Fresh ginger is one of the most used ingredients in almost anyone’s kitchen but it lasts only a week. So at times, when fresh ginger is not available, you may need a substitute.
Substitute for fresh ginger may include powdered ginger, ginger paste or frozen ginger, etc. which can be stored for longer periods.
Based on your requirement, you can also look at the non-ginger spices like cardamom, cinnamon, etc. which can come close to mimicking the flavor of ginger in terms of heat. Of course, we don’t expect any spice to completely substitute ginger!
Substitute for Fresh Ginger: Alternative Forms of Ginger
Ginger is most flavorful, potent, and healthy when it is fresh and just peeled and may soon become bad.
But, if you run out of fresh ginger and really need that ‘gingery punch’, ginger in another form can act as a substitute for fresh ginger. Here are the most common fresh ginger alternatives:
Powdered Ginger
Ginger Powder is a long-lasting powder that tastes just like ginger but without that fresh feel. Concentrated Powdered ginger is made by dehydrating ginger and pulverizing it to a powder. This form of ginger is convenient to use, fast and takes little space.
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger is equivalent to ¼ teaspoon of powdered ginger.
Ginger Paste
Ginger paste is usually not as strong as fresh ginger since it has other ingredients as well. Also, you will notice a little different taste due to the high amounts of preservatives it contains.
Ginger paste also spoils fast and requires refrigeration or freezing to last longer. But still, it is popular with the home cooks as it is clean and comes well packaged in a jar. This makes it fast and easy to use.
Frozen Ginger
You can just keep ginger either peeled or unpeeled in the refrigerator or freezer. These storage methods of ginger would help to keep your stock edible longer.
Ginger from the refrigerator can be directly used but you may need to thaw the frozen ginger first based on your use.
These 5 Spices Act as Substitutes for Fresh Ginger Rhizomes
You might be wondering what happens if I don’t have any ginger be it fresh or any above substitute for ginger. In that case, you will have to utilize another spice from your pantry.
You can choose from several options like Pumpkin Pie Spice, Nutmeg, Cardamom, and Cinnamon.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a large seed of the evergreen tree Myristica fragrans. The seed (nutmeg) is found in a lace-like covering that also serves as a spice (mace).
It is also one of the core spices that finds use in baking. It is slightly sweet and has a warming effect similar to fresh ginger. 1 teaspoon of nutmeg can substitute for 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger.
All Spice
All Spice is also known as Jamaican Pepper or Pimento. It is actually the dried berry of Pimenta dioica. It was given the name allspice because the taste has certain flavors that are comparable to many spices like cinnamon, cloves, and even nutmeg.
How much allspice can you use as a substitute for fresh ginger? Generally, ¼ teaspoon of allspice can substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. This is true since allspice is more powerful and concentrated in powder form.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice is a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger powder. Nothing compares to fresh ginger, but pumpkin pie spice gives a different sort of kick to any dish! 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice can substitute for 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger.
The festive Pumpkin Pie Spice is most famous for its use in traditional dishes such as Pumpkin Pie, Eggnog, and other seasonal tarts.
Cardamom
This spice is closely related to both ginger and turmeric. Its seeds are kept whole, partially ground, or undergo refinement to form a powerful powder. Powdered cardamom offers an intense minty or smoky flavor, even when used in small amounts.
Although cardamom is not identical to ginger, it still can be used! Use cardamom in equal amounts as ground ginger.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is commonly found in the form of sticks, or rather, the bark of cinnamon trees. You can convert these sticks to powder to facilitate use in the kitchen or use them whole for an intense flavor.
A 3-inch cinnamon stick equates to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
Thus no matter what your intended purpose is: herbal tea, continental cuisine, desserts, or just health hacks, there is always a substitute for ginger that suits your needs!
But if you are like me, there is more fun in growing and keeping a steady supply of fresh ginger.
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