Ginger

Zingiber officinale Spice, Root

Ginger Spice, Root

At a Glance

  • Category Spice, Root

The Forktionary Angle

"The spicy root that elevates both cuisine and wellness."

Definition

A flowering plant whose rhizome (underground stem) is widely used as a spice or folk medicine. Known for its pungent, aromatic flavor.

Active Compound Gingerol
Culinary Forms Used Fresh, Dried, Powdered, Candied, Pickled
Shelf Life (Refrigerated) 3-4 weeks (unpeeled)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Ginger are:

Pungent Spicy Warm Citrusy Aromatic

Chef’s Secret

Freeze whole ginger root unpeeled. When needed, grate directly from frozen using a microplane – it's much easier to peel a small portion if you need it whole.

Best Substitutes

Galangal

- similar but more floral/peppery
Ratio 1:1

Ground Ginger

1/2 tsp ground for 1 tbsp fresh grated

Buying Guide

Look for firm, smooth skin, without wrinkles or mold. A strong, fresh aroma is a good sign.

Recipes Using Ginger

Preparation Time To Make Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Aloo Matar Ki Sabzi Potato N Peas Curry

Discover the vibrant flavors of Aloo Matar Ki Sabzi, a classic Indian potato and pea curry! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Learn how to create tender potatoes and peas in a rich and aromatic sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Indian culinary delight!

See Complete Recipe
Saltwater Fish Low Saturated Fat Low In Something Preparation

Asian Salmon Roll Ups

Delight your taste buds with these Asian Salmon Roll Ups! A vibrant fusion of sweet mandarin oranges, creamy peanut butter, and savory salmon, all wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe puts a delicious Asian twist on a classic salmon salad, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Poultry Lactose Egg Free Main Ingredient

Cold Blasting Chicken Noodle Soup

Fight off colds and flu with this flavorful and aromatic chicken noodle soup! Our family's secret recipe, packed with garlic, ginger, onion, chili, and cilantro, is designed to soothe your soul and boost your immunity. Whether you use leftover roast chicken or start from scratch, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste and pantry staples. Even without lemon pepper, the bold spices create a comforting and delicious bowl of goodness. Get ready to experience a warming hug in every spoonful!

See Complete Recipe
Curries Asian Main Dish Time To Make

Beef Vindaloo

Experience the explosive flavors of authentic Beef Vindaloo! This recipe lets you customize the spice level to your preference, creating a rich and aromatic curry that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender beef cubes simmer in a vibrant sauce bursting with ginger, garlic, chilies, and warming spices. Easy to follow instructions guide you to curry perfection!

See Complete Recipe
Cheesecake Eggs Dairy Occasion Main Ingredient

Almond Topped Pumpkin Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent Almond-Topped Pumpkin Cheesecake, a fall classic perfected! This recipe, inspired by Taste of Home (Oct/Nov 2006), features a buttery gingersnap crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and a crunchy almond topping. Prepare for rave reviews – it's the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or any special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Easy Preparation Easy Indian

Agave Curried Crock Pot Chickpeas

This incredibly easy recipe for Agave Curried Crock Pot Chickpeas is a family favorite! Ready in minutes to prep and bursting with flavor after a slow cook, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. Sweet agave nectar balances the savory curry spices, creating a unique and delicious chickpea stew served over fluffy basmati rice. Get ready to impress your family with this minimal-effort, maximum-flavor recipe!

See Complete Recipe
North American Dietary Beans Meat

Baked Bean Style Bean Soup

This hearty Baked Bean Style Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly winter day! The split peas magically melt into a luxuriously creamy texture, while the baked beans and ham create a rich, savory flavor. This slow-cooked masterpiece will warm your kitchen and your soul. Get ready for a bowl of pure deliciousness!

