Curry powder is a spice combination that originated in India. This mix is popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States. So, what do you do if you need a curry powder substitute? Are there any spices or sauces that may be used in lieu of curry powder? There are, indeed!

We’ll go through the many spices and sauces that may be used in lieu of curry powder, and we’ll even offer you a curry powder recipe so you can make your own.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Curry Powder?

Curry powder is well-known for adding warmth and a distinct taste to savory foods, and its distinct scent makes it easy to identify. Curry powder has its own distinct taste; nevertheless, there are various curry powder replacements that we believe might work in most recipes.

But, keep in mind that not all curry powder replacements are made equal. In this post, we’ll go through which substitutions are the best and which you should only use in a pinch, so you can feel secure when replacing curry powder in recipes.

Substitute For Curry Powder

The following curry powder alternatives are presented in decreasing order from best to worst:

• Garam Masala: Garam Masala has virtually the same taste profile as curry powder and, as such, is ideal for a 1:1 substitution. Garam Masala has a somewhat milder taste than curry powder, so if mild is your thing, this may be the right substitute for you.
• Mix of Turmeric, Allspice, and Coriander: Combining turmeric, allspice, and coriander may produce a flavor that is eerily similar to curry powder. This is due to the fact that many curry powder mixes include at least two of these elements. In a pinch, you may combine these three spices to provide the flavor you need to replace in meals that call for curry powder.
• Curry paste is not the same as curry powder. It has many of the same elements as curry powder, but the addition of garlic paste, oil, chilis, and other seasonings distinguishes it. While they are not the same, you should not be afraid to use curry paste in place of curry powder. You only need to dilute your curry paste a little to moderate the taste so it doesn’t overshadow your meal.
• Chinese 5-Spice Blend: A Chinese 5-Spice mix will not taste the same as curry powder. Nonetheless, it will give warmth and depth to the meal, yielding a wonderful outcome. You may want to give it a shot—some people enjoy it even more than curry powder!
• Although we wouldn’t advocate using either of these completely as a replacement for curry powder, we did recommend mixing the two if you’re in a rush. This will not have the same taste as curry powder, but it will have a somewhat evocative flavor that will suffice when you have no other alternatives.
• Alternative Masala or Earthy Spices: Ambar powder, tandoori masala, and chaat masala are other lesser-known spices that may be replaced for curry powder.

Is Garam Masala a Substitute for Curry Powder?

Absolutely, Garam Masala may be used in place of curry powder.

In fact, it is often referenced in recipes as a great alternative for curry powder.

But keep in mind that Garam Masala has a milder flavor than curry powder. If you want a more pronounced taste in whatever you’re cooking, add a bit extra of it; just don’t overdo it.

Is Turmeric Same as Curry Powder?

No, turmeric is not synonymous with curry powder. In fact, if you use turmeric instead of curry powder, we promise you’ll be greatly dissatisfied.

If you must use turmeric, combine it with allspice and coriander to get the desired taste. Although curry powder includes turmeric, which gives it its golden color, it also contains many other spices that give it its great taste. Without these extra spices, your curry would have a bland and unimpressive taste, which are both huge no-nos when creating curry meals.

Can I Use Paprika Instead of Curry Powder?

No, you should not substitute paprika for curry powder. It lacks the same powerful flavor and will make your conventional yellow curry meal bright crimson.

Can You Substitute Curry Paste for Curry Powder?

You certainly can! If used appropriately, curry paste may be an excellent substitute for curry powder.

Keep in mind that curry paste has a stronger taste, a different color, and a different consistency than curry powder. The rich red color of red curry paste might make recipes that call for curry powder appear a bit out of place. Apart from that, you should just dilute your curry paste. It produces a softer taste this way than it would undiluted.

Are Cumin and Curry the Same Thing?

No, cumin and curry are not the same spice. Although both are earthy, cumin is a single spice while curry is a mixture of warming spices. As a result, the two are diametrically opposed.

Curry Powder Recipe

Are you ready to learn how to manufacture your own curry powder? Luckily, we have a terrific recipe for you that will allow you to simply make a batch of curry powder at home without having to travel to the shop.

In a mixing dish, combine the following items to produce your own curry powder:

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions:

*This recipe was adapted from MinimalistBaker.

FAQs

Curry Powder Substitutes: They’re Out There!

Although it may be more difficult to replace curry powder than other spices, the good news is that curry powder may be substituted with a variety of other spices. This combination is simple enough to make at home.

We hope this has given you some ideas for possible curry powder substitutions in your next curry preparation. Cheers!

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• Which Thai Curry Is the Most Spicy?
• How to Warm Naan Bread