substitutes

Ground sumac, lemon wedges, lemon zest, zaatar, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and vinegar in small bowls

Sumac Substitute

May 6, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best sumac substitute is usually lemon zest plus a little lemon juice. Zaatar, lemon pepper, vinegar, tamarind, and paprika can work in specific dishes.

Cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, and cloves arranged in small bowls

Cinnamon Substitute

May 1, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best cinnamon substitute depends on the recipe. Pumpkin pie spice, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves can all work in different amounts.

Pancakes with syrup, honey, brown sugar, and a syrup bottle

Substitute for Maple Syrup

April 11, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best substitute for maple syrup depends on the recipe. Honey or pancake syrup works for topping, while baking may need liquid adjustments.

Whole cloves with bowls of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and warm spice blends on a wooden board

Cloves Substitute

March 30, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best cloves substitute is usually allspice for a single spice swap. Cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice can also work by recipe.

A bottle of sesame oil beside a bowl of sesame seeds on a wooden kitchen surface

Best Substitutes for Sesame Oil

March 24, 2026June 14, 2026tingLeave a Comment

The best sesame oil substitute depends on the recipe. Use a neutral oil for cooking fat, toasted seeds for sesame aroma, or peanut or walnut oil when a nutty finish fits.

Small glass carafes of amber and pale cooking liquids with lemon, onion, and dressing ingredients on a kitchen counter

Substitute for Shaoxing Wine

March 21, 2026June 14, 2026ting

Dry sherry is usually the closest easy substitute for Shaoxing wine in savory cooking. Sake, mirin, rice wine, or broth based swaps can also work by recipe.

Celery stalks, fennel, onion, carrot, and bell pepper arranged on a cutting board

Celery Substitute

March 14, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best celery substitute depends on the job. Use fennel, carrots, onion, or bell pepper for cooked flavor bases; cucumber, jicama, or water chestnuts for crunch; celery seed for celery flavor.

Jars of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, dry mustard powder, and a measuring spoon

The best mustard substitute depends on whether the recipe needs tang, heat, seeds, powder, or emulsifying help. Dijon, yellow mustard, mustard seed, vinegar, horseradish, or dry mustard can work in different places.

Lemons, lemon zest, and a small extract bottle on a kitchen surface

Lemon Extract Substitute

January 14, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best lemon extract substitute is lemon zest when you need lemon aroma. Lemon juice can work only when extra acidity and liquid fit the recipe.

Fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, chives, and dried parsley arranged in bowls on a cutting board

Parsley Substitute

December 11, 2025June 13, 2026ting

The best parsley substitute depends on the dish. Use chives, chervil, celery leaves, basil, dill, cilantro, or dried parsley depending on the flavor you need.