Related recipes

Here are some recipes to try where you could use this substitute for Dijon mustard:

• Dijon Mustard Dressing
• Amazing Tomato Pie
• Classic Egg Salad
• Simple Carrot Salad

Frequently asked questions

Best Dijon Mustard Substitute

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• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 1 minute
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 minute
• Yield: About 3 tablespoons

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Description

Don’t have Dijon mustard, or realized you’re all out while you’re making a recipe? Here’s the best substitute for Dijon mustard.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise
• ¾ tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Optional: 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch sugar

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Instructions

1. Stir all ingredients together. Refrigerate for up to 1 month. 

• Category: Substitution
• Method: Mixed
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Best substitute for caraway seeds

Note that how these options work depend on the type of cuisine and how caraway is used.

Frequently asked questions

Looking to substitute baking powder for baking soda? If you’re in the middle of a recipe and have that oh crap moment, we’ve got your back! As two cookbook authors and recipe developers, we’ve found a substitute for baking soda to use in cookies, cakes, pies, and quick breads. But keep in mind, the real thing is always better.

Related recipes

• 20 Baking Recipes You Should Know
• 14 Vegan Baked Goods to Try
• Flaky Homemade Biscuits (& Vegan Biscuits)
• Best Homemade Cornbread (& Vegan Cornbread)
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frequently asked questions

Looking for a substitute for baking powder? If you’re in the middle of a recipe and have that oh crap moment, we’ve got your back! As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, we’ve found a simple formula for how to substitute for baking powder in pancakes and baked goods.

Frequently asked questions

Best tomato paste substitute

3. Marinara Sauce

Frequently asked questions

Quick Tomato Paste Substitute

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• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 1 minute
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 minute
• Yield: 1 tablespoon

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Don’t have tomato paste, or realized you’re all out while you’re cooking? Here’s the best tomato paste substitute to use in recipes.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons tomato puree or sauce
• ¼ teaspoon sugar 

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Instructions

1. Mix the tomato puree or sauce with ¼ teaspoon sugar. When you’re cooking, remove 1 tablespoon of other liquids in the recipe.
2. Alternate method: you can also use ketchup as a 1:1 substitute for tomato paste. 

• Category: Essentials
• Method: Stirred
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Making a recipe that calls for sun dried tomatoes and don’t have it? Sun dried tomatoes are a popular Mediterranean ingredient that adds a burst of concentrated flavor and chewy texture to dishes. They’re ripe tomatoes that are dried, allowing the moisture to evaporate leaving behind an umami-rich chewy fruit. The drying process intensifies the tomato’s natural sugars but also preserves it naturally, making it a valuable pantry staple.

Sun dried tomatoes are available in jars at the grocery store, or sometimes in vacuum-packed packages. Don’t have time to shop for it, or cooking a recipe and just realized you don’t have it? Here are some alternative substitute ideas.

Best substitute for sun dried tomatoes

Before you start, keep in mind: sun dried tomatoes are a very unique ingredient! They are hard to truly substitute and we recommend buying the real thing if at all possible.

When substituting, consider the key features of sun-dried tomatoes you want to replace: flavor or texture. Adjust the quantity of your chosen substitute and experiment to find the perfect fit for your recipe. Also, don’t substitute them in recipes where they are the star ingredient, like Sun Dried Tomato Pasta or Sun Dried Tomato Pesto.

1. Roasted red peppers

A decent substitute for sun dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers have a burst of sweetness and smokiness that can complement the dishes where sun-dried tomatoes shine. Use jarred red bell peppers and thinly slice them. Then add a bit of salt and a pinch of sugar to emulate the flavor of sun dried tomatoes.

2. Kalamata olives (in some recipes)

Kalamata olives are an unexpected substitute for sun dried tomatoes that mimics their texture and flavor. Thinly slice these olives and they provide a pop of salty, savory flavor and a chewy texture. This substitute could work depending on the recipe, like in Tuscan Chicken or Tuscan Salmon, though of course it gives the dish a different flair.

