Passionposts

What are the best substitutes for anise seed? Star anise has a stronger flavor than anise seed, but it is the best substitute if used sparingly. Other alternatives that will impart the required licorice flavor to dishes include fennel seed, caraway seed, anise oil, licorice root powder, fresh tarragon, Chinese 5-spice, and cloves. Anise seed … Read more

What can I use instead of bonito flakes? Replace bonito flakes with foods with an umami taste. Flavor-wise, mackerel powder is the closest substitute for bonito flakes. Other suitable replacements for bonito flakes include dulse flakes, nori, kombu, shiitake mushrooms, Iriko (baby anchovies), toasted soybeans, and nutritional yeast. Essential to Japanese cuisine, Bonito flakes (Katsuobushi) add … Read more

What can I use instead of bok choy in ramen and soup? Napa cabbage is the best replacement for bok choy, offering a similar flavor and texture to ramen and soup. You can also use other cabbage varieties, like green and savoy cabbage, to replace bok choy. Other suitable alternatives include Swiss chard, Yu choy, mustard … Read more

What can I use instead of bulgogi sauce? Teriyaki, unagi, and kalbi sauce are your best bet to mimic bulgogi sauce’s complex flavors and sticky texture. However, you can use hoisin sauce for a more intense flavor or ponzu sauce for a thinner, tangy citrus-based replacement. Other alternatives include BBQ, oyster, and soy sauce.   Bulgogi sauce … Read more

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce? Homemade buffalo sauce or adding a dollop of butter to Frank’s Red Hot Original sauce is the best way to match the flavor and creaminess of store-bought buffalo sauce. Hotter, tasty substitutes are tabasco and Sriracha, whereas mild replacements are Mumbo and BBQ sauce.  Home to Buffalo, NY, … Read more

What can I use instead of brown sugar in banana bread recipes? We suggest using jaggery, white sugar mixed with molasses, muscovado sugar, raw sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, golden syrup, brown rice syrup, or honey. Our top pick is jaggery. The brown sugar in banana bread adds a caramel, toffee taste to the delicious … Read more

What can I use instead of butter to make creamy mac and cheese? The best substitutes for butter in mac and cheese are margarine or ghee. Other replacements include heavy cream, cream cheese, plain yogurt, olive oil, coconut oil, tahini, and peanut butter. For a tangy option, try mayonnaise. Butter is made by churning the … Read more

What can I use instead of Big Mac Sauce? The best substitutes for Big Mac sauce are DIY Big Mac and Thousand Island sauce. You can also use commercial burger sauce equivalents made by Todd Wilbur, Walmart, Trader Joe, Hellmans, and Sir Kensington’s. McDonald’s Big Mac burgers are slathered in a unique sauce that has … Read more

What can I use instead of barley malt syrup? The best substitutes for barley malt syrup are brown rice syrup, molasses, date syrup, and pomegranate molasses. Honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar are convenient alternatives. Barley malt syrup is a versatile sweetener made from sprouted barley. This rich, dark syrup has a deliciously malty flavor, … Read more

What can I use instead of bittersweet chocolate? Some of the best replacements for bittersweet chocolate are semi-sweet, unsweetened, and bitter chocolates which are easily interchangeable. In addition, natural cocoa and Dutch-pressed cocoa powders are great to use in a pinch. For a non-chocolate substitute, carob powder does the job. Chocolate is a decadent dessert … Read more

What can I use instead of apple juice? The best replacement for apple juice is apple cider. Other alternatives include apple syrup, pear juice, pineapple juice, white grape juice, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, fruit flavor carbonated soda, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, orange juice, and sweet white wine. Coke can be a handy replacement for … Read more

What can I use instead of Bucatini pasta? First, Spaghetti offers the closest resemblance to Bucatini and is perfect for sopping up creamy, buttery, or tomato-based sauces. Next, you can use Spaghettoni and Fettuccini for heavier, meat-based sauces. Lastly, use Linguini and Capellini for lighter fare olive oil-based sauces, pesto, and seafood.  Bucatini, or Perciatelli pasta, … Read more

What can I use instead of bacon grease? The best substitutes for bacon grease are animal-based fats like lard, butter, ghee, tallow, and duck fat. Plant-based alternatives include olive oil, coconut oil, and peanut oil. Bacon grease is the fat rendered when you slowly and gently fry bacon, cooking off the water. It is a … Read more

What can I use instead of banana in smoothies? The best substitutes for bananas in smoothies are sweet, hearty fruit and vegetables like avocado, butternut, sweet potato, mango, and cauliflower. Use oatmeal, quinoa, chia seeds, or cashews for thickness and richness. Banana is a popular smoothie ingredient, with good reason. This healthy fruit blends into … Read more

What can I use instead of Burrata Cheese? The best substitute for Burrata cheese is fresh whole-milk mozzarella cheese. You can also use cream cheese, cashew cheese, or ricotta. Queso fresco and feta are white cheeses you can use as taste substitutes, but they lack the required distinctive creaminess and texture. Burrata cheese is unique … Read more

What can I use instead of burger buns? We found some of the best replacements for burger buns are Portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, baked sweet potato, grilled eggplant, cloud buns, pita pockets, and corn tortilla wraps. Burger buns are easily replaced by using a bit of creativity and adapting some ingredients. You can easily … Read more

What can I use instead of basil pesto? We found some of the best replacements for basil pesto are fresh oregano, marjoram, parsley, broccoli, cilantro, avocado, red pepper, spinach, and chive pestos. Basil pesto is such a popular dipping sauce or accompaniment dressing for salads and even as a base for homemade pizza. But what … Read more