What to Substitute for Sumac

By zestyhut.com. Posted on May 3, 2024

In the culinary world, sumac spice stands out for its tart and citrus-like flavor with smoky and earthy notes that add a unique zest to dishes. This deep crimson-colored spice is a key ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine which is used for the flavoring of almost everything from meat dishes to salads. Nevertheless, sumac isn’t usually easily available in every kitchen or location

While it’s a challenge to know what to substitute for sumac and can replicate its exact flavor and color, in this article we’ll know several substitutes that provide a similar sourness and complexity.
 

Why Do You Need A Substitute for Sumac?

1. Sumac Availability Issue

Finding what to substitute for sumac usually begins with the availability issue. Sumac is not as popular a spice as some others and may not be found in every grocery store especially those that have a small range of international ingredients. This lack is especially pronounced in areas where Middle Eastern cuisine is not as widespread. So chefs and home cooks who usually use sumac may look for other ingredients to substitute for sumac that can give the same taste and be used in case sumac is out of stock.

2. Nutrition Restriction

Another reason behind the search for what to use instead of sumac is the issue of nutrition restrictions. While sumac by itself is a natural spice, there are some people who have an allergic reaction or a sensitivity to it or its botanical family. Moreover, a strict dietary regulation may detect a few spices and demand equivalent of them.

3. Flavor Preferences

Sumac’s pungent and astringent sourness tend to be not everyone’s favorite flavor. Some people may find it too strong towards its acidic nature or they just want to taste a different ingredient of acids in their food. In such events, identifying what to substitute for sumac that has a good taste but gives that acidic touch is important.

4. High Cost

Many aspects can influence a selection of what to substitute for sumac and cost considerations are one of them. The prices of sumac will be affected, mostly by the geographic location and the market demands in the region. Cooks who want to save some money might choose to go for spices that can cost less but still offer a comparable taste, thus helping them keep their purse strings firmly in hand while at the same time savoring exciting, bold flavors.

What to Substitute for Sumac?

A) Liquid Sumac Substitutes

1. Vinegar
    

   

    

Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, can mimic the tartness of sumac. Use it in moderation to ensure that the dish is not overwhelming with acidity. Just a few drops will be enough to give that sour taste again.
 

1. Pomegranate Molasses
    

   

   
    

If you are wondering about what to use instead of sumac, then you can use pomegranate molasses, as it imparts a fruitiness and tanginess to dishes which makes it a good substitute for sumac. It fits in with the marinades, dressings, and sauces, enabling you to obtain the depth and complexity you need.

1. Lime Juice
    

   

   
    

Lime juice would be another choice for what to substitute for sumac if you are looking for a substitute for sumac as it resembles its notes, especially in terms of citrusy flavor. You can use it in soups, salads, and salsas.

1. Lemon Juice
    

   

   
    

Having a tart and tangy flavor, lemon juice can be another substitute for sumac in salads, sauces, soups, and marinades.

B) Dry Sumac Substitutes

1. Lemon-Pepper Combination
    

Lemon-pepper seasoning is made from dried lemon zest and cracked *black pepper.* This mixture is widely available and can also be substituted with the ingredients at home if you run out of it. The tastes just go well together so much and are a great substitution for sumac’s sourness.
Read Also: THE BEST WAY TO DRY THYME
 

1. Cranberries
    

   

   
    

Fresh or dried cranberries give a little tart but sweet flavor which could be an option for what to use instead of sumac. Cut them into small pieces and sprinkle them onto salads, grain bowls, or roasted meats for a pop of flavor and color.

1. Smoked Paprika
    

   

   
    

Smoked paprika can be a suitable choice if you are looking for a substitute for the deep red hue of sumac. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your recipes would be enough for your food color and presentation.

1. Lemon Zest and Paprika Combination
    

   

   What to Substitute for Sumac

A great substitute for sumac spice in food would be a combination of lemon zest and a small amount of paprika or a pinch of tartaric acid. The lemon zest will provide a similar citrusy flavor, while the paprika or tartaric acid can mimic sumac’s slightly sour taste. Additionally, paprika’s deep redness can mimic sumac’s unique color in food.

1. Za’atar Spice Blend
    

   

   
    

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend, typically including sumac with sesame Seeds, thyme, and other aromatic herbs. In the absence of sumac, using za’atar can be the answer for what to substitute for sumac, providing a similar flavor profile with additional herbal notes. Sprinkle it over salads, roasted vegetables, and meats to give them another dimension of flavor.

1. Amchoor Powder
    

   

   
    

Amchoor powder, which is made by drying green mangoes, has a similar flavor to sumac with a slight tart and fruity taste. Frequently used in Indian food as it can be used to add acidity to curries, chutneys, or marinades.

1. Sorrel
    

   

   
    

The sorrel leaves by nature are tart to taste, thus, they are a good substitution for sumac. Blend chopped sorrel leaves in salads, soups, or sauces to infuse your dishes with a bright and tangy essence.

1. Lemon Zest
    

   

   
    

Lemon zest is perhaps the closest match to sumac in terms of flavor when you are searching for what to use instead of sumac. The lemon zest will provide the same citrusy punch that Sumac is well known for. Just grate the outer yellow skin of a lemon and sprinkle it over your dishes. It would bring out the taste perfectly.

1. Tamarind
    

   

   
    

Using tamarind paste or concentrate instead of sumac is another perfect selection. This flavor profile includes the sweet and the sour that enhances different types of food, either those with additional spiciness. You might need to dilute the tamarind paste with water before using it as a substitute.

1. Citric Acid
    

   

   
    

If you would like the punchy flavor profile of sumac try substituting it with citric acid as it would work just fine. Most likely, it is the powdered form and it is used in small amounts. It can be added to those dishes that need a sour taste. Be careful with the quantity and do not let it turn into something that is so powerful that it overwhelms the other flavors.

Conclusion

Although sumac is a distinctive and favored spice known for its tanginess and complexity, it may not always be available. However, for those who would like to explore what to use instead of sumac, there is always an option of trying out sumac substitutes. Ranging from citrus zest to vinegar to unique spice blends, each substitute employs its distinctive taste, which suits a great many of the dishes. Give these sumac substitutes a try in your cooking to explore new and mind-blowing taste combinations. Whether you are a Middle Eastern food enthusiast or love to experiment with world cuisine, trying to figure out what to substitute for sumac will add a special touch to your culinary creations.

FAQs

1. What spices are close to sumac?

Spices that closely resemble sumac include lemon zest, citric acid, tamarind paste, and za’atar spice blend. These alternatives offer similar tartness and citrusy notes, making them suitable substitutes for enhancing flavor in various dishes, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

1. Is sumac similar to paprika?

No, sumac and paprika are different spices. Sumac is tart and tangy, while paprika is made from dried peppers and adds a smoky or sweet flavor to dishes. However, paprika can be used as a sumac substitute to add a similar food color.

1. What to substitute for sumac in cooking?

For sumac in cooking, substitutes like lemon zest, citric acid, tamarind paste, vinegar, pomegranate molasses, za’atar, lime juice, and sorrel leaves work well.