what can i use as a substitute for galangal

Best Galangal Substitutes

• 1. Ginger The best substitute for galangal is ginger, as they have a similar look and flavor profile. ...
• 2. Fingerroot Fingerroot, ginger, and galangal are members of the same family, so fingerroot is another great substitute if galangal cannot be found. ...
• 3. Lemongrass ...
• 4. Black or white pepper ...
• 5. Cinnamon and mace ...
• 6. Galangal paste ...
• 7. Kaffir lime leaves ...
• 8. Galangal powder ...

Full Answer

What can I use instead of galangal powder?

Ginger can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores. Substitute dried, ground ginger if your recipe requires galangal powder; use fresh ginger to replace fresh galangal. Because ginger’s flavor is stronger, start by using 3/4 as much of it as the recipe requires for galangal and increase to taste if necessary.

Is fingerroot a good substitute for galangal?

This aromatic galangal replacement is a commonly used spice in Asian cooking, and it is known as a more subtle option in the ginger family. If you find galangal taste to be too overbearing, you’ll love fingerroot and its subtle flavor profile.

Are galangal and Ginger the same thing?

Ginger and galangal are related to each other and are very similar in both appearance and flavor. While their flavors are not exactly the same, they are close enough to be good substitutes for each other. In addition to their flavor similarities, ginger and galangal both have some of the same stomach-soothing properties.

What is the best galangal substitute for Tom Yum?

If you are looking for one of the best galangal substitutes for tom yum, look no further. Actually, this also works for other soup recipes like the delicious tom yum goong. Anyways, if you need to replace galangal, then add a combination of finely diced ginger, a few kaffir lime leaves and half of a lemongrass stick.

Can I use ginger to substitute galangal?

Ginger and galangal are quite similar in overall flavor, so if you can get it at your grocery store, the two can be swapped 1:1. The same goes for ground galangal and ground ginger.

Is galangal and ginger the same?

Galangal is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and all three roots can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to your dishes. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal's flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery.

What is galangal called in English?

Alpinia galanga, also called greater galangal, lengkuas or laos. Alpinia officinarum, or lesser galangal. Boesenbergia rotunda, also called Chinese ginger or fingerroot. Kaempferia galanga, also called kencur, black galangal or sand ginger.

What does galangal taste like?

Taste: Galangal has a citrusy flavor with a bite to it and a slight taste of pine, while ginger possesses a spicy, peppery flavor. Though they look similar, they are not ideal to use interchangeably due to their sharp divergence in taste.

Is galangal stronger than ginger?

The Difference Between Galangal and Ginger. Although the two rhizomes look similar, galangal has lighter, smoother skin than ginger with a flesh that is considerably harder. Galangal has a much stronger flavor that is citrusy, sharp, and somewhat earthy with a pine-like undertone.

Is galangal used in Thai cooking?

Galangal - Also known as Thai ginger, galangal belongs to the rhizome family which includes ginger and turmeric. Galangal is widely used in Thai soups and curries to add flavour and to tone down the heaviness of meaty preparations. Adding galangal to seafood helps in cutting down the smell of fish.

Does galangal smell like ginger?

Galangal: A Spice and A Cure Galanga has a similar taste and aroma to that of Ginger root. The spicy, peppery, and aromatic qualities of galangal are a signature flavor in many traditional dishes including curries, soups, and rice preparations.

What is galangal used for in cooking?

Galangal is said to mask fishy flavor, so it is a popular spice to use in seafood dishes, like a Vietnamese braised carp with a sweet-salty galangal sauce. I added a couple of teaspoons of the powdered spice to a Thai-style coconut-curried shrimp dish, similar to tom kha goong (kha is Thai for galangal).

What is galangal used for in cooking?

Galangal is said to mask fishy flavor, so it is a popular spice to use in seafood dishes, like a Vietnamese braised carp with a sweet-salty galangal sauce. I added a couple of teaspoons of the powdered spice to a Thai-style coconut-curried shrimp dish, similar to tom kha goong (kha is Thai for galangal).

What is galangal root good for?

Contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties "Galangal also has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, meaning it helps to lower inflammation that leads to joint pain in the body while also protecting the body against harmful microorganisms and bacteria.

Can you eat galangal?

Yes. Galangal is used as a flavouring in a variety of foods (notably Thai spice pastes), and is perfectly edible. That being said, the root itself is rather dense and woody (even more so than ginger). As such, you don't necessarily 'eat' it unless it's been reduced to a paste or very small pieces.

What is the difference between galangal and turmeric?

Greater galangal and ginger are, on the average, of the same size. But the skin of galangal is smoother and with more pronounced “rings”. Turmeric, on the other hand, is smaller and the skin is darker and rougher. Once you peel off the skin, the interior of the galangal can be anywhere from white to pale pink.

8 galangal substitutes you need to know about

The first time I ever came across galangal was quite some time ago. Actually, the first time I ever laid eyes on the term galangal was in the middle of my cook. I was literally in the middle of cooking an exotic recipe and boom, the word galangal popped up.

what is galangal?

Galangal is considered as one of the top staples that one can find in almost any Thai home. Generally speaking, it is one type of tropical rhizomatous spice.

galangal vs turmeric

Although these two look identical, they are not in terms of taste. Moreover, turmeric has a distinct yellow tint which galangal in no way replicates. Galangal actually looks more like ginger, and carries a piney and citrusy flavour, while still carrying that sharpness of the ginger.

where to buy galangal

Now, galangal is not one of those things that one can purchase so easily in a supermarket. Unfortunately this root is slightly more difficult to find. To begin with, you will have to source a local Asian specialty store.

best galangal substitutes for cooking

When in doubt, always go for the easiest substitute for the fresh stuff, which is the paste. You can’t go wrong with that.

galangal substitute for tom yum

If you are looking for one of the best galangal substitutes for tom yum, look no further. Actually, this also works for other soup recipes like the delicious tom yum goong.

1. Ginger

No surprises here! The first place goes to ginger, which is definitely the closest thing to galangal you can get. As you already know, galangal belongs to the ginger family, so it is only natural for them to have so many similarities.

2. Turmeric

The next best thing when it comes to a substitute for galangal is turmeric. This spice comes from the turmeric plant, and it is also referred to as Indian saffron. It is an absolute staple both in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, but it is used worldwide.

3. Horseradish

Speaking of horseradish, it is also a great galangal root substitute as it offers a similar aroma and flavors. It is the root of the horseradish plant, and it comes from the same family as wasabi and mustard.

4. Fingerroot

Fingerroot is yet another relative of galangal, belonging to the same family as ginger and turmeric. This aromatic galangal replacement is a commonly used spice in Asian cooking, and it is known as a more subtle option in the ginger family.

5. Black pepper

Pepper is a great choice when substituting galangal if your focus is on that peppery, pungent flavor and warm, earthy aroma. When it comes to pepper, you’ll get a much more intense aroma and flavor from freshly ground pepper than the pre-ground product.

6. White pepper

White pepper, on the other hand, is a subtler, milder version of pepper, and it isn’t as hot. It also has a unique citrusy aroma that pairs well with seafood and whitefish.

7. Mustard

You’re probably familiar with mustard as a pungent condiment, but that isn’t the only mustard variant available. A mustard condiment is made from tiny mustard seeds, which are basically the hottest, most flavorful mustard variant.

What Is Galangal?

If you have not been familiar with galangal before, think of it as a close relative to ginger. Galangal, or galangal root, is a spice originating from Southern Asia.

7 Ingredients Used As Galangal Substitute

The best galangal root substitute we can find is ginger. As they belong to the same family with similar texture and appearance, it’s an undeniable fact that people can use galangal substitute ginger .