See Complete Recipe
Rice Healthy Low Cholesterol Low Protein

Another Pilaf

This aromatic Another Pilaf recipe is a delightful blend of fluffy rice, fragrant spices, and sweet-tart cranberries and raisins. Perfect as a side dish with pork or chicken, or enjoyed on its own with fresh fruit and crusty bread. The combination of textures and flavors will tantalize your taste buds! Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 65 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Cuisine Pasta Main Ingredient

I Stole The Idea From Mirj Sesame Noodles

Inspired by Mirj's famous Funky Chicken Sesame Noodles, this recipe puts a spicy twist on a classic! We've taken the irresistible sesame noodle base and amped up the flavor with a touch of red pepper flakes. Get ready for a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious meal that's totally different yet undeniably similar to the original. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and will quickly become a family favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Spaghetti Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Asian

Barefoot Contessa's Crunchy Noodle Salad

Ina Garten's vibrant Crunchy Noodle Salad recipe, inspired by her cookbook Barefoot Contessa at Home. This easy-to-make recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with crisp sugar snap peas, a zesty peanut sesame dressing, and fresh herbs. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Winter Winter Lentils Preparation

African Vegetable Stew

Experience the warm embrace of Africa with this vibrant vegetable stew! Cinnamon takes center stage, its fragrant warmth weaving through a medley of vegetables and spices for a truly unique and satisfying flavor profile. This hearty and healthy stew is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Pies And Tarts Pies And Tarts Fruit Desserts

Apple Ginger Cranberry Pie

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with this irresistible Apple Ginger Cranberry Pie! Sweet tart cranberries, spicy ginger, and juicy apples combine in a flaky, buttery crust for a truly unforgettable dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a cozy night in!

See Complete Recipe
North American Equipment Pies And Tarts Fruit

Apple Cider Pie

This irresistible Apple Cider Pie recipe is a delightful blend of warm spices and sweet apples, baked to golden perfection in a flaky crust. A perfect fall dessert, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering! The recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions and results in a comforting and delicious treat.

See Complete Recipe
Low Sodium Presentation Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Pumpkin Dessert

Indulge in the ultimate autumn treat! This easy baked pumpkin dessert recipe is a delicious twist on a classic. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of mystery (the original recipe was a bit vague!), this recipe delivers a warm, spiced pumpkin delight perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready for a pumpkin explosion of flavor!

See Complete Recipe
For Large Groups For Large Groups Wings Holiday Event

Bat Wings

These incredibly tasty bat wings are a guaranteed party hit! Easy to customize the spice level to your preference, these crispy, flavorful wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight treat. Get ready for finger-licking goodness!

See Complete Recipe
Number Of Servings Cuisine Pasta Preparation

Asian Couscous

This vibrant Asian-inspired couscous side dish is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for a weeknight meal or to impress guests, this recipe combines tender couscous with savory sauteed onions, garlic, and a delicious blend of Asian-inspired spices. Get ready for rave reviews from your family – it's that good! (Cooking time includes couscous resting time.)

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight Time To Make Meat Lamb Sheep

Anglo Indian Beef Or Lamb Stir Fry

Discover the vibrant flavors of Anglo-Indian cuisine with this quick and easy beef or lamb stir-fry! Inspired by Ruta Kahate's "5 Spices, 50 Dishes," this recipe is perfect for using leftover roast beef or lamb, but you can also use raw beef or even deli meat for a speedy weeknight meal. A delicious blend of spices creates a rich and savory dish, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of India. Even the potato side is a star on its own! This recipe is a testament to the cultural fusion that shaped Indian cooking.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Cuisine Preparation Asian

Asian Shrimp And Ginger Fritters With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Dive into a flavor explosion with these irresistible Asian Shrimp and Ginger Fritters! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these delightful morsels are the ultimate appetizer. Served with a vibrant, homemade sweet chili dipping sauce (or use store-bought!), these fritters are guaranteed to impress. Easily customizable for spice level – add more chilies for extra heat! Find fish sauce at your local Asian market. Get ready for a 30-minute culinary adventure!

See Complete Recipe