◆Cooking Reference Wiki
🌱

Best Substitutes for Cumin — What to Use Instead

Must Knowvegan
🔄

Coriander: 1:1 — Fellow warm spice often paired with cumin. Lighter, more citrusy flavor — add a pinch of chili powder for earthiness.

Caraway Seeds: 1:1 — Same botanical family as cumin. Similar earthy, slightly sweet flavor.

Overview

Top substitute for cumin: Coriander (1:1). Fellow warm spice often paired with cumin. Lighter, more citrusy flavor — add a pinch of chili powder for earthiness. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Coriander: 1:1 — Fellow warm spice often paired with cumin. Lighter, more citrusy flavor — add a pinch of chili powder for earthiness.
  • Caraway Seeds: 1:1 — Same botanical family as cumin. Similar earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp chili powder per 1 tsp cumin — Contains cumin already. Adds heat — reduce other spicy ingredients.
  • Garam Masala: 1/2 tsp garam masala per 1 tsp cumin — Contains cumin plus other spices. Works in Indian and Mexican dishes.

Why This Matters

  • Cumin may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Coriander at 1:1
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesvegancuminingredient-swapcooking-tips

Related Items

soy-sauce-apple-cider-vinegar-instead-of-worcestershire-saucecaraway-seeds-instead-of-cuminsubstitute-for-chinese-five-spice-powdercinnamon-cloves-nutmeg-instead-of-allspicesubstitute-for-white-wine-vinegar

More in Vegan

substitute-for-gelatinBest Substitutes for Gelatin — What to Use Instead
Useful
substitute-for-chicken-brothBest Substitutes for Chicken Broth — What to Use Instead
Must Know
vegetable-broth-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
mushroom-broth-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Mushroom Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
water-soy-sauce-instead-of-chicken-brothCan I Use Water + Soy Sauce Instead of Chicken Broth?
Useful
substitute-for-beef-brothBest Substitutes for Beef Broth — What to Use Instead
Useful

Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Coriander at 1:1. Fellow warm spice often paired with cumin. Lighter, more citrusy flavor — add a pinch of chili powder for earthiness.