16 Best Minced Ginger Substitutes You Can Use In Any Dish

There are few spices as versatile as ginger. This incredible spice is used in making a wide array of dishes, from savory to sweet. That is why minced ginger is often a key ingredient in most recipes.

However, it isn’t always available on hand. So what to do in those situations? Use a substitute, of course. The great news is that are are many great replacements for minced ginger. Read ahead to find out the best ones.

What Is Minced Ginger?

Ginger is a spice that comes from the Zingiber Officinale flowering plant. This spice originated in Asia, where it was used for its medicinal properties for many years.

However, it has gone on to become one of the most popular spices used in many cuisines all around the world.

Although ginger has become a popular cooking ingredient, it is still well known for its health benefits.

It is packed full of antioxidants and is known to help reduce nausea, indigestion, and inflammation and boost the immune system.

In terms of flavors, ginger has a spicy aroma with a sweet and slightly peppery taste, and it often imparts that rich taste into all kinds of food.

Though the original form is the ginger root, these days, you’ll find ginger in many different varieties ranging from dry to ground and even pickled. 

One of such forms of ginger is minced ginger.

It is essentially ginger that has been chopped into the smallest size possible without completely pureeing it into a paste. Using minced ginger in dishes ensures the flavor is distributed more evenly.

It is used in making soups, marinades, teas, curries, teas, and many baked desserts. It is also a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, like stir-fry.

Quick Table: Minced Ginger Substitutes

1. Freshly Grated Ginger

When you don’t have minced ginger on hand, there’s no better replacement for it than freshly grated ginger. It may take a little bit of time, but you’ll end up with a product very similar to your store-bought minced ginger. 

All you’ll need is fresh ginger and a grater, so it is the ideal option for those who already have fresh ginger. You can also easily find it in the produce section of the grocery store. 

Once grated, fresh ginger has the same texture as minced ginger, and it imparts the same flavor when you add it to your dish. You can use grated ginger in stir-fries, creamy soups, marinades, dressings, sauces, and even desserts.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing minced ginger with freshly grated ginger.

To help you with grating fresh ginger the right way, here is a detailed video on the steps involved.

2. Ginger Paste

Ginger paste is ginger that has been smoothly blended with either water or oil to form a paste.

It is often sold at the grocery store,s but you can make this paste on your own if you’re looking for a quicker alternative to mincing ginger from scratch.  

Ginger paste is a great replacement for minced ginger as the two have a similar consistency and identical flavor profiles.

Ginger paste will impart the same spicy taste and strong aroma of minced ginger into any dish you add it to. 

It is also very versatile, so you can use it for just about any dish.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting minced ginger with ginger paste.

If you’d like to make fresh ginger paste on your own, here is a video to put you through the steps.

3. Turmeric

Tumeric is a root spice in the same family as ginger. It is a common staple in Indian cuisines and is often used along with ginger.

It has an earthy and slightly peppery flavor that mimics the taste of ginger really well. 

Unlike the other substitutes on this list, turmeric might make one of the biggest changes to your dish in terms of appearance, as it often adds a slight orange hue to dishes. 

So it is best to use turmeric only when making soups, curries, and delicious sauces where you won’t notice the color tint.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing minced ginger with turmeric.

4. Crystallized Ginger

Crystallized ginger is a form of ginger that has been cooked in a sugary syrup until it becomes tender and fully coated with sugar.

It is a great minced ginger substitute for baked desserts as its sweet taste enhances the flavor of most desserts.

However, it can also be added to sauces that require a bit of sweetness.

Crystallized ginger has a  less intense aroma and flavor when compared to minced ginger, so you may need to use a bit more in order to replicate the same pungent flavor.

How To Substitute

Use two tablespoons of crystallized ginger for each tablespoon of minced ginger required.

5. Galangal

Galangal is another root spice that is closely related to ginger and turmeric. It is commonly used for its medicinal properties in ayurvedic medicine, but it also makes a great addition to many dishes. 

Galangal doesn’t exactly replicate the taste of minced ginger due to its more citrusy flavor profile, but it imparts its own rich flavor that works well in any dish that calls for minced ginger.

You can use galangal in dishes like soups, stir-fries,  soups, and even desserts.

