Culinary Enhance: 5 BEST Substitutes for Ginger Garlic Paste

Ready to shake things up in the kitchen? Ginger garlic paste is a game-changer, sure, but sometimes you hit the bottom of the jar.

Or maybe, just maybe, you’re looking for that twist in flavor without running to the store.

We’ve all been there—mid-recipe, craving the zest and depth it adds, yet the jar is nowhere in sight.

No sweat! We’re here to spill the beans on five rockstar substitutes that’ll keep your dishes singing.

Think of this as your go-to guide for keeping things spicy, minus the panic. Excited? You should be!

Because we’re about to unveil some kitchen magic that keeps your cooking bold and brilliant, even when ginger garlic paste plays hard to get.

What is Ginger Garlic Paste?

Ginger garlic paste is a delicious blend of finely cut ginger and minced garlic.

It is a popular Indian condiment that can add the perfect spice and flavor to any dish.

The paste can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and meat dishes—the ginger and garlic work to enhance the other flavors in the dish without overpowering them.

If you are looking for the authentic taste of Indian cooking, then ginger garlic paste may be just what you need.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Ginger Garlic Paste

That being said, Ginger Garlic Paste is not for everyone.

If you want to make a quick substitution in your recipe, look no further than these four options.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for ginger garlic paste, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Minced Ginger & Garlic	Using freshly minced ginger and garlic provides a strong and pungent flavor similar to ginger garlic paste.	Use an equal amount of minced ginger and minced garlic in a 1:1 ratio.
Ground Ginger And Garlic Blend	A convenient substitute made by combining ground ginger and garlic powder. It offers a concentrated flavor.	Use a ratio of 2 parts ground ginger to 1 part garlic powder.
Pickled Ginger And Pickled Garlic Slices	Pickled ginger and pickled garlic slices provide a tangy and slightly sour flavor as substitutes for the paste.	Use an equal amount of pickled ginger and pickled garlic in a 1:1 ratio.
Ginger Powder	Ginger powder is made from dried and ground ginger root, offering a more concentrated flavor compared to fresh.	Use 1 teaspoon of ginger powder for every 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste.

Now let’s discuss each substitute in more detail:

1 – Minced Ginger & Garlic

Believe it or not, minced ginger and garlic are among the best alternatives to ginger garlic paste.

While this substitution lacks the flavor, it certainly provides a quick taste.

To make this simple substitution, you need only peel the desired amount of garlic cloves and then grate them on a Microplane grater (a cheese grater that creates fine and thin strands).

You should then grate the desired amount of fresh ginger.

One thing to note is that you need to let the garlic sit for at least five minutes before using it.

This allows allicin (the chemical responsible for giving garlic its smell) to develop properly.

This substitution can be used in any recipe – but it may be most helpful when adding ginger to stir-fries.

2 – Ground Ginger And Garlic Blend

Secondly, it is possible to use ground ginger and garlic blend.

This blend can be found in most grocery stores and spice racks.

While this may not provide the same flavor as Ginger Garlic Paste, it does offer many benefits.

This option tends to last longer for starters because of its long shelf life.

The ground ginger and garlic blend are much more versatile in terms of consistency.

It can be added to salads, sauces, soups, and stews – just like Ginger Garlic Paste.

3 – Pickled Ginger And Pickled Garlic Slices

Pickled ginger and pickled garlic slices can also substitute for ginger garlic paste.

To use pickled ginger, peel the desired amount of garlic cloves and grate them on a Microplane grater (a cheese grater that creates fine and thin strands).

Then slice your desired amount of pickled ginger root.

It’s crucial to note that these two substitutions may not be as strong as Ginger Garlic Paste – so you may have to use more of it.

However, both pickled ginger and garlic slices are much easier to find than the paste.

They can be found in most grocery stores across the world.

4 – Ginger Powder

Ginger powder can also be used in place of ginger garlic paste.

To make this substitution, mix the desired amount of grated garlic with ground ginger.

To use it, add one tablespoon (or more if necessary) to your dish and stir it in well.

This option has a much more intense flavor than the minced ginger and garlic option.

Conclusion

If you are looking to substitute for Ginger Garlic Paste, these four options will provide you with plenty of flavors.

While none of them offer the exact flavor as the paste would, each one brings its benefits and flavors to your dish.

So don’t worry if you can’t find ginger garlic paste – it may not be a vital ingredient in your recipe after all.