In this article, we will discuss the various substitutes for turmeric you can use in your cooking!
Turmeric is a gritty, pungent spice that is related to ginger. Few substances in the kitchen have the same advantages as turmeric.
It brightens the color of stews, curries, grains, sauces, baked products, and drinks. Plus, it has a wonderful citrus and ginger scent and flavor. However, turmeric is difficult to imitate.
If you’ve run out of turmeric or don’t store it in the pantry, don’t worry. Here’s a fantastic rundown of items you can use instead. There are a few factors to consider, including how much turmeric is used in a dish.
Selecting the most acceptable turmeric alternative is simple. We have just what you need with this detailed breakdown of all of your replacement options.
We will also guide you on how to use these alternatives. Apart from this, you can choose to imitate the coloring and flavor to obtain the best of each in your dish.
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Substitutes for Turmeric
Here are some perfect options to use as a substitute for turmeric. Moreover, these spices are readily available on the market, even if they aren’t in your pantry.
1. Saffron
Saffron is a very costly ingredient. However, the aroma and taste it provides make it absolutely worth the cost.
Additionally, it’s relatively easy to purchase at your regular supermarket.
Moreover, saffron does have a distinct aromatic flavor. Although it’s faint, it’s similar to turmeric. It is considered one of the closest turmeric,and it’s interchangeable. Many use turmeric to substitute for saffron.
Furthermore, saffron gives your cuisine a boost with just a few pinches. Half teaspoon of turmeric can go with one big pinch of saffron.
2. Safflower
Safflower resembles saffron but is less expensive. However, this Egyptian-inspired substitute is ideal for retaining the recipe’s golden tint.
If you have saffron, we recommend combining it with the safflower to achieve the best taste and aroma, as well as a golden glow for your dish.
3. Dried and Fresh Turmeric
If a recipe calls for pure turmeric, you may use powdered turmeric to replace the fresh root.
As with other herbs and spices, the fresh variety is hard to beat for the best flavor. If you use turmeric powder, use one teaspoon for every 12-inch piece of raw root.
4. Annatto Seeds
If you want to get the color of turmeric, annatto seeds are a great alternative. Annatto adds rich yellowish-orange color.
Moreover, it packs a perfect punch in rice dishes, soups, and sauces.
When using annatto seeds, we suggest a 1:2 proportion of seeds to olive oil. For instance, combine 14 cups of seeds with 12 cups of oil and let the color permeate the solution.
5. Dry Mustard
Mustard powder or dry mustard replicates the cardamom taste of turmeric.
It adds color too. Curries like Golden Beef Stew or Broccoli Curry with Arabic Flavors might benefit from it.
6. Paprika
Super sweet, spicy, or burnt paprika are all multipurpose kitchen items. So, you can use all of them in place of turmeric.
Moreover, you can substitute any one of the paprika variants depending on your choices. Sweet paprika is an excellent alternative for those who do not like spice.
7. Madras Curry Powder
Madras curry powder contains turmeric. You’ll notice particular taste notes that the two components share.
Because chili is the main component, the meal will be hotter. Also, the color will have a sharper red tone than if you used turmeric.But since Madras has turmeric it will lend that pungent flavor you are looking for.
8. Ginger Powder
Ginger powder is not an identical flavor match. However, you might try replacing it.
To get a flavor more similar to turmeric, use half the amount of ground ginger. Nevertheless, the taste is similar since turmeric is a member of the ginger tribe.
9. Mace and Smoked Paprika
The combination of mace and smoked paprika never fails to show its excellence.
Because of the tastes and colors, this is a flexible addition to any savory cuisine. However, bear in mind that this mixture might be hot.
So, base your substitute quantity on your preferred degree of heat. Adjust the seasoning to taste!
10. Powdered Galangal
Galangal powder has a strong, piney taste. This complements Indian curries well.
It won’t add any bright colors to the meal, but it will provide a lot of flavor. According to Healthline.com,
“Galangal is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and all three roots can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to your dishes. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal’s flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery. Turmeric has the most pungent and bitter flavor of the three.”
If you don’t like turmeric and want to try something new, this is a fantastic option.
Final Thoughts on Turmeric Substitutes
There might be many reasons why you are seeking a turmeric alternative. But whatever the cause is, you must determine which substitute you can use.
Use annatto seed as well as saffron to substitute for the color of turmeric. Saffron and paprika both perform well as flavoring alternatives.
For people who don’t like the flavor of turmeric, ginger will provide excellent health advantages and a different flavor. We suggest you experiment with all these alternatives and choose your favorite substitute.
