Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Ginger

Zingiber officinale Allergen-Free
ginger

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Zingiberaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global (especially Asian, Indian)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Ginger plant rhizome

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

The pungent, aromatic rhizome of a flowