Out of an Ingredient? Here’s How to Substitute It in Your Recipe!

It’s always frustrating to find you’re out of an essential ingredient just as you’re about to start cooking. But don’t panic! There’s often a way around it. Here are some clever ingredient substitutions to keep your dishes on track.

1. No Buttermilk?

Substitute with a mixture of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar. For 240 ml (1 cup) of buttermilk, combine 240 ml of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

2. No Eggs?

If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute with mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. Use ¼ cup (60g) of mashed banana or applesauce for each egg. Another option is to use flaxseed meal mixed with water: 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg.

3. No Butter?

If you’ve run out of butter, you can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute. Alternatively, for a healthier option, try using mashed avocado, which will give you a creamy texture similar to butter, or even plain yoghurt for moistness.

4. No Baking Powder?

If you’re out of baking powder, you can make your own using bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and cream of tartar. For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder needed, combine ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

5. No Cream?

If you’re in need of heavy cream and don’t have any, you can substitute it with full-fat milk and butter. Combine 240 ml (1 cup) of milk with 60g (1/4 cup) of melted butter for a similar consistency.

6. No Tomatoes?

If you’re out of fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well as a replacement, or you can blend sun-dried tomatoes with water for a similar flavour. Tomato paste can also work in a pinch – just dilute with water or stock.

7. No Rice?

In place of rice, you can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute. These alternatives cook up quickly and offer a slightly different texture.

8. No Sugar?

If you run out of sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup can be used as a substitute. Just reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate for the extra moisture these liquids bring.

9. No Cheese?

If you’re missing cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour in savoury dishes. Alternatively, cream cheese, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan could work depending on the recipe.

10. No Flour?

If you’re out of regular flour, you can use almond flour, oat flour, or even rice flour as an alternative. Keep in mind that these substitutions might alter the texture of your baked goods, so a little experimentation may be needed.