Out of Ginger, one case
Crystallized, candied & pickled ginger substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Crystallized ginger
Same amount as the ginger
With candied ginger
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 for —
- baking
One casethe full ginger card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ginger |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystallized gingerbaking | Same amountWith candied ginger |
| 2 | Candied gingerbaking | Same amountWith crystallized ginger |
| 3 | Pickled gingersushi | Same amountWith fresh ginger + vinegar |
| 4 | Fresh ginger + vinegarwhen you want to make your own | Same amountWith pickled ginger |
| 5 | Ground ginger + sugarwhen you want sweetness and spice | ½ tsp ground ginger + ½ tsp sugar |
Crystallized ginger
sweet and spicy
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
- baking, cookies, cakes, when you want sweetness, decorative elements
- Texture
- chewy pieces
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
sweet and spicy
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
- baking, cookies, cakes, when you want sweetness, decorative elements
- Texture
- soft chewy pieces
Candied ginger adds sweetness, so reduce other sweeteners in the recipe. It has a softer texture than crystallized ginger.
Pickled ginger
tangy, sweet, and spicy
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
- sushi, when you want tangy flavor, Asian dishes, as a condiment, cleansing the palate
- Texture
- thin slices
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
tangy, sweet, and spicy
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 own, quick pickling, Asian dishes, as a condiment
- Texture
- thin slices
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
sweet and spicy
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 spice, quick substitutions, baking, when crystallized ginger isn't available
- Texture
- fine powder
This combination provides sweetness and spice but lacks the texture of crystallized ginger. It works well in baked goods and desserts.
How it behaves in this recipe
Specialty ginger forms each have unique characteristics and best uses. Crystallized and candied ginger provide sweetness and spice for baking, while pickled ginger offers tangy, cleansing flavor for Asian dishes. Understanding these differences helps choose the best substitute for each application.
Tips for substituting ginger
7 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
Notes on ginger
- For a completely different approach, try using other sweet and spicy ingredients like candied orange peel or crystallized lemon peel
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different ginger forms for layered flavor
- For beverages, consider using ginger syrup or ginger tea for a different flavor profile
Questions
8 questionsWhat'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.