Have you ever been in the middle of making dinner and realized you were out of an ingredient? If this ever happens to you, I’ve got you covered. Here are 9 common cooking substitutes.
9 Common Cooking Substitutes
Milk
Milk is a common ingredient in many recipes but it can be substituted with a number of other liquids. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be used as cooking substitutes for regular milk. For a richer, creamier alternative, try using heavy cream, half-and-half, or evaporated milk.
If you use heavy cream, you need to dilute it so that it won’t be too rich. Use 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup water to equal one cup of milk.
If you don’t have milk and need to use half-and-half, you will need to combine 3/4 cup of half-and-half and 1/4 cup of water to equal one cup of milk.
One cup of evaporated milk OR almond milk equals one cup of whole milk.
Butter
Butter is a common form of fat in many recipes and can be substituted with a number of other fats. For a healthier option, try using olive oil or avocado oil. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used in place of regular butter.
When baking a cake, applesauce makes a great replacement for butter.
Sugar
Sugar is used in many recipes to add sweetness and can be substituted with a number of other sweeteners. For a healthier option, try using honey or agave nectar. For a low-calorie option, artificial sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit can be used in place of regular sugar.
Flour
Flour is the main ingredient in many baked goods that can be substituted with other types of flour. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or coconut flour. For a healthier option, whole wheat flour or oat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
Eggs
Eggs can also be substituted with other ingredients. For a vegan option, try using a “flax egg” by mixing together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water. For a healthier option, mashed bananas or applesauce can be used in place of eggs in some recipes.
If replacing eggs with applesauce, replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a common ingredient in many baked goods but it can be substituted with other leavening agents. For a homemade option, try mixing together 1 part baking soda and 2 parts cream of tartar. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch can be used.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor in many sweet recipes. However, it can be substituted with a number of other flavorings. For a cheaper option, try using vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean seeds. For a more exotic flavor, try using almond extract or maple extract in place of vanilla extract.
Did you know that you can make your own vanilla extract? I have an awesome vanilla extract recipe!
Ground Beef
Ground Beef can be substituted with a number of other meats. For a leaner option, try using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can be used.
Pasta
Pasta is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes but it can be substituted with a number of other types of noodles. For a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or quinoa noodles. For a healthier option, spiralized vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potato can be used in place of pasta in some recipes.
If you run out of ingredients while cooking, there’s no need to stress. Many ingredients can be readily substituted for others. With a little creativity, you will be back on track with dinner on the table in no time.