3. Tomato paste

You also can use a little tomato paste as a sun dried tomato substitute, though it’s not an ideal substitute. You also may want to add a few pinches of sugar, since tomato paste can have more bitter undertones. Remember that this alternative won’t add pops of flavor and texture like the red peppers or olives.

4. Oven roasted tomatoes

You can make your own sun dried tomatoes at home, if you’ve got the time and access to fresh tomatoes! Go to Oven Sun Dried Tomatoes.

What not to use

Sun dried tomato substitutes we don’t recommend? Avoid canned tomatoes: they don’t have the right texture and might end up adding compromised flavor or texture to the recipe.

Good luck and let us know if any of these sun dried tomato alternatives worked in your recipe!

Related recipes

Here are some recipes featuring sun dried tomatoes:

• Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Creamy Tuscan Salmon
• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
• Mediterranean Pizza
• Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Pinwheels
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Easy Lentil Salad

Related recipes

Here are some recipes where you could use half and half:

• Our Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Corn Chowder
• Potato Corn Chowder

Frequently asked questions

These days, shortening isn’t in good graces. What is it, and what’s a substitute if you find it in a recipe? As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, we’re here to help.

Related recipes

Here are some recipes where shortening might traditionally be found that use coconut oil or butter:

• Easy Vegan Cornbread
• Best Homemade Cornbread
• Homemade Pie Crust
• Best Vegan Pot Pie
• Best Apple Pie Recipe

Frequently asked questions

Best creme fraiche substitute

Note that how these options work depend on the type of recipe and how the creme fraiche is used.

5. Vegan option: cashew cream

Cashew cream can work as a non-dairy substitute for creme fraiche, but it has a much looser texture. We suggest using it for dolloping and not for baking.

Frequently asked questions

Best substitutes for cumin

Note that how these options work depend on the type of cuisine and how cumin is used.

3. Ground coriander (Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine).

If you have it, substitute half the amount of cumin with coriander (½ teaspoon coriander replaces 1 teaspoon cumin). Their flavor is similar, but coriander tastes more floral than cumin, which has more savory notes. This substitute works best in Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine.

4. Curry powder (Indian cuisine).

Curry powder works in a pinch as a substitute for cumin in Indian cuisine. Many curry powder blends contain cumin. Keep in mind that the turmeric in curry powder can change the color of foods to become yellow. Start with ½ teaspoon curry powder for every 1 teaspoon cumin.

Frequently asked quesitons

Looking for a substitute for coconut oil? Coconut oil is an oil that comes from the flesh of coconuts. It’s used in cooking, especially in vegan baking as a substitute for butter. It’s also used as a topical treatment for some skin conditions, and in some beauty products. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, making it’s a great replacement for butter because it has similar properties.

If you’re looking for a replacement for coconut oil because of an allergy, the flavor, or just because you don’t have it in your pantry: we’re here to help! Keep in mind that the best substitute depends on what type of recipe you’re making: baked recipes are different from cooking with coconut oil.

Best substitute for coconut oil

1. Butter or vegan butter (best for baking).

The very best substitute for coconut oil in baking is the same amount of butter! Because butter is also solid at room temperature, the properties are similar. Vegan butter works as a plant-based option, and there lots of great vegan butter brands on the market (Miyokos and others). Using butter will yield a more rich, savory flavor than coconut oil. It also gives a chewier, moister texture to baked goods like cookies.

2. Olive oil (non-baked).

Olive oil is a plant-based oil like coconut oil, and works well as a 1-for-1 replacement. We don’t recommend using olive oil in baked goods because the flavor can be strong and it is a liquid fat instead of solid. But it works well in soups, for sauteing, salad dressings, and so forth. (Olive oil is also healthier; read more at Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil.)

3. Neutral oil, like grapeseed oil or sunflower oil.

Neutral oils are a great choice as a 1-for-1 substitute for coconut oil. They’re also plant-based oils, but their flavor is milder than coconut oil. They work well in soups and sauteing, or for baked goods like quick breads and muffins.

4. Avocado oil.

Avocado oil can work as a 1-for-1 substitute for coconut oil. Avocado oil has a stronger flavor than coconut oil, which can adversely affect a recipe so be cautious when using this substitute. It can work well in soups or for sauteing, or in some baked goods like quick breads and muffins.

5. Ghee.

Ghee is clarified butter that is simmered slightly longer to tease out a rich, nutty flavor. It works as a 1:1 substitute for coconut oil. Because ghee is also solid at room temperature, the properties are similar to coconut oil and it is a good alternative.

Ghee is clarified so has very low levels of lactose, making it suitable for dairy-sensitive eaters. However, while ghee contains low levels of lactose, it is not dairy-free.

Related recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes that use coconut oil:

• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Easy Vegan Cornbread
• Best Vegan Pot Pie
• Best Oatmeal Recipe
• Apple Crumble
• Vegan Apple Streusel Muffins
• Vegan Chocolate Cake

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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Refined vs Unrefined Coconut Oil

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Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil

04

20 Great Coconut Oil Recipes

Making a recipe that calls for chili powder and don’t have it? Here’s a few options that are suitable as a substitution. Chili powder is a spice blend made with dried chilis and other spices. It’s the main spice in chili, and is used often in Mexican cuisine. There’s really nothing like it! But, here’s the good news: you can fake it if you need to. Here are a few ideas for substitutions for this spicy ingredient.

Best chili powder substitute

1. Homemade chili powder mix

The best substitute for chili powder? A homemade chili powder mix! To make homemade chili powder, simply combine the following spices to make ¼ cup chili powder:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne

2. Paprika, cumin and cayenne

The next best substitute for chili powder? A mix of paprika, cumin and cayenne. If you don’t have all the spices above, you can make a “cheater” version. Here’s the ratio to use:

• Substitution Ratio: For every 1 tablespoon chili powder, use 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and a scant ¼ teaspoon cayenne. You can customize the cayenne to taste based on your spice preference.

3. Chipotle chili powder

This chili powder substitute must be treated with caution, but chipotle chili powder can bring some of the savory pepper flavor to dishes along with the heat. However, keep in mind that it is extremely spicy!

For every 1 tablespoon chili powder, we’d substitute only ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder, though you could use more to taste. It would also work in combination with paprika and cumin: use 1 ½ teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder.

Related recipes

Here are some recipes that use chili powder:

• Vegetarian Chili and Ultimate Vegan Chili
• Quick Chili Recipe
• Vegan Sloppy Joes
• 3-Bean Healthy Chili Recipe
• Easy Baked Flautas (Taquitos!)
• Easy Instant Pot Pinto Beans
• Best Ever Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
• Homemade Refried Beans
• Easy Refried Bean Dip
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos

01

Best Vegetarian Chili

02

Ultimate Vegan Chili

03

Best Pumpkin Chili

04

Quick Chili Recipe

Homemade Chili Powder Substitute

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• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: ¼ cup

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Description

Here’s how to make homemade chili powder! Mix this all natural blend into a batch of chili, or use it for grilled or roasted veggies, dips, and more.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne

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Instructions

1. Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store for 6 months to 1 year in a cool, dry place.

• Category: Seasoning
• Method: Stirred
• Cuisine: Spice Blend
• Diet: Vegan

Perhaps you’re out of coconut milk, allergic to coconut, or maybe you don’t like the flavor. Whatever the case, never fear: your recipe is not ruined! There are many substitutes for coconut milk that will work as an alternative.

Coconut milk is a milk extracted from the pulp of coconuts. It is very rich and has a high fat content. Coconut milk is a traditional ingredient used in Southeast Asian and East African cuisine, as well as Latin American and Caribbean foods. Many recipes call for coconut milk to thicken a sauce or soup and make it creamy: it also adds a subtle coconut undertone. But never fear: there are many coconut milk substitutes that will do the job!

10 substitutes for coconut milk

1. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and body much like coconut milk does in a sauce. It’s a little tangier than coconut milk, so use a modest amount. It works well in curries, soups or smoothies that call for coconut milk.

2. Heavy cream

Some curries or Indian dishes call for heavy cream as a thickener, so this is another choice that works well. Heavy cream adds a richness that’s perfect with curry and soups. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for coconut milk.

3. Half and half

This is another great choice for a curry or soup, since half and half has dairy-fat that mimics coconut milk. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for coconut milk.

4. Sour cream

Sour cream is yet another dairy product that works well as a thickener in curries and soups! Sour cream has a sweeter, more distinctive flavor than Greek yogurt; it’s a better match to the fat content found in coconut milk.

5. Milk

Use a milk with a high fat content to mimic the richness of coconut milk, like whole milk or at least 2%. The consistency will be more watery than coconut milk, so use less than the recipe calls for. If you like a coconut flavor, add a little coconut oil.

6. Cashew cream

Now for the dairy-free coconut milk substitutes! Cashew cream is a thick creamy paste made from soaked cashews that can be made in a blender! It’s perfect for making plant-based recipes creamy. Try this cashew cream recipe.

7. Almond milk

Almond milk can work as a substitute for coconut milk, but the main drawback is that it has a much thinner consistency that’s similar to water. Before adding it, you can mix in 1 teaspoon cornstarch, which would thicken the entire sauce. Another option if you do like coconut flavor is to add coconut oil as well, which would also add richness that almond milk lacks.

8. Soy milk

While soy milk is a little thicker than almond milk, it’s still much runnier than coconut milk. Consider using it and adding cornstarch to thicken or coconut oil for richness.

9. Oat milk

Oat milk is a widely available dairy-free milk that’s our favorite for substitutions. The texture is thicker than almond milk and soy milk, but still thinner than coconut milk. Again, try adding cornstarch for thickness and coconut oil for richness.

10. Silken tofu

Silken tofu when blended can work as a coconut milk substitute. Blend equal parts silken tofu and non-dairy milk or water to make a creamy liquid that works as a 1:1 substitute.

And that’s it! Let us know if you try any of these substitutes in the comments below.

A few coconut milk recipes

Here are a few of our favorite curry recipes, soups, and smoothies that feature coconut milk:

• Vegan Chickpea Curry
• Butternut Squash Curry
• Quick Coconut Lentil Curry
• Coconut Cauliflower Curry
• Creamy Coconut Curry Soup
• Curried Butternut Squash Soup
• Coconut Curry Easy Shakshuka
• Carrot Ginger Soup
• Coconut Milk Smoothie

Want to swap out the milk in baking because you ran out? Or need a non dairy milk to make the recipe vegan? There are lots of options that make a good milk substitute, including both dairy and non dairy options. As with any substitution, the right answer depends on what you’re making. Here’s the best milk alternatives for various different situations and dietary preferences.

Best substitute for milk

Note that how these options work depend on the type of cuisine and how the milk is used.

1. Milk substitutes in baking and recipes

Looking to substitute milk because you ran out? For technical baked goods like biscuits, cookies, or cake, you might just want to run to the store. But if you’re willing to risk it, consider one of these dairy based substitutes for milk:

• Yogurt: Yogurt is thicker than milk. Stir in a little water, then use it as a 1:1 substitute. To offset the tangy flavor of yogurt, you can add a touch of vanilla.
• Sour cream: Use the same notes as yogurt.
• Heavy cream: Cream has much more milk fat than milk. Use ½ cup cream and ½ cup water as a substitute for 1 cup milk.
• Half and half: Half and half has more fat than milk. Use ½ cup half and half and ½ cup water as a substitute for 1 cup milk.
• Oat milk or almond milk: These non-dairy milk alternatives work similarly to dairy milk in baking and recipes.
• Water: If the recipe calls for a small amount of milk like ¼ cup or less, water could work. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon melted butter per 1 cup water to add more fat, but do so at your own risk!

2. Non dairy substitutes for milk

There are lots of non-dairy substitutes for milk if you’re using it to replace the dairy version! Here are the best options:

• Oat milk: Easier to find than ever, oat milk has a nice creamy texture and neutral flavor. It works well in baking, smoothies, with cereal or granola, vegan ice cream, and even in lattes.
• Almond milk: Almond milk is very popular as a non-dairy milk. The texture is very thin and more like water; it doesn’t add the creamy body that milk would. It does work well in baking and recipes as a vegan alternative (though we prefer oat milk).
• Coconut milk: Coconut milk can work as a milk alternative, but keep in mind it has a strong coconut flavor and a high fat content. It’s good at adding creamy body and texture, but if you’re adding it to a recipe make sure the coconut flavor will pair well.
• Soy milk: Soy milk is another non-dairy option. It does have a strong aftertaste but works well in baked goods and some coffee drinks.

Related recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes featuring milk alternatives:

• Oat Milk Latte
• Oat Milk Smoothie
• Vegan Ice Cream (Dairy Free!)
• Almond Milk Smoothie
• Creamy Almond Milk Pasta
• Everyday Baked Oatmeal
• Vanilla Chai Latte
• Vegan Chocolate Pudding

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Oat Milk Latte

02

Vegan Ice Cream (Dairy Free!)

03

Almond Milk Smoothie

04

Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Making a recipe that calls for miso paste and don’t have it? Miso is a Japanese fermented soybean paste that’s full of nutrients and savory flavor. It’s known for its intense savory flavor, otherwise known as umami: the fifth flavor. It’s often used in Japanese-style dishes like miso ramen and miso salmon, but you can also use it as a substitute for cheesy flavor like in vegan pesto.

You can find miso in the international foods aisle near the Japanese ingredients. There are many different types of miso: and they all taste different! Yellow miso, white miso, red miso, dark or brown miso are all different varieties of this magic ingredient.

Important: Miso is such a unique ingredient, you should seek it out if at all possible! This is especially important if the word miso is in the recipe title, like Miso Glaze. But if you don’t have time to shop, here are a few substitutes! They just don’t come close to the real thing.

Best miso paste substitute

1. Soy sauce

The best miso substitute? Soy sauce. Soy sauce can stand in for the salty and savory flavor of miso in a pinch. But keep in mind: miso paste has a creamy texture and soy sauce is very thin, almost like water.

Use this ratio: Substitute ½ tablespoon soy sauce for 1 tablespoon miso paste.

2. Tamari (or coconut aminos)

 Tamari is a Japanese variety of soy sauce that’s made as the bi-product of making miso paste, so it’s a good substitute for miso. The biggest difference between soy sauce vs tamari is that tamari contains little to no wheat! You can also use coconut aminos, a common substitute for soy sauce made from the sap of the coconut palm that is both gluten-free and soy free. Both are slightly less salty than miso, so keep this in mind.

Use this ratio: Substitute ½ tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos (plus a pinch of salt) for 1 tablespoon miso paste.

3. Fish sauce

Another miso substitute? Fish sauce. Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish that’s used often in Southeast Asian cuisine like Thai food. It’s used to bring umami to recipes and has a funky, tangy, salty flavor that’s similar to miso paste. However, its flavor is much stronger than miso and its texture is liquid, not thick and creamy.

Important: Don’t make this substitution in baked goods like miso chocolate chip cookies.

Use this ratio: Substitute ½ teaspoon fish sauce for 1 tablespoon miso paste.

4. Worcestershire sauce

If you don’t have the above condiments, another miso substitute is Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce is a common condiment that adds savory and complex flavors to dishes from Caesar dressing to the classic Bloody Mary. It was invented in Britain in the mid-1800’s, and its flavor is tangy, salty, sweet, savory, and a little funky. It has much stronger onion and garlic notes than miso, and its texture is liquid, not thick and creamy.

Important: Don’t make this substitution in baked goods like miso chocolate chip cookies.

Use this ratio: Substitute ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for 1 tablespoon miso paste.

Related recipes

Here are some great miso recipes for using this magic paste:

• Miso Salmon
• Easy Miso Glaze
• Miso Ramen with Soft Boiled Egg
• Cauliflower Stir Fry
• Go-To Tofu Stir Fry
• Go-To Stir Fry Sauce
• Quick Soba Noodles
• Grilled Bok Choy
• Easy Vegan Pesto

Making a cocktail that calls for grenadine and don’t have it? Don’t worry, there are few options that work for this cocktail syrup! Grenadine is a bright red, sweet tart syrup used in cocktails. People mistakenly think it’s cherry, but it’s actually made out of pomegranate juice! (The name comes from the French word for pomegranate, grenade.) Grenadine is used in lots of popular drinks: famously in a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple and the vibrant Tequila Sunrise.

All out of grenadine, or can’t find it at the store? Here’s the best grenadine substitute.

Best grenadine substitute

1. Homemade grenadine

The best grenadine substitute? Make homemade grenadine syrup! You can make grenadine at home using fresh juice from pomegranate seeds. This results in a brilliant hot pink color that’s naturally made from scratch. How to do it? Scroll down to the recipe below.

2. Pomegranate juice + simple syrup

Another great grenadine substitute? Pomegranate juice and simple syrup. Mix together 2 parts simple syrup and 1 part pomegranate juice. It makes a sweet, bright red syrup that’s very similar to the real thing. Another option if you happen to have it or want to make it? Pomegranate molasses.

3. Raspberry syrup

Another grenadine substitute? Raspberry syrup. This cocktail syrup is bright red and beautifully sweet. You’ll also get the flavor of berries, but there’s no harm in that! You can buy raspberry syrup at a liquor store or make Homemade Raspberry Syrup using fresh or frozen raspberries and sugar.

4. Cranberry syrup

Don’t have raspberries? Another alternative to grenadine is cranberry syrup, another bright red, sweet tart homemade syrup. Make this Cranberry Simple Syrup recipe with fresh or frozen cranberries.

5. Maraschino juice (from cocktail cherry jar)

A final grenadine substitute to use in a pinch? Maraschino juice from a jar of cocktail cherries! It’s more mild in flavor than grenadine, but it works and brings in that signature color. See how it works in this Fresh Cherry Limeade.

Related recipes

Here are some grenadine recipes to try:

• Tequila Sunrise
• Shirley Temple
• Singapore Sling
• Clover Club
• Hurricane
• Zombie
• El Presidente
• Pineapple Vodka

Homemade Grenadine

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• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: ¾ cup

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Here’s how to make grenadine syrup, that brilliant red syrup for making cocktails! It’s all natural and easy to make using pomegranate juice.

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup fresh squeezed pomegranate juice (8 ounces pomegranate seeds or 2 medium pomegranates)*
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Make the pomegranate juice: If using whole pomegranates, remove the seeds (see instructions above). Place the pomegranate seeds in a cocktail shaker (or tall glass) and mash with a muddler or wooden spoon until all the juices have been released. Then pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup.
2. Add the pomegranate juice and sugar to a small saucepan heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. 
3. Cool and stir in the lemon juice. Pour into a sealed container and refrigerate up to three weeks. For a longer storage time, add 1 tablespoon vodka or brandy to fortify the syrup.

Notes

*You can also use bottled pomegranate juice, but the color won’t be as vibrant. 

• Category: Essentials
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cocktails
• Diet: Vegan

Worcestershire sauce is a common condiment that adds savory and complex flavors to dishes from Caesar dressing to chili to the classic Bloody Mary. Worcestershire sauce was invented in Britain in the mid-1800’s. Its flavor is tangy, salty, sweet, savory, and a little funky all at once! It includes cured anchovies, so Worcestershire sauce is not vegetarian or vegan.

Looking for a Worcestershire sauce substitute in a recipe? Here’s a genius hack that uses ingredients you likely have on hand in your pantry! It tastes very similar to the real thing, and it takes 1 minute to put together. It also works as a vegan Worcestershire sauce! There are also a few more ideas as a Worcestershire sauce alternative.

How to say Worcestershire sauce? Say it like “wusster-shir sauce.”

Best Worcestershire sauce substitutes

1. Soy sauce, ketchup and white wine vinegar

The best Worcestershire sauce substitute? A combination of soy sauce, ketchup, and white wine vinegar! This combination is a mix of pantry ingredients that tastes oddly similar to the real thing. Here’s what you need for a small batch (multiply as needed):

• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)

You’ll find this mix of ingredients brings in just the right elements: tangy, salty, savory, and a little sweet. If you have it, hot sauce adds a bit of the spice that Worcestershire sauce brings from chili extract. You could even add a dash of fish sauce, but it’s not needed. Use tamari (gluten free) or coconut aminos (gluten free and soy free) as soy sauce substitutes.

2. Soy sauce or vinegar

Don’t have all of the ingredients above? The overriding flavors in Worcestershire sauce are salty and tangy. If you don’t want to make the recipe above, you could use soy sauce, vinegar, or a mix of the two. You could also use miso in combination with either of the two. But the recipe above is really the best fit!

• For 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, use ½ teaspoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon rice vinegar.
• If you have it, stir in ½ teaspoon miso paste until it dissolves.

3. Fish sauce

Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish that’s used often in Southeast Asian cuisine, like the food of Thai, Cambodian, Laotian, Burma, and Vietnam. It’s got a funky, tangy and salty flavor that works as a 1:1 replacement for Worcestershire sauce. However, Worcestershire sauce tastes sweeter and has more notes of onion and garlic, so you could add a hint of sugar and onion or garlic powder if desired.

4. A1 sauce

A1 sauce is a condiment that’s typically used as a steak sauce. It’s a great Worcestershire sauce alterative if you have it on hand since the flavor profiles are very similar, though A1 sauce is thicker in texture. It’s made with tomato puree, raisin paste, vinegar, orange puree, garlic and onions.

Worcestershire Sauce Substitute (Genius Hack!)

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5 from 17 reviews

• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 1 minute
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 minute
• Yield: 2 ½ tablespoons

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Description

It tastes just like the real thing! This genius hack makes the best Worcestershire sauce substitute with pantry ingredients you have on hand.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or ½ tablespoon white vinegar)
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
• 1 small dash hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. 

• Category: Essentials
• Method: Mixed
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Related recipes

Here are some recipes where you could use this Worcestershire sauce substitute:

• Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
• Ultimate Vegan Chili
• Vegan Sloppy Joes
• Vegetarian Gumbo
• Kale Caesar Salad
• Classic Bloody Mary
• Bloody Maria
• Red Snapper Cocktail
• Spicy Bloody Mary
• Virgin Bloody Mary
• Michelada

Making a recipe that calls for allspice and don’t have it? Don’t worry, there are few options that are perfectly suited as a substitution. Allspice might sound like it’s a mix of spices, a blend like pumpkin spice or chai spices. But it’s actually a berry!

The allspice berry is berry that grows on evergreen trees in Jamaica, Mexico and other tropical climates. Its flavor tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Allspice is an important ingredient in Caribbean cuisine and is used in Jamaican jerk seasoning, among others.

Best substitute for allspice

1. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The best substitute for allspice? You can actually make a mixture of spices that tastes very close to allspice. Substitute the following for every 1 teaspoon allspice:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves

If you don’t have one or the other, use ¾ teaspoon cinnamon plus ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, or ¾ teaspoon cinnamon plus ¼ teaspoon cloves.

2. Cinnamon

Don’t have nutmeg or cloves? No problem. The next best substitute for allspice is cinnamon by itself. It doesn’t have nearly the complexity of allspice, but it can work.

3. Mace

Mace makes a great substitute for allspice. Mace is the outer layer of the seed of nutmeg; it tastes a bit like nutmeg, but also has warm and spicy notes like cinnamon with a hint of black pepper. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for allspice.

4. Pumpkin Pie Spice

If you have it on hand, pumpkin pie spice also works as an allspice substitute. It often even contains allspice itself! Use it as a 1:1 substitute for allspice.

What about whole allspice?

If your recipe calls for whole allspice, you may use ground allspice if you have it on hand. Whether it’s a good idea depends on the recipe!

A rule of thumb is to use ½ teaspoon ground allspice to replace 6 whole allspice berries.

Related recipes

Here are some recipes where you could use this substitute for allspice:

• Hot Buttered Rum
• Mulled Cider
• Banana Baked Oatmeal
• Baked Apple Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
• Best Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Seafood Seasoning

Best Allspice Substitute

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• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Yield: 1 teaspoon

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Description

Don’t have allspice, or realized you’re all out while you’re making a recipe? Here’s the best substitute for allspice in baking.

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Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves

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Instructions

1. Mix together the ingredients. Store in a clean jar or container in a cool dry place for up to 1 year.

• Category: Essentials
• Method: Mixed
• Cuisine: N/A
• Diet: Vegan

Got a recipe that calls for cooking with wine, but don’t want to open a bottle? Or want to avoid alcohol all together? Don’t worry: we’ve got red and white wine substitute ideas! Italian and French style recipes often call for white wine in the ingredient list. It’s used to de-glaze the pan or add a complex, acidic flavor to dishes. It adds incredible complexity to risotto or pan sauces!

Best substitutes for white wine in cooking

1. Vegetable or chicken broth.

A good white wine substitute? You can use broth as a white wine substitute in cooking! It won’t bring the acidity or complexity that wine does, but it will add a little extra flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine vinegar or a hint of lemon to add a hint of acidity, but don’t overdo it.

2. Water.

If you’re really in a pinch, you can just use water as a white wine substitute! It won’t stand in for the acidity of white wine, but will keep the liquid ratios the same as the original recipe intended.

Why to avoid cooking wine

One note: do not use cooking wine! It has a bitter flavor and should be avoided at all costs. Any dry white or red wine you’d drink will do! Or, use one of the non-alcoholic substitutes above.

Related recipes

Here are a few recipes where white wine is used to bring complexity in flavor:

• Easy Mushroom Risotto
• Classic Risotto
• Gluten Free Quiche

01

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

02

Classic Risotto

03

Gluten Free Quiche with Almond Crust

Making a recipe that calls for Sriracha hot sauce and don’t have it? Or shopping at the store and the shelf is empty? Don’t worry, there are a few other hot sauce options that are suited for the task. Sriracha is a hot sauce that originated from Thailand made of chile peppers, vinegar, garlic and sugar (read more about its origins here). It became very popular in the US in the 2010s, often used in Thai or Japanese-style dishes, used to top fried rice, or mixed into spicy mayo.

Don’t have it on hand, or the grocery store is all out? Here are the best hot sauces to use as a Sriracha substitute.

1. Chili garlic sauce

The best Sriracha substitute? Garlic chili sauce. You might see this condiment on the table at Thai or Japanese restaurants. It’s similar to Sriracha but with a thicker and chunkier texture, made with chilies and lots of garlic. It tastes a little brighter than Sriracha and has more nuance. It lasts for months and is absolutely worth adding to your fridge!

2. Sambal oelek

Another great Sriracha substitute? Sambal oelek. Sambal oelek is an Indonesian chili sauce made of chili peppers, garlic, ginger and lime. In fact, it shares many of the same ingredients as Sriracha! However, it has a chunky texture and little to no sugar.

What about heat level? Sambal oelek is relatively as spicy as Sriracha, but because it has less sugar it may taste slightly spicier. Both rank around 2,000 Scoville units (a measure of spiciness).

3. Gochugjang

A final Sriracha substitute? Gochugjang. Gochugjang is a spicy Korean fermented condiment, made with chili powder, rice and fermented soy beans. It has a developed, nuanced flavor and is popularly used in the Korean rice dish, bibimbap. Gochugjang can vary in heat level, so use it to taste.

Related recipes

Here are some recipes where you could use this Sriracha substitute:

• Spicy Mayo
• Sriracha Aioli
• Spicy Edamame
• Three Onion Homemade Fried Rice
• Spicy Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli Stir Fry
• Coconut Bacon
• Peanut Noodles