- Ginger. Ginger is not only a delicious spice but also a folk medicine in Asian countries. ...
- Fingerroot. Fingerroot is also known as Chinese ginger, and it does look like fingers! ...
- Lemongrass. ...
- Kaffir Lime Leaves. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Horseradish.
How do I choose the best galangal substitute?
- The best substitute for greater galangal is to use 1 tablespoon young, fresh ginger root with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. ...
- You can also use 1 tablespoon fresh chopped lesser galanga l (probably even harder to find than greater galangal).
- Alternately you can use 1 tablespoon fresh fingerroot.
What does galangal taste like?
What does galangal taste like? Galangal has a sharp citrusy, and pine-like flavor and is used as a food flavoring agent in South East Asian countries. Is Galangal a spice? Yes, galangal is a ginger-like spice widely used in South East Asia.
What is galangal and how do I use it?
What’s the best way to prepare galangal root tea?
- In a saucepan, combine the water and galangal.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for up to 30 minutes.
- Galangal root should be separated or strained.
Where to buy galangal?
The prices for Samantha Thavasa and Samantha Vega typically fall within the $300 – $500 (USD) range, while Samantha Thavasa and Samantha Vega are significantly more affordable within $100 – $300.
Can you replace galangal with ginger?
The best substitute for greater galangal is to use 1 tablespoon young, fresh ginger root with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. This is what you're most likely to have on hand. You can also use 1 tablespoon fresh chopped lesser galangal (probably even harder to find than greater galangal).
Is turmeric and galangal the same thing?
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. Turmeric has the most pungent and bitter flavor of the three.
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.
Is galangal a horseradish?
Galangal is often referred to as Thai horseradish. While both the roots from these plants can be used, they are completely different plants that both have bold flavor profiles.
What is galangal called in English?
Galangal is also know as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it resembles fresh ginger so much), but it really is its own ingredient. It's commonly found in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking.
Is galangal an orange?
Once you peel off the skin, the interior of the galangal can be anywhere from white to pale pink. The inside of ginger is yellow. Turmeric's is deep yellow to yellow-orange. The texture of each varies too.
What does galangal smell like?
Galangal:Smells like strong menthol, Vick's Vapor Rub and pine. The taste of galangal is accompanied with a strong kick of menthol and pine. There is a slight bitterness and then a cool pepperiness. The spice lingers on a tongue for a short while and then dissapates.
What cultures use galangal?
It is used in many countries' cuisines including Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Laos.
What do you use galangal for?
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).
Is galangal same as Blue Ginger?
Blue ginger, also called 'galangal', 'Thai ginger' or 'Siamese ginger', was first harvested in central Asia. For centuries, blue ginger has been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. As the years passed, blue ginger spread around the world. It is commonly eaten, especially in Asian cooking, or drank as a tea.
What is galangal called in India?
GalangalGlossaryCommon nameGreater Galangal, Thai gingerHindiKulanjanKannadaSugandha vachi, RasmiMalayalamChittaratha, Araatta, Perasatta, Kolingi5 more rows
Can I use dried galangal instead of fresh?
Fresh galangal can be found at many Asian grocery stores. You may also find dried galangal in large, woody-looking slices. These work wonderfully in many Thai dishes (see prep below for how to use them). Avoid dried galangal powder, which lacks the intense aroma and flavor of fresh.
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 Root
Fresh ginger root is one of the best and most accessible galangal replacements. As a cousin to galangal, ginger root is similar in shape and robust yet mildly sweet in flavor.
2. Galangal Powder
Many Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese groceries carry galangal powder as an alternative to fresh galangal.
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another common substitute for galangal. It is similar in flavor to galangal in that it has a citrus flavor mixed with a robust ginger-like spice.
5. White or Black Pepper
Everyone has experienced the warm heat of biting into unground black pepper. Just like galangal, white and black pepper offer that touch of spice that adds flavor to any dish.
6. Mace
Did you know that the nutmeg tree is the only plant that produces two spices [ 1 ]? Mace is a unique spice that is derived from the red coating of the nutmeg seed.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is another cousin of ginger and fingerroot. Aside from its several health benefits [ 2 ], it is a galangal substitute that can be fresh or powdered.
8. Horseradish
Having a comparable taste and smell, grated horseradish and galangal are interchangeable for your home cooking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
15 Perfect Fresh Galangal Substitutes You Should Not Miss
It’s been tough getting accustomed to Asian cuisine, isn’t it? Almost all traditional Asian cuisines, particularly those from Southeast Asia, have a plethora of spices. Each kind has a distinct taste that is difficult to substitute.
General Identity Of Galangal
First of all, why not start with some general information about galangal? Galangal can be a new or a familiar term to you, but let me tell you some more.
FAQs
You might have a lot of questions about this exotic vegetable, galangal, and its substitute. I will answer some of the most common questions and let’s see if you can find your answers.
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.