The Final Word

And that’s everything you need to know about a galangal substitute. We hope that this list is helpful for you when you want to know different galangal substitutes that are similar to galangal.

Our 5 Substitutes for Galangal

The robust, sharp flavours of galangal are often used to flavour curries and soups. Once cooked, it releases a citrusy aroma that leaves your food smelling wonderful.

Other Substitutes for Galangal

If you do not have the above substitutions just laying around your house, here are some others that you will probably already have in your pantry:

Summary

It is the robust, sharp complexity of galangal that allows it to elevate many Thai dishes. But as an ingredient, it is difficult to find.

1. Ginger

The first substitute option is ginger; this shouldn’t come as a surprise as it is the closest thing to galangal you can get. Galangal belongs to the ginger family, so they are bound to share so many similarities.

2. Turmeric

This is another close substitute for galangal, turmeric is a spice gotten from the turmeric plant, and it is also known as Indian saffron. It is commonly used in Asian and middle eastern cuisine but also used worldwide.

3. Horseradish

Horseradish is also similar to galangal root in terms of aroma and flavors, making it a great substitute as well. It is the root of the horseradish plant that is substituted for galangal due to its aromatic properties, but the leaves can also be used in cooking.

4. Fingerroot

Fingerroot is another plant relative of galangal; it is highly aromatic and is a common ingredient in Asian cuisines. Fingerroot belongs to the same family as ginger and turmeric and can be referred to as a more subtle option in the ginger family.

5. Black Pepper

If you are trying to replicate that peppery, pungent flavor and warm, earthy aroma that galangal adds to a dish, you can use black pepper.

6. White Pepper

Yet another type of pepper that can be substituted for galangal is white pepper. It is a subtler, milder version of pepper, and it isn’t as hot as black pepper. White pepper has a unique citrusy aroma that goes well with seafood and whitefish.

7. Mustard

Mustard is a pungent condiment that is topped on burgers, hotdogs, and different dishes, but that isn’t the only mustard variant available.

Your best bet: Ginger

Ginger and galangal are related to each other and are very similar in both appearance and flavor. While their flavors are not exactly the same, they are close enough to be good substitutes for each other. In addition to their flavor similarities, ginger and galangal both have some of the same stomach-soothing properties.

A decent second choice: Fingerroot

The fingerroot spice is another member of the same family that includes ginger and galangal. This rhizome consists of long, carrot-shaped fingers with a brownish orange color. The color and especially the shape give it a very different look when compared to the bent and twisted appearance of galangal.

In a pinch: Mace and cinnamon

Another good option is simply to replicate the flavor notes of galangal. Neither mace nor cinnamon is related to galangal or to each other; however, their combined flavors can replicate the sweetness and complexity of galangal as well as its peppery warmth.

Other alternatives

Ginger and cinnamon can be combined to provide many of the same flavors that you can get from galangal. Both have a subtle pepperiness and together provide a complexity similar to that of galangal.

Flavor Profile

Described as zingy and herby, galangal has a flavor you might not be able to put your finger on – though if you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, you may recognize it. A plant from the ginger family, this root brings a warmth to dishes.

How to Prepare for Use in Dishes

Paler and more woody than the ginger root you’ve undoubtedly seen in your average supermarket, galangal has an almost ivory-colored flesh. Its overall appearance is similar to ginger, so when shopping in an Asian supermarket, be sure to choose the right root for your dish.

What to Use as a Substitute

If you do not have an Asian supermarket or even a good international section at your regular grocery store, finding fresh or powdered galangal can be a challenge. While it is very similar in looks to ginger, the flavor profile is different – but in a pinch, fresh ginger can be used as a suitable substitute.

Which Dishes is Galangal Best in?

Some Asian cuisine fanatics would tell you that galangal is essential to this kind of cooking, as much as coconut milk and lemongrass are. The root is most often used in dishes with a strong coconut flavor, such as Thai coconut chicken soup, or Indonesian curries.