08.23.2018
Ginger Substitute
Quick swaps for fresh or ground ginger, ratios, and smart tips for stir fry, baking, and storage.
- Fresh and ground ginger are interchangeable with a conversion: 1 tablespoon fresh = 1/4 teaspoon ground.
- Top replacements for ground ginger are ground allspice, cinnamon, mace, or nutmeg used 1:1 or blended for more depth.
- For stir fry use fresh grated ginger when possible; if not available, ground spice substitutes work but add citrus or pepper to brighten flavors.
Ground ginger is the perfect way to add a zing to almost anything. Most dried ginger in the U.S. comes from India, but the highest quality ginger actually comes from China. Ginger from China can be hard to find, but The Spice House always has some on hand for you.
Substitute for Ginger
Ginger was initially dried so it could withstand the long trips from India to the middle east 5,000 years ago. During this time it was primarily used as a spice or brewed in tea. Top-grade Chinese ginger has a bright, lemony aroma when freshly grated, adding a warming heat to stir fries, curries, and baked goods. Although there’s nothing like freshly ground ginger, there are some replacements you can use if you don’t have any on hand.
- Ground allspice
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground mace
- Ground nutmeg
- Or use a mix of all 4!
Substitute Ginger in Stir Fry
When making stir fry, ginger is a key ingredient to get the signature zing and classic taste of teriyaki. If you don’t have any ground ginger on hand, feel free to use fresh ginger instead or vice versa! If you don’t have fresh or ground ginger, use a 1:1 ratio of ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground mace or ground nutmeg to the amount of ground ginger called for.
Common Ginger Substitution Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Ginger for Fresh Ginger?
Yes! It’s not a perfect substitute, but you can ensure you’ll still get a great ginger flavor by using ¼ tsp ground ginger for every 1 tablespoon grated ginger.
Is Nutmeg Similar to Ginger?
Nutmeg has a spicy-sweet flavor that also resembles ginger which is why nutmeg makes a great substitute for ground ginger.
Is Ginger Powder the Same as Ground Ginger?
Ginger powder and ground ginger are the same spice. Ground ginger is simply fresh ginger that has been dried, peeled and ground into a fine powder. Ginger powder is best when freshly ground.
What is a Good Ginger Substitute in Cooking?
For both cooking or baking, using ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground mace or ground cinnamon will work to give a similar zing of ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ground ginger for fresh ginger?
Yes. Use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for every 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. The flavor is less bright and zesty than fresh, so taste and adjust as needed.
Is ginger powder the same as ground ginger?
Yes. Ginger powder and ground ginger are the same thing. It is peeled ginger that has been dried and ground into a fine powder. Flavor is best when it is recently ground.
What are the best substitutes for ground ginger?
Ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground mace, or ground nutmeg are the closest substitutes. Use any one of them in a 1:1 swap, or mix small amounts of two or more to get a more complex flavor.
How should I replace ginger in a stir fry?
Fresh grated ginger is ideal for stir fry. If you only have ground ginger, use the conversion above and add it toward the end of cooking. If you have no ginger at all, use 1:1 ground allspice, cinnamon, mace, or nutmeg and finish with a squeeze of citrus or a pinch of black pepper to restore brightness.
Can I use nutmeg or cinnamon instead of ginger in baking?
Yes. Nutmeg and cinnamon can replace ginger in baked goods, but they bring different notes. Nutmeg is warm and sweet while cinnamon is sweeter and earthier. Start with a 1:1 swap and adjust to taste.
How do I make ground ginger from fresh ginger?
Slice fresh ginger thinly, dry the slices in a low oven or dehydrator until brittle, then grind them in a spice grinder or high speed blender to a powder. Let the pieces cool fully before grinding.
How should I store ground ginger and how long does it stay fresh?
Store ground ginger in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For best flavor use within 6 to 12 months. Fresh ginger keeps a few weeks in the fridge or several months frozen.
Can I substitute ground ginger for fresh ginger?
Yes. Use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for every 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. The flavor is less bright and zesty than fresh, so taste and adjust as needed.
Is ginger powder the same as ground ginger?
Yes. Ginger powder and ground ginger are the same thing. It is peeled ginger that has been dried and ground into a fine powder. Flavor is best when it is recently ground.
What are the best substitutes for ground ginger?
Ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground mace, or ground nutmeg are the closest substitutes. Use any one of them in a 1:1 swap, or mix small amounts of two or more to get a more complex flavor.
How should I replace ginger in a stir fry?
Fresh grated ginger is ideal for stir fry. If you only have ground ginger, use the conversion above and add it toward the end of cooking. If you have no ginger at all, use 1:1 ground allspice, cinnamon, mace, or nutmeg and finish with a squeeze of citrus or a pinch of black pepper to restore brightness.
Can I use nutmeg or cinnamon instead of ginger in baking?
Yes. Nutmeg and cinnamon can replace ginger in baked goods, but they bring different notes. Nutmeg is warm and sweet while cinnamon is sweeter and earthier. Start with a 1:1 swap and adjust to taste.
How do I make ground ginger from fresh ginger?
Slice fresh ginger thinly, dry the slices in a low oven or dehydrator until brittle, then grind them in a spice grinder or high speed blender to a powder. Let the pieces cool fully before grinding.
How should I store ground ginger and how long does it stay fresh?
Store ground ginger in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For best flavor use within 6 to 12 months. Fresh ginger keeps a few weeks in the fridge or several months frozen.
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