Turmeric is hard to replace, but there are a few options if you don’t have this spice on hand! Here’s the best turmeric substitute to use when you’re all out.
Making a recipe that calls for turmeric and don’t have it? Turmeric is a root used in cooking: it’s part of the ginger family. It is most often used dried and ground into a yellow powder, which has an earthy, almost mustard-like flavor.
Turmeric is also often used for color in recipes: in fact, it’s gives yellow mustard its bright yellow color! It can be hard to replace, so if at all possible, go to the store and buy some. But if you’re not able to run to the store, here are some turmeric substitute ideas.
Best Turmeric Substitute
Note that how these options work depend on how the turmeric is used in the recipe.
1. Saffron (for color)
A good turmeric substitute for color? Saffron! Saffron may be the world’s most expensive spice, but it’s pretty easy to find at your local grocery. Does the recipe use turmeric for color, like in yellow rice or a tofu scramble? If so, you can use saffron. Saffron has a unique fragrant flavor, but it’s fairly subtle and not unlike turmeric. How much saffron to use? Saffron is usually measured in pinches. Use 1 large pinch saffron to stand in for every 1 teaspoon turmeric.
2. Ground ginger
Another turmeric substitute? It’s not an exact flavor comp, but you could try using half the quantity of ground ginger to replace for the turmeric flavor. Since turmeric is a member of the ginger family, the flavor is related. This works well in cases where turmeric is used in something like Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentils) or Moroccan Stew with Chickpeas.
3. Dry mustard
Another option as a turmeric substitute? Dry mustard or mustard powder. Dry mustard mimics the mustard-like flavor of turmeric and also add a little color. It could work in soups like Golden Vegetable Soup or Cauliflower Soup with Moroccan Spices.
4. Curry powder
In a pinch, you can try curry powder: curry powder actually contains turmeric, so it has some of the color and a similar flavor: but keep in mind, it has a very distinctive flavor. I’d use it only in curries and stews, using slightly less than the recipe calls for.
5. Annatto (achiote) powder
I have not personally used it, but if you have it on hand, my research shows that it works when you need turmeric for color only. For example, you could use it in turmeric rice or a tofu scramble.
Related Recipes
Here are some of my favorite recipes featuring turmeric:
