🌿 Spices & Herbs

Crystallized, Candied & Pickled Ginger Substitutes: Complete Guide

Discover how to substitute crystallized ginger, candied ginger, pickled ginger, and other specialty forms. Learn about ratios, best uses, and when to use each form in your cooking.

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Quick Answer

Crystallized ginger substitutes 1:1 for candied ginger, while pickled ginger can be replaced with fresh ginger + vinegar. Each specialty form has specific uses: crystallized for baking, pickled for sushi, and candied for desserts.

Best Substitutes

Crystallized Ginger

1:1 with candied ginger

Crystallized ginger is ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup and then dried. It provides both sweetness and ginger flavor and works well in baking and desserts.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you want sweetnessdecorative elements

Crystallized ginger adds sweetness, so reduce other sweeteners in the recipe. It can be chopped finely for even distribution or used as decorative pieces.

Candied Ginger

1:1 with crystallized ginger

Candied ginger is similar to crystallized ginger but may have a softer texture. It provides both sweetness and ginger flavor and works well in baking and desserts.

Best for:

bakingcookiescakeswhen you want sweetnessdecorative elements

Candied ginger adds sweetness, so reduce other sweeteners in the recipe. It has a softer texture than crystallized ginger.

Pickled Ginger

1:1 with fresh ginger + vinegar

Pickled ginger is fresh ginger that has been pickled in vinegar and sugar. It provides tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor and is commonly used with sushi.

Best for:

sushiwhen you want tangy flavorAsian dishesas a condimentcleansing the palate

Pickled ginger provides tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor. It's commonly used with sushi and can be made at home with fresh ginger, vinegar, and sugar.

Fresh Ginger + Vinegar

1:1 with pickled ginger

Fresh ginger can be quickly pickled by combining it with vinegar and sugar. This provides similar flavor to store-bought pickled ginger.

Best for:

when you want to make your ownquick picklingAsian dishesas a condiment

Combine fresh ginger with vinegar and sugar to make quick pickled ginger. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

Ground Ginger + Sugar

1/2 tsp ground ginger + 1/2 tsp sugar

Ground ginger combined with sugar can provide some of the sweetness and spice of crystallized ginger, though it lacks the texture.

Best for:

when you want sweetness and spicequick substitutionsbakingwhen crystallized ginger isn't available

This combination provides sweetness and spice but lacks the texture of crystallized ginger. It works well in baked goods and desserts.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Crystallized ginger works best in baking where you want both sweetness and ginger flavor
  • 💡Pickled ginger is essential for sushi and provides a cleansing, tangy flavor
  • 💡Candied ginger has a softer texture than crystallized ginger and works well in moist baked goods
  • 💡When using crystallized or candied ginger, reduce other sweeteners in the recipe
  • 💡Fresh ginger can be quickly pickled by combining it with vinegar and sugar
  • 💡Crystallized ginger can be used as a decorative element in addition to flavoring
  • 💡Pickled ginger should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between crystallized and candied ginger?

Crystallized ginger is dried after being cooked in sugar syrup, while candied ginger has a softer texture. Both provide sweetness and ginger flavor.

Can I substitute crystallized ginger for candied ginger?

Yes, crystallized ginger can substitute for candied ginger 1:1. Both provide sweetness and ginger flavor, though crystallized ginger has a firmer texture.

What can I use instead of pickled ginger?

Fresh ginger combined with vinegar and sugar can substitute for pickled ginger. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

Can I make pickled ginger at home?

Yes, combine fresh ginger with vinegar and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How do I use crystallized ginger in baking?

Chop crystallized ginger finely for even distribution in baked goods. Reduce other sweeteners in the recipe since crystallized ginger adds sweetness.

Can I use ground ginger instead of crystallized ginger?

Yes, but combine ground ginger with sugar to provide both sweetness and spice. It won't have the same texture as crystallized ginger.

What's the best substitute for pickled ginger in sushi?

Fresh ginger combined with vinegar and sugar is the best substitute for pickled ginger in sushi. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

How long does pickled ginger last?

Pickled ginger lasts 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. Make sure it's covered with the pickling liquid.

Summary

Discover how to substitute crystallized ginger, candied ginger, pickled ginger, and other specialty forms. Learn about ratios, best uses, and when to use each form in your cooking.