Specialty & Ethnic Substitutes
Hard-to-find ingredients from Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin, and African cuisines. Find accessible alternatives for specialty ingredients.
210 ingredients · 865 tested substitutes
Specialty and ethnic ingredients can be the hardest to replace because they often have unique flavor compounds. Miso, gochujang, and tamarind each bring complex flavors that no single pantry staple can perfectly match. The guides below offer the best accessible alternatives along with tips for getting as close as possible to the original flavor.
Most Popular in This Category
Miso Paste
Top pick: Soy Sauce
Gochujang
Top pick: Sriracha + Miso
Tahini
Top pick: Sunflower Seed Butter
Coconut Cream
Top pick: Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Lemongrass
Top pick: Lemon Zest
Saffron
Top pick: Turmeric
All Specialty & Ethnic Ingredients
Miso Paste
Gochujang
Gochugaru
Sambal Oelek
Harissa
Curry Paste
Curry Powder
Garam Masala
Chinese Five Spice
Turmeric
Saffron
Cardamom
Star Anise
Lemongrass
Galangal
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Tamarind
Coconut Cream
Fish Sauce (Vegetarian)
Shaoxing Wine
Sake
Dried Shrimp
Bonito Flakes
Kombu
Nori
Rice Paper
Wonton Wrappers
Phyllo Dough
Puff Pastry
Masa Harina
Chipotle Peppers
Adobo Sauce
Sumac
Za'atar
Ras el Hanout
Berbere
Annatto
Nutritional Yeast
Liquid Smoke
Cream of Coconut
Salt
Breadcrumbs
Shallots
Leeks
Celery
Wine (in cooking)
Parchment Paper
Chicken Broth
Tahini
Mirin
Abura-age
Achiote Paste
Ackee
Agua de Jamaica Base
Ajà Amarillo Paste
Ajà Panca
Amazake
Angostura Bitters
Aquafaba
Au Jus
AçaÃ
Bitter Leaf
Black Olives
Black Sesame Paste
Bouillon
Bouillon Cube
Brats
Brik Pastry
Brown Gravy Mix
Calamansi Juice
Caper Brine
Caponata
Cassava Root
Cheez Whiz
Chena
Chermoula (Green)
Chermoula (Red)
Chermoula Paste
Cherries
Chu Hou Paste
Chuck Roast
Clam Juice
Cloves
Club Soda
Coffee
Colatura di Alici
Crown Daisy Greens
Crème Anglaise
Crème Fraîche
Culantro (Shadow Beni)
Dashi
Daun Salam (Indonesian Bay Leaf)
Demi-Glace
Dried Cherries
Dried Lily Buds
Dried Tangerine Peel
Egg
Egg Beaters
Egg Substitute
Egg White
Egg Yolks
Egusi Paste
Elderflower Cordial
Epazote
Epazote (Dried)
Fingerroot (Krachai)
Fleur De Sel
Granny Smith
Ground Coriander
Haricot Vert
Hierba Santa
Hilbeh
Instant Coffee
Iru
Jam
Jamón Ibérico
Jelly
Kanten (Agar Agar)
Kecap Manis
Kelp Granules
Kewra Water
Khoya
Kidney
Kimchi
Kimchi Brine
Kinako
Kokum
Korarima
Laban
Laksa Paste
Lavender (Culinary)
Liquid Aminos
Liver
Lovage
Lucuma
Mace
Mahlab
Makgeolli
Maple Extract
Margarine
Marinara
Marmalade
Marmite
Marshmallows
Marzipan
Mastic
Mentaiko
Mentsuyu
Mexican Crema
Miracle Whip
Mishti Doi
Miso (Red)
Miso (White)
Moghrabieh
Mole Negro Paste
Mole Rojo Paste
Nasi Goreng Paste
Niter Kibbeh
Ogiri
Olives
Pandan Extract
Pandan Leaves
Parmigiano Reggiano
Pepsi
Perilla Leaves
Pickle Juice
Prawn Paste
Preserves
Rau Ram (Vietnamese Coriander)
Recado Rojo
Recao
Red Miso
Rendang Paste
Rose Hip Jam
Rosewater
Rotel
Russet
Safflower
Salad Olives
Sea Buckthorn
Sel Gris
Sesame Leaf
Shio Koji
Shiso
Shrikhand
Siljo
Sourdough Starter
Stew Meat
Stock
Tapioca (Cassava)
Taro
Tater Tots
Tauco (Fermented Soy Paste)
Tucupi
Umeboshi
Utazi Leaves
Uziza Leaves
Vanilla Paste
Vegemite
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable Stock
Verjuice
Wasabi
Wheat Chex
White Miso
Whole Egg
Yacon
Yukon Gold
Yuzu Juice
Yuzu Kosho
Recipe-Specific Guides
Need a substitute for a specific recipe? These guides give tailored advice for common dishes.
Breadcrumbs in Meatballs
Best: Rolled Oats
Galangal in Curry
Best: Fresh Ginger
Galangal in Thai Curry
Best: Ginger + Lemon Zest
Coconut Cream in Curry
Best: Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Cardamom in Chai
Best: Cinnamon + Nutmeg
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common specialty & ethnic substitutes?
The most commonly substituted specialty & ethnic ingredients include Miso Paste, Gochujang, Tahini, Coconut Cream. Each has multiple alternatives with exact ratios for different recipes.
Are there vegan specialty & ethnic alternatives?
Yes, most specialty & ethnic ingredients have vegan alternatives. Check each ingredient page for options marked with the vegan badge.
How many specialty & ethnic substitutes are available?
We have 865 tested substitutes across 210 specialty & ethnic ingredients, each with exact ratios and recipe-specific advice.