The 5 Best Substitutes for Ginger in Teriyaki Sauce

If you’re a fan of teriyaki sauce, then you know how important ginger is to the flavor.

The zesty spice adds an extra kick to your dish and can make it truly stand out.

But what if you don’t have any fresh ginger on hand?

Don’t worry – there are plenty of substitutes that can be used in its place.

In this article, I will share five of the best substitutes for ginger in teriyaki sauce so that you can still enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising on taste.

Why is Ginger used in Teriyaki Sauce?

Ginger is used in teriyaki sauce for its subtly spicy and sweet flavor that adds a unique depth to the dish.

It also helps cut through some of the sharpness of other ingredients like soy or garlic, providing a more balanced taste.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for marinades as it helps reduce any potential inflammation caused by consuming too much salt or sugar.

The spice is also known to have digestive benefits, which can help with digestion when eating large portions of teriyaki dishes.

Finally, ginger adds visual appeal to the teriyaki sauce with its vibrant yellow hue that stands out against other ingredients in the mix.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Ginger in Teriyaki Sauce

Ginger is a key flavor in teriyaki sauce, but it can be difficult to find the right amount of fresh ginger.

Fortunately, there are a few substitutes that will give your teriyaki sauce the same taste and texture as using fresh ginger.

Here are five of the best substitutes for ginger when making teriyaki sauce:

1. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great substitution for fresh ginger when you’re short on time or ingredients.

It’s made from dehydrated garlic that has been finely ground into a powder and has a pungent, sharp flavor with a slight sweetness.

Garlic powder can be used in marinades, sauces, dressings and as an ingredient in recipes to give them an extra kick of flavor.

When cooking with garlic powder, it’s important to keep in mind that the intensity of its taste increases the longer it cooks so adding it at the end of your recipe will prevent any overpowering flavors.

Garlic powder can also be used as garnish on top of dishes like soups and salads for added flavor and texture.

It pairs nicely with other spices such as cumin, chili powder and oregano to create unique flavor combinations that can elevate any dish.

2. Onion Powder

Onion powder is an incredibly versatile seasoning that can be used to add a savory, onion-like flavor to dishes without the need for fresh onions.

It’s made from dehydrated onions that have been crushed and ground into a fine powder.

Onion powder usually has a milder taste than fresh onions, but it still gives your dish an incredible depth of flavor and aroma.

It’s especially great for adding subtle nuances of oniony flavor in recipes like teriyaki sauce where you don’t want the onion taste to be overpowering.

Since it’s already dried, onion powder also makes cooking easier since there’s no need for lengthy preparation or chopping up raw onions before use.

Additionally, its shelf life is longer as compared to fresh ingredients which means you can always keep some on hand when needed!

3. Ground Szechuan Pepper

Ground Szechuan pepper is an excellent substitute for fresh ginger, as it has a similar flavor profile with a bit of heat.

It is made from the dried husks of the prickly ash tree, which are then ground into a powder.

The flavor of ground Szechuan pepper has notes of citrus and spice combined with a tingly numbing sensation on your tongue.

It adds an earthy depth to any dish without overpowering other flavors in the mix.

Ground Szechuan pepper also works great when added to teriyaki sauce, as its robust aroma and mild heat help bring out the sweetness in the sauce while adding complexity to its overall flavor profile.

The combination of sweet and spicy makes teriyaki sauce all that much better!

4. Ground Coriander

Ground coriander is a popular spice often used in Asian cuisines, like Thai and Indian.

It is made from the dried seeds of the plant Coriandrum sativum.

Coriander has an earthy yet sweet flavor that can be compared to citrus and sage, making it a great alternative to fresh ginger when you’re looking for a zesty kick in your dish.

It is commonly used in curries, marinades, soups, salads, stir-frys, and stews; however ground coriander can also be added to baked goods like breads or cakes as well.

When cooked with other spices such as cumin or turmeric, ground coriander adds an extra layer of flavor that will elevate your teriyaki sauce and make it stand out even more!

5. Ground Turmeric

Ground turmeric is a great substitute for fresh ginger when you don’t have any handy.

This yellow-orange powder has been used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries, lending dishes an earthy flavor and vibrant color.

Turmeric is commonly used to make curries, soups, stews, and marinades.

It adds a subtle complexity to teriyaki sauce that complements the sweetness of the dish without overpowering it.

Its mild bitterness also helps balance out the flavors of other ingredients like garlic or soy sauce.

Ground turmeric should be stored in an airtight container in a dark cool place away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality and shelf life over time.

A little bit goes a long way with this spice so add it sparingly until you reach your desired taste profile!

Related:

• 7 Substitutes for Sesame Oil in Teriyaki Sauce
• The 7 Best Substitutes for Rice Vinegar in Teriyaki Sauce
• The 8 Best Substitutes for Mirin in Teriyaki Sauce
• The 8 Best Substitutes for Honey in Teriyaki Sauce
• 6 Best Substitutes for Pineapple Juice in Teriyaki
• 7 Best Substitutes for Cornstarch in Teriyaki Sauce