How To Substitute

Use half a teaspoon of galangal for each tablespoon of minced ginger required.

6. Allspice

Allspice is a great spice substitute for ginger. It comes from dried berries of the pimento dioica plant and is a very versatile spice used in sweet and savory dishes. 

As its name suggests, allspice has a unique flavor profile that tastes like a combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. So, it is a great substitute to add to any dish that calls for minced ginger.

How To Substitute

Use half a teaspoon of allspice for each tablespoon of minced ginger required.

7. Mace

Mace is a spice that comes from the same tree as nutmeg, making the nutmeg tree a unique plant that gives us two different spices.

Though less intense in comparison to nutmeg, mace has a similar flavor profile to nutmeg with sweet and spicy notes.  

Mace is a fantastic replacement for minced ginger. It works well for sweet baked desserts but also makes a great addition to savory dishes.

You can find mace in its grounded form or the whole mace blades, which are more expensive.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting minced ginger with mace.

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great substitute for minced ginger. It has a sweet and earthy flavor with an interesting spicy kick that works well in dishes that call for ginger. 

Using cinnamon may not give you the same pungent aroma of ginger, but it will impart its own sweet and spicy aroma that is sure to enhance the flavor profile of any dish. 

Cinnamon works best when used in baking, but you can also add it to a wide range of soups, sauces, and marinades.

How To Substitute

When substituting, use one teaspoon of cinnamon for each tablespoon of minced ginge required.

9. Pickled Ginger

Pickled ginger is a common condiment in Japanese cuisines, also known as gari. It is ginger that has been pickled in sweet vinegar, and it is often served with sushi. It has a sweet and spicy taste with a slight touch of sourness.

It is a great replacement for minced ginger in savory dishes as it mimics the flavor profile well.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing minced ginger with pickled ginger.

10. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another great spice that works well with any dish that calls for minced ginger. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a warm aroma that works well with both savory and sweet dishes.

Using nutmeg in place of minced will impart a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile. Since it is so versatile, you can use nutmeg in anything from soups and pasta to sweet desserts and pastries.

How To Substitute

Start with ¼ of a teaspoon of nutmeg for each tablespoon of minced ginger. Then you can add more if you feel the flavor is not strong enough. However, you’ll need to be careful not to use too much nutmeg when cooking for a big crowd, as not everyone likes the taste.

11. Ginseng

Ginseng is another lovely substitute you can use in place of minced ginger. It is a popular root commonly used for its medicinal purposes, but it is fantastic for cooking as well.

Ginseng has a fairly similar flavor profile to ginger. However, it has a slight hint of bitterness, so you’ll need to make sure to use it with caution.

How To Substitute

Use a 1: 2 ratio when replacing minced ginger with ginseng.

12. Frozen Ginger

One of the easiest replacements for minced ginger is frozen ginger. However, you’ll need to have stored up your fresh ginger in the freezer beforehand.

So, whenever you have fresh ginger, simply place it in the freezer for future use. That way, when you need a substitute for minced ginger, you can take out the frozen ginger, peel and grate it to fine sizes.

You’ll get the same exact taste and appearance.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing frozen ginger with minced ginger.

13. Ginger Powder

Ground ginger is a great substitute to use when you don’t have access to any of the other options listed above. It is a form of ginger that is made from dried ginger root blended into a powder.  

Ground ginger often doesn’t exactly replicate the taste of minced ginger since it is milder and not as fresh.

However, using ground ginger will still impart a similar flavor profile to your dish. It may just be warmer and less pungent.

 You can add ground ginger to soups, sauces, and other savory dishes, but it works best when used in baking.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting minced ginger with ground ginger.

14. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant with a light, citrusy, and grassy scent. It is commonly used in many dishes and for its medicinal properties. In addition, the herb is used in various drinks, including teas, juices, and cocktails.

It is one of the world’s most widely used and popular herbs. It is also one of the most commonly used and popular spices. It is an herb that is widely used for cooking a variety of dishes. It is also used in aromatherapy and many other products.

It has a slightly sweet, grassy flavor and is commonly used to flavor curries, rice, and soups. The leaves can also be dried and used as tea or in teas.

