Minced ginger is an incredibly well-known and versatile spice. On the surface, it might seem like it is only good for sweet dishes, but as you start to work with it more, you will see that it’s actually incredible to use in savory dishes too.
When you use minced ginger in any dish, it really enhances both the flavor and the aroma and it will leave your mouth watering.
But there will come a time when you need to use minced ginger and you simply don’t have any, and this can be quite stressful.
But don’t panic! We are here to help! We have put together a list of 5 of the best substitutes for minced ginger.
Each of these substitutes will save the day and help you continue to make your dish, without needing to go out and get some minced ginger!
5 Best Substitutes For Minced Ginger
Ginger is quite strong in both taste and aroma, so finding the perfect substitute might seem like a challenge, but there are actually plenty of substitutes for you to use!
The 5 substitutes we have included on this list are as close as you are going to get to the real thing, so if you want to know more about them, read on!
Substitute | Protein | Substitute Ratio | Calories |
Ground Ginger | 0g | 1/8 teaspoon | 6 kcals |
Allspice | 1g | 1/2 teaspoon | 5 kcals |
Fresh Ginger | 0g | 1 teaspoon | 2 kcals |
Turmeric | 0.6g | 1 teaspoon | 19 kcals |
Cinnamon Sticks | 4g | 1 teaspoon | 3.2 kcals |
What Is Minced Ginger?
Simply put, minced ginger is just regular ginger that has been cut into thin slices and then it is chopped down until it almost becomes a paste.
It can be bought ready-made in many different grocery stores or any stores that sell food, but if you have the time, you can easily make it at home too.
You can use minced ginger for practically everything that you can use regular ginger for. It has the same benefits and it is incredibly versatile in its minced form.
Nutritional Value Of Minced Ginger
Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Sugar |
5 kcals | 0.25g | 0.03g | 1.32g | 0.1g |
Minced Ginger Substitutes
1. Ground Ginger
The first substitute on our list comes in the form of ground ginger. Usually, ground ginger is not the best option to substitute for minced ginger, but if you have no other option, it is fine to use this substitute.
Even though this is ginger, your dish won’t taste exactly the same way it would have if it was ground!
Minced ginger is a little different in taste than ground ginger, but the aroma and basic flavor will still be there.
Ground ginger is mainly suitable for desserts, but you can definitely use it in savory dishes as well. It’s quite versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it a bit.
It’s so good for desserts because, in its ground form, ginger doesn’t add any moisture, so if you plan on making something like a cake or pastry, you won’t have to worry about added moisture.
It works in plenty of savory dishes as well, some of the best include stir-fries, soups, salads, stews, marinades, and sauces.
2. Allspice
Allspice is a type of sweet spice that is very regularly used alongside ginger in many different recipes. It has a sweet aroma and it works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
It gets its name from the fact that both its smell and flavor are reminiscent of several spices, some of the most prominent being cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. People often used allspice and ginger interchangeably, which makes it a fantastic substitute for minced ginger.
Ginger, even in its minced form, is incredibly strong in taste, so allspice won’t completely replicate it. However, it’s one of the best alternatives to use when you don’t have access to the real thing.
It is also incredibly versatile, and you can use it in so many different kinds of dishes. Some of the most popular include salads and beverages, stir-fries, stews, soups, sauces, and of course, many different kinds of desserts.
3. Fresh Ginger
Of course, if you are going to use ground ginger, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t use fresh ginger too!
Fresh ginger is great to use when you don’t have any minced ginger available, but if you are going to use this one, you are going to need to slice and mince it yourself.
This means you are going to need a bit of extra time (and patience!) before you can use it in your dish.
It won’t come out quite the same as proper minced ginger, but taking some fresh ginger and mincing it yourself is the best alternative you are going to find! But just like minced ginger, it will work in any dish you plan on using it in.
To prepare fresh ginger correctly, you simply need to remove the peel, then cut the ginger into thin slices, and then stack the slices together and cut them in matchstick sizes.
Finally, chop these matchsticks into tiny dice pieces and you can then use it however you see fit.
You can use fresh ginger in all the same dishes that you planned to use minced ginger for. It works for both sweet and savory dishes too!
4. Turmeric
Turmeric might seem like an odd choice to use as a minced ginger substitute, but it can actually be used in the place of ginger in many dishes.
It will replicate the color perfectly. Both ginger and turmeric make the recipes they are in turn yellow, so if keeping the presentation authentic is important to you, this is a great substitute for you to use.
In terms of flavor, turmeric isn’t as strong as ginger, but it does have a somewhat similar flavor profile.
Turmeric is available to buy in most grocery stores, so you should have no issues in finding some for yourself when you need it. You can even order it online!
Turmeric works well in plenty of different dishes and recipes as well, some of which include smoothies, greens, soups, stir-fries, meat dishes, sauces curries, roasted veggies, and teas.
Turmeric is also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being full of antioxidants and nutrients.
It is an incredibly healthy ingredient to use in cooking, so if you are looking for a substitute that is really good for you, this is a fantastic option.
5. Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon is quite commonly found in dishes that contain ginger too, and when you can’t find any of the other substitutes on this list, it works perfectly in the place of ginger.
It has a very warm and sweet spicy aroma and taste, and it’s actually incredibly similar to ginger in lots of ways.
Ginger is of course a lot stronger than cinnamon, but cinnamon is known for its own strong taste, so you may not want to use too much when substituting it for ginger.
Like most of the other substitutes on this list, cinnamon is incredibly versatile, and you can use it in both sweet and savory dishes.
It is especially great in sweeter dishes though, but it’s not uncommon to find it in curries, bread, soups, and related dishes.
Cinnamon is easily found in grocery stores as well, and it isn’t too expensive, so you will have no problems finding it for yourself.
When substituting it for ginger, you can use the same amount of cinnamon as you would minced ginger.
Popular Recipes That Call For Minced Ginger
Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma is a classic dish that is beloved by people all over the world, and it’s actually pretty simple to make too. It is creamy, delicious, and loaded with fantastic sweet spices that really make it a fan favorite.
Miso Noodle Soup
Miso noodle soup is a comfort food that is perfect for those days when you need a bit of extra comfort and you want to be filled up and satisfied.
Using sweet spices, miso noodle soup has a delicious kick to it that everyone can enjoy.
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is one of the most popular dishes in the world. It is super versatile and you can pair it with practically anything.
When you add in sweet spices to the recipe, such as minced ginger, somehow, this classic dish just tastes even better!
Conclusion
So there you have it! 5 of the best substitutes for minced ginger. Each of these substitutes has something unique to offer, but they are also the closest in taste and smell to the real thing.
You should have no issues finding these substitutes in grocery stores, and most of them are inexpensive as well.
If for whatever reason you cannot get hold of minced ginger for your recipes, you should definitely give these substitutes a try.
Next time you are making a recipe that calls for minced ginger, try these substitutes out instead!