The Best Substitutes For Fresh Ginger And Their Uses
Ginger is an ingredient that is crucial to various types of cuisines. Whether it be an Indian curry or a Chinese stir fry, there are certain dishes that rely on ginger to achieve their signature flavor. However, we don’t always have fresh ginger on hand.
Then how can we substitute fresh ginger? There are a number of substitutes for fresh ginger, the best being ground ginger. However, ginger paste, pickled ginger, minced ginger, and candied or crystallized ginger products work well for various uses.
We’ll recommend specific products and give tips on what dishes they should be used in. Additionally, we’ll touch on some of the most common questions that people have when it comes to finding a substitute for fresh ginger.
The 6 Best Substitutes for Fresh Ginger
Here are the best fresh ginger substitutes along with some recommended products that you can purchase online.
| Rank | Substitute For Fresh Ginger | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ground Ginger | Simply Organic Ground Ginger Root |
| 2. | Ginger Paste | Spice World Squeeze Ginger |
| 3. | Minced Ginger | The Ginger People Organic Minced Ginger |
| 4. | Grated Ginger | The Ginger People Organic Grated Ginger |
| 5. | Pickled Ginger | The Ginger People Organic Pickled Sushi Ginger |
| 6. | Crystallized Ginger | D'Allesandro Crystallized Ginger |
1. Ground Ginger – The Best Substitute for Fresh Ginger
For many recipes, ground ginger is a perfect substitute for fresh ginger.
When seasoning a curry or adding to baked goods, ground ginger perfectly incorporates into any sauce or batter, in some cases even better than fresh ginger would.
We’ve rounded up 3 of the best ground ginger options.
Simply Organic Ground Ginger Root
Simply Organic provides a ground ginger root that is free of additives or chemicals, making it an all-natural substitution for fresh ginger.
It comes from an organic dried ginger root that is harvested in Peru and offers a potent, spicy flavor.
If you could only have one substitute for fresh ginger in your kitchen, this would be the one.
Naturvibe Botanicals Organic Ginger Root Powder
This organic ginger root powder is another all-natural option for a fresh ginger replacement.
One of its best characteristics is that it is a bit milder, so if you don’t like very strong and spicy ginger, Naturevibe Botanicals product is ideal for you.
Healthworks Ginger Powder
Healthworks offers a natural, organic ginger powder that is dried at a low temperature and free of sulfates.
This fine powder is ideal for baking or curries as it will fully dissolve with ease.
It is also a great, inflammation-fighting addition to a fresh smoothie!
2. Ginger Paste
Sometimes ground ginger just won’t cut it. That’s when ginger paste comes into play.
If you have to first saute ginger to incorporate into a sauce, such as when making a stir fry, a ginger paste is your best option for a fresh ginger replacement.
It’s an easy, flavorful substitute for fresh ginger, and once you get used to its convenience, you may never go back to fresh ginger again.
Spice World Squeeze Ginger
Squeeze ginger paste is perhaps the most convenient replacement for fresh ginger on the market.
Simply squeeze it into your wok to make a stir fry or combine with other ingredients to create a delicious marinade.
Though this ginger paste does contain additives, it lasts a long time and is extremely easy to use.
KTC Minced Ginger Paste
This ginger paste, which comes in a jar, is a minced paste, meaning that it will have larger particles than a squeeze paste.
However, its concentrated flavor means that you only have to use a little at a time, prolonging its use.
This minced ginger paste can be used in practically any situation in which you need to replace fresh ginger.
3. Minced Ginger
Minced ginger is very similar to ginger paste in terms of how you can use it, but it will have a different texture and, in many cases, taste.
Certain minced gingers may be diluted, meaning that they won’t have as strong of a taste like a ginger paste.
At any rate, minced ginger is a great substitute for fresh ginger when making a stir fry or a marinade.
The Ginger People Organic Minced Ginger
This organic minced ginger is very similar to a ginger paste, though it is a bit more diluted.
Therefore, you may have to increase the amount that you use in order to achieve as strong of a taste as you would with fresh ginger.
Additionally, it contains sugar, so it will to some extent sweeten any dish you add it to.
Nevertheless, it’s a great option for marinating seafood, making coleslaw, or adding to any stir fry.
Lee Kum Kee Minced Ginger
This minced ginger really stays true to the flavor of fresh ginger.
If you avoid fresh ginger because you won’t be able to use all of it before it goes bad, this is a great option for you, as it lasts a long time and can easily replace fresh ginger in a variety of recipes, even baked goods!
It contains no chemical additives, so it is a healthy, natural replacement for fresh ginger.
4. Grated Ginger
Grated ginger is very similar to minced ginger, with only a slight variation in the shape and texture.
Like minced ginger, it often has sugar and vinegar added to help preserve it, so keep that in mind when buying, as it may not have the purest ginger flavor.
The Ginger People Organic Grated Ginger
Much like their minced ginger, The Ginger People makes similar grated ginger that is a great substitute for when you don’t have fresh ginger on hand.
Though it does have sugar and vinegar added, it has a delicious, sweet flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes.
5. Pickled Ginger
Pickled ginger differs from the other fresh ginger substitutes listed above because it is specifically used for sushi.
Though you can make pickled ginger at home using fresh ginger, purchasing pickled ginger is an easy addition to any at-home sushi night.
The Ginger People Organic Pickled Sushi Ginger
The Ginger People, aside from their other quality products listed above, provides a delicious, high-quality pickled ginger that is perfect for any sushi meal.
It has no processed additives, so it’s an organic product that offers a very natural taste.
Best of Thailand Pickled Sushi Ginger
Best of Thailand pickled sushi ginger is very similar to the ginger that you would receive with your sushi order.
However, keep in mind that it contains aspartame, an artificial sweetener, so it’s not the most natural product on the market.
6. Crystallized/Candied Ginger
Though crystallized ginger (sometimes referred to as candied ginger) is very distinct from fresh ginger, it has certain uses in which it is a key element of a dish.
It is often much sweeter than other ginger options, so it is especially popular in baked goods and can even be enjoyed alone as a healthy snack!
Crystallized ginger is coated in sugar, so it is especially appropriate for incorporating into cookies and cakes.
Additionally, it is the best way to consume ginger on its own, given that it is not quite as strong as other forms of ginger, though it still packs quite a bit of a kick.
D’Allesandro Crystallized Ginger
This sliced ginger may be crystallized with sugar, but it sure bites!
The unique combination of sweet and spicy can be enjoyed alone and is the perfect addition to gingerbread and a variety of cakes and cookies.
D’Allesandro crystallized ginger comes in slices, which something that many people value when choosing crystallized ginger.
The slices are ideal for certain types of baked goods.
Badia Organic Crystallized Ginger
In contrast to the two crystallized gingers listed above, Badia ginger comes in cube form.
These small pieces are perfect for slipping into cookie dough or eating alone, especially if you’re looking for inflammation or indigestion relief.
Related Questions
What are the health benefits of ginger?
The health benefits of ginger are wide-ranging, and it can greatly increase your physical wellbeing if you eat it on a regular basis.
Ginger is perhaps most well-known for its ability to combat nausea, which is especially helpful for expecting mothers experiencing morning sickness.
Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects that can help with a number of conditions, such as muscle soreness and arthritis.
On top of this, certain studies have even shown that it can aid in preventing heart disease and cancer.
Does powdered ginger have health benefits?
Though powdered ginger doesn’t present as many benefits as fresh ginger, it is still very healthy.
It loses some of its nutritional properties in the drying process, so while fresh ginger is the best option if you are consuming ginger for its health benefits, powdered ginger is still a good substitution.
How much dry ginger is equal to fresh ginger?
Dry ginger is significantly more concentrated than fresh ginger, so you’ll have to use much less powdered ginger when using it in a recipe that calls for fresh ginger.
In most cases, you’ll want to use ¼ the amount of ginger that the recipe requires when using powdered ginger. That means using ¼ teaspoon of powdered ginger when a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger.
Up Next: How To Use Fresh Ginger