How To Substitute

To substitute minced ginger with lemongrass, finely chop 1 to 2 lemongrass stalks and add it to a pan with two tablespoons of water.

15. Pumpkin Pie Spice

The pie is filled with a delicious mix of spices and a few secret ingredients, which include pumpkin pie spice.  

Pumpkin Pie Spice is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s often used in pies and other desserts but can also be added to meats, vegetables, and beverages.

This pumpkin pie spice mix is perfect for baking and cooking, but it can also be used in other applications. It is a great way to try out new spices and combinations.

How To Substitute

Some people don’t enjoy the taste of ginger root so they might be interested in a recipe for ginger pumpkin pie spice. To substitute the ginger in this recipe, you can use 1/2 cup of minced pumpkin. It will give you the same taste as ginger. You can also use ginger powder.

16. Ginger Juice

Ginger Juice is an orange juice with a ginger taste that anyone can enjoy. It is a natural remedy that helps relieve muscle soreness, nausea, and stomach cramps. Ginger Juice can be enjoyed by anyone and is made in small batches in the United States. 

It is a drink made from ginger, lemon, and honey. It has a spicy, lemony taste. The exotic, spicy drink is best served over ice and is perfect for summertime. It can be enjoyed as an iced drink or a hot drink. It is also popular in cooking and baking.

How To Substitute

Ginger Juice is a mixture of finely chopped ginger, water, and sugar. It can be substituted for minced ginger in many recipes. It is made by soaking the ginger in hot water and sugar for about 15 minutes, then squeezing it through a fine mesh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Replace Minced Ginger With Ground Ginger? 

You can replace minced ginger with ground ginger since it is essentially fresh ginger that has been dried and ground, so it’ll add a similar flavor to your dish.

However, ground ginger may not exactly replicate the flavor of minced ginger since it is much milder in taste.

What Is The Difference Between Minced Ginger And Ground Ginger?

Minced ginger is ginger that has been chopped into very small sizes until it looks almost like a paste, while ground ginger is a form of ginger made from blended dry ginger root.

Can You Mince Ginger In A Blender?

You can mince ginger in a blender if you are pressed for time. However, you’ll need to be careful not to blend it for too long to avoid turning it into a smooth paste. 

You’ll also typically need to blend it with some water since most blenders require some liquid to keep the motor from stalling in between blending.

So it is best to use this method only if you are making a dish with a fairly liquid consistency.

How Long Does Minced Ginger Last In The Fridge?

Minced ginger typically lasts about two weeks in the fridge. However, you can usually still use it even after that two weeks. It may just be much dryer and not have the same flavor quality as fresh minced ginger.

Can You Buy Minced Ginger At The Store?

You can buy minced ginger at most grocery stores. You’ll typically find it in the condiments section or in the International aisle where Asian products are shelved.

Can You Mince Ginger With A Garlic Press? 

You can use a garlic press to mince ginger. However, you’ll need to first cut the ginger into smaller pieces before putting it into the garlic press.  

Keep in mind, though, that the results you’ll get from using a garlic press for ginger depend on how sharp the cutting chamber of the press is and how fibrous the ginger is. 

For more fibrous ginger, it may be hard to mince them, and you’ll just be left with ginger juice and messy clumps of unevenly cut ginger. 

Is Minced Ginger Spicy?

Minced ginger has a slightly spicy taste, but the spiciness is not the kind that overwhelms the palate or imparts much heat like you typically get from eating actual pepper.

16 Best Minced Ginger Substitutes You Can Use In Any Dish

Prep Time

10

minutes

Cooking Time

20

minutes

Total Time

30

minutes

Running short of minced ginger and looking for a substitute? We have a variety of substitutes to choose from to get the exact taste profile.

Ingredients

• Ginger Powder

• Freshly Grated Ginger

• Ginger Paste

• Turmeric

• Crystallized Ginger

• Galangal

• Frozen Ginger

• Ginseng

• Allspice

• Mace

• Cinnamon

• Pickled Ginger

• Nutmeg

• Lemongrass

• Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Ginger Juice

Directions

• Pick any substitute you prefer from the lists above.
• Follow the recipe instructions for your preferred substitute and use the proper ratio required while cooking.

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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