07.09.2018
Sumac Substitute
Quick guide to sumac flavor, best substitutes, amounts to use, storage tips, and safety notes for cooking.
- Sumac adds bright, tart lemony flavor to savory dishes and should not be left out when possible.
- Good substitutes include lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, lemon pepper, za'atar, and tamarind; use smaller amounts than the recipe calls for.
- Store ground sumac in a cool, dark place in an airtight container; check freshness for best flavor.
Sumac is a unique spice in the cashew family with origins in the Middle East. The dark red berry has a bright, tart lemony flavor profile. A mainstay in Mediterranean dishes such as hummus and kebabs - sumac can also be delicious on fish and popcorn.
Substitute for Sumac
Sumac replacements range from lemon zest, lemon pepper, lemon juice or vinegar to replicate the tart flavor of sumac. But, beware that you should use less of these substitutes than the recipe calls for as they are more powerful than the sumac flavor. Za’atar is also a good sumac spice alternative as it is used in the blend.
The flavor in sumac is important to dishes, so it shouldn’t be left out, luckily there are many substitutes that you probably already have on hand! Our favorite substitutes for sumac are:
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Lemon juice
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Vinegar
Common Sumac Questions
What Is Sumac?
Sumac is one of the most recognized spices to come out of the Middle East. Sumac has a bold citrusy flavor and also has many health benefits including antioxidants and may also help balance blood sugar.
What Is a Substitute For Sumac?
Sumac has a fruity flavor almost like lemon. The sourness can balance the acidity of a dish.
What Are Some Common Sumac Recipes?
Sumac is very versatile and works in many different dishes. Use sumac on roasted vegetables like on our Sumac Roasted Cauliflower, on meat using our Sumac Spice Rub, or use sumac more traditionally in this Sumac Hummus recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sumac taste like?
Sumac is tangy and lemony with a fruity, slightly astringent edge. It brightens dishes without adding wet acidity like lemon juice.
What are the best substitutes for sumac?
Top swaps are lemon zest, lemon juice, wine or apple cider vinegar, lemon pepper, za'atar, and tamarind. Each brings tartness but with different extra flavors.
How much substitute should I use compared to sumac?
Start with less than the recipe amount. For lemon juice or vinegar use about half the volume and add more to taste. For lemon zest or za'atar you can start 1:1. For tamarind or lemon pepper use about half and adjust.
Can I use za'atar instead of sumac?
Yes. Za'atar often contains sumac and herbs. Use it roughly 1:1 but taste first because za'atar adds thyme, sesame, and sometimes extra salt.
How do I use sumac or its substitutes on different dishes?
Sprinkle ground sumac at the end on hummus, roasted veggies, fish, or popcorn to retain its bright flavor. Use juice or vinegar in marinades or dressings where liquid is fine.
Is sumac safe for people with nut allergies?
Sumac comes from plants in the same family as cashews and mangoes. Most people with tree nut allergies tolerate culinary sumac, but if you have severe allergies check with an allergist or avoid it.
Where can I buy sumac?
Find sumac at Middle Eastern markets, well stocked grocery spice aisles, or online spice shops. Look for deep red ground sumac for best flavor.
How should I store sumac and how long does it last?
Keep ground sumac in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For peak flavor use within 6 to 12 months, though it will stay usable longer if kept well sealed.
What does sumac taste like?
Sumac is tangy and lemony with a fruity, slightly astringent edge. It brightens dishes without adding wet acidity like lemon juice.
What are the best substitutes for sumac?
Top swaps are lemon zest, lemon juice, wine or apple cider vinegar, lemon pepper, za'atar, and tamarind. Each brings tartness but with different extra flavors.
How much substitute should I use compared to sumac?
Start with less than the recipe amount. For lemon juice or vinegar use about half the volume and add more to taste. For lemon zest or za'atar you can start 1:1. For tamarind or lemon pepper use about half and adjust.
Can I use za'atar instead of sumac?
Yes. Za'atar often contains sumac and herbs. Use it roughly 1:1 but taste first because za'atar adds thyme, sesame, and sometimes extra salt.
How do I use sumac or its substitutes on different dishes?
Sprinkle ground sumac at the end on hummus, roasted veggies, fish, or popcorn to retain its bright flavor. Use juice or vinegar in marinades or dressings where liquid is fine.
Is sumac safe for people with nut allergies?
Sumac comes from plants in the same family as cashews and mangoes. Most people with tree nut allergies tolerate culinary sumac, but if you have severe allergies check with an allergist or avoid it.
Where can I buy sumac?
Find sumac at Middle Eastern markets, well stocked grocery spice aisles, or online spice shops. Look for deep red ground sumac for best flavor.
How should I store sumac and how long does it last?
Keep ground sumac in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For peak flavor use within 6 to 12 months, though it will stay usable longer if kept well sealed.
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