of the most sought-after spices worldwide.
One thing, though, you are not likely to always have ginger available in your kitchen. What if you run out? Well, you have options. There are substitutes for ginger that you can rely on. Although these substitutes cannot replace ginger completely, they can keep you going until you get ginger back into your kitchen.
Here are the top five substitutes for ginger:
1. Allspice
Also known as Jamaican pepper, allspice is one of the best substitutes for ginger.
As its name suggests, allspice does not have a definite taste. Instead, its taste is the culmination of various spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, pepper.
Allspice is so powerful that all you need is a few sprinkles to induce its tempting flavor in your dish. If you like being creative, you can infuse allspice into your cooking oil for an added taste and aroma. This substitute works well in poultry dishes. You can also try it out on vegetables.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another worthwhile alternative to ginger. It has a spicy taste which some have likened to the punch of cloves.
It comes from the skins of the fragrant barks on the cinnamon tree.
The barks can be rolled to form cinnamon sticks or grounded into a fine powder.
The two differ in texture and how they are used in cuisines. However, they both impart the same flavor. Aside from having a woody and sweet taste, it has an underlying flavor of citrus.
3. Mace
Perhaps slightly less well-known, mace is a spice that comes from the nutmeg seed.
It is yellowish-brown and can be used either ground up into a powder or in the form of dried blades.
People often perceive mace as a less concentrated form of nutmeg, but it also has a sweet, woody, and warm flavor.
It has a mild pungent smell like nutmeg but is not as sweet. Other tasting notes of this spice include cinnamon and black pepper.
Most recipes call for ground mace. In this case, you just use it right from the jar. In baking, mace is often used to make doughnuts, cakes, puddings, and custards. The spice can also be part of cheese dishes, sauces, soups, and fish recipes.
4. Nutmeg
If mace can substitute for ginger in recipes, it goes without saying so can nutmeg.
This spice kernel has a unique aroma as well as a nutty, sweet flavor.
Although most people associate nutmeg with the holiday seasons, it is a perfect spice for any time of the year.
Although, it is important to keep in mind that it contains a poisonous narcotic called myristicin, which can cause adverse reactions like hallucinations and vomiting when consumed in large quantities. Therefore, use only small amounts as you prepare your dish.
5. Cardamom
Cardamom can also replace ginger in recipes. A known relative of turmeric and ginger, this spice is derived from the seed pods of the cardamom plant.
The cardamom plant is originally from India, but many countries cultivate it now, including Guatemala – America’s largest spice supplier.
Both sweet and savory dishes around the world call for this green spice. Cardamom comes with a menthol-like, piney, and fruity flavor.
Its flavor is irresistible, but when taken in large quantities, it may cause difficulty in blood circulation.
The spice works perfectly in both food and drinks. It is also a crucial ingredient in chai lattes. You can try it on poultry as well as red meat. Additionally, it works well in stews and curries.
Final Thoughts on Substitutes for Ginger
Anytime you run out of ginger while making a recipe, there is no need for panic. You can always substitute it with any of the alternatives mentioned in this article. Even if you have ginger on hand, it might be worth trying out some of these other spices. It’s always a good idea to experiment with flavors in the kitchen. Who knows? You might even end up liking one of these more!
