Ginger is one of the easiest ways to transform any dish into something more exciting with a punch of spicy, sweet, warming flavor.
And if one of your favorite uses is in a cup of tea, we are soul brothers!
However, if you’re running out of this ingredient in times of need, don’t panic.
Handfuls of ginger paste substitutes will do the trick in almost any recipe, from curries to stir-fries to desserts.
And this article will discuss ginger candies, Allspice, Citrus Zest, and many more.
What Is Ginger Paste?
Ginger paste is a pungent, spicy, and versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways.
It is made by grinding fresh ginger root with some oil or water.
The resulting paste is then packed into jars or cans to preserve it for future use.
Furthermore, a ginger paste has an underlining sweetness with intense heat. It has a strong flavor that can be overpowering if you’re not expecting it.
Some people enjoy this taste, and others find it too intense —though flavors may vary depending on the brand.
But ginger paste is a handy ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen. Whether mixing a cocktail or cooking up some tasty crème Brulee, a bit of this thick, spicy paste adds just the right kick.
Here is a list of things you can use ginger paste for:
- Add to stir fry, curry, potsticker filling, and soups
- Use in cocktails — mimosas, margaritas, mules
- Use it to make fuss-free ginger tea
- Add to marinades
- Add to desserts like brownies, bread, and cookies
- Boost the flavor of spreads, sauces, and dips
- Add to yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothies
Top 5 Ginger Paste Substitutes
1. Homemade Ginger paste Recipe
Can’t find a ginger paste?
Make one yourself!
Are you too busy that you can’t even put some ginger in a blender?
This recipe won’t even take a fraction of your time. You need fresh ginger, water, and oil to make this recipe.
Ingredients
- One pound of fresh ginger root. That is approximately four cups of chopped ginger, peeled.
- Two to four tablespoons oil (not a flavored oil)
- A small quantity of water
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
- You can store the ginger paste in an air-tight container in the fridge for five days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
I like storing my ginger paste in 1-teaspoon cubes using this silicone cube tray. That way, I can easily measure each cube to 1 teaspoon.
It’s convenient for me to jazz up an everyday dish to give it a bit of extra flavor without thawing the entire blend.
The homemade recipe is a challenge every home cook feels adventurous for, so try experimenting with some fresh ginger root, water, and oil.
2. Ginger Candies
Ginger Candy is a sweet and spicy confection (soft candy) made using fresh ginger that has been crystallized by icing it.
The texture is chewy and crunchy, with a robust zingy taste.
So yeah! It might sound ridiculous, but it works (very well).
Ginger candies can be a good stand-in for the paste in time of need. But you’ll have to adjust the flavors to get the same effect.
First, it will add a sweeter tone due to adding sugar. The bright side is it still got some of the complex flavor and aroma of ginger paste, which is why it would work.
Ginger candy can be used as a snack or dessert, and it’s often served with tea or coffee. Or it can be used as an ingredient in other desserts or treats (like gingerbread).
You can also use ginger candy as an ingredient; it will add a unique taste to dishes like stir-fries and soups.
Although ginger paste will get you that full-strength flavoring in each spoonful, ginger candies only contain a fraction of the actual ginger flavor, so they’re more affordable to produce.
The ginger paste is the way to go if you want an all-natural way to flavor your food.
But if you need something easy on the wallet, use less natural ingredients, or can’t find a past, ginger candies might be what you’re looking for!
3. Allspice
While some homeowners will argue they are not interchangeable because allspice hits different tones, most cooks use it to hold the font.
This single-ingredient seasoning offers loads of unique flavor reminiscent of the fire and sweet spice that ginger adds.
It will be an excellent option for ginger in a hearty stew, like Jamaican beef stew.
Allspice has an earthy flavor with hints of citrus and nutmeg.
It is often used in meat gravies or stews, chicken curry or fish curry, and many more because it adds depth without overpowering.
Ginger is slightly sweeter than allspice (which makes sense given that it’s made from the fruit), so if you want something with more of a kick than just a hint of spice, go with ginger instead!
NOTE: Allspice is often confused with five spice. Allspice is a single spice. Meanwhile, 5-spice powder is made from a combination of five herbs. So know which one you’re going for.
4. Lemongrass
Ginger paste vs Lemongrass paste used to be the battle between two spices we all love!
And knowing they can be used interchangeably supports our course.
Lemongrass paste imparts a citrusy lemon flavor with spicy undertones of ginger.
The taste is tarty with a kick of mint.
Although the flavor is more dominant and complex than ginger paste, so you want to be cautious applying this condiment, I’d suggest you add a little at the start.
One plus for using a lemongrass paste is its floral and minty scent, which could be a lovely addition to your meal.
Furthermore, you can use lemongrass for popping up and flavoring various dishes, including curries, seafood dishes, poultry, meat, marinades, broths, salads, and veggies as they cook.
But you should note that (especially if you’re a vegan) most store-bought versions either lack flavor or include ingredients like fish sauce.
To be safer, you can make it a homemade project.
5. Citrus Zest
Citrus Zest is another top alternative, but you might have yet to notice.
In the past and up to this moment, citrus zest has been used as a substitute for ginger paste. However, they have their distinctive qualities.
Ginger paste is made from ground-up ginger root, whereas citrus zest is made from the peel of citrus fruits.
The difference between these two products lies in their concentration and texture. Ginger paste comes in a much stronger concentration than citrus zest to create more intense flavors.
On top of that, ginger paste has a more coarse texture than citrus zest; this gives ginger paste a more rustic feel.
However, citrus zest is still great whenever you add zingy freshness to your dish without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Question
Where Is Ginger Paste In Grocery Store?
Ginger paste is a prevalent ingredient that is available in many grocery stores. But it may take work to find.
You will likely see a jar of ginger paste in the produce aisle close to fresh herbs.
However, you may need help finding any ginger paste in your local grocery store. Other options are worth considering, like making your homemade version at home or buying pre-made versions online, such as Amazon, which offers free daily shipping!
What Are Other Herbs Or Spices That Can Substitute Ginger?
There are plenty of herbs and spices that can substitute for ginger. Some of these options are:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Mace
- Turmeric
- Cardamom
- Galangal
- Pumpkin Spice
- Ginseng
- Lemongrass
Is Ginger A Spice Or Vegetable?
Ginger is a spice. It’s a root vegetable, but it’s not a vegetable.
Although some may call dried ginger powder a spice and fresh root version a herb, they are the same product.
Ginger can grow as a shrub or small tree, but it’s not cold-tolerant and prefers warm climates.
They are native to Asia, but you can find them in many parts of the world. You can even find ginger growing wild in your neighborhood!
Conclusion
The ginger paste substitutes above were just one of the many recipes I tested out in my search for clear and flavored options.
Although I’ve had tales of using ginger beer in liquid applications, I won’t bet on that.
Instead, I’d opt for a spices combo —combining coriander, mace, nutmeg, and cinnamon will create a ginger paste substitute that replicates the flavor profile.
You can also add black pepper for an extra kick.
But if the mix isn’t your thing, a fair blend of turmeric or cardamom can single-handedly replace ginger paste.
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