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The 5 Best Substitutes for Ginger Garlic Paste

Ginger garlic paste is common in Indian cooking.

It can be made from scratch, but the combination of ginger and garlic is also available as a paste that will save time.

The taste of ginger garlic paste falls into a category described as savory, spicy, and aromatic.

This flavor profile gives it a unique place among other cooking ingredients.

Although making ginger garlic paste from scratch is time-consuming, it will prove better than the store-bought version.

Homemade ginger garlic paste is on the more intense side of the flavor profile, making it perfect for curries or fiery chicken dishes.

If you do not have ginger garlic paste on hand or cannot find it, here are some substitutes for this delicious mixture.

What is Ginger Garlic Paste?

what is ginger garlic paste

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

Used.

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.

While none of them will provide the exact flavor of ginger garlic paste, each one certainly brings its benefits and flavors to the dish.

1 – Minced Ginger & Garlic

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

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

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

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.

Yield: 4 Servings

The 5 Best Substitutes for Ginger Garlic Paste

The 5 Best Substitutes for Ginger Garlic Paste
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Minced Ginger & Garlic
  • Ground Ginger And Garlic Blend
  • Pickled Ginger And Pickled Garlic Slices
  • Ginger Powder

Instructions

  1. Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  2. Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
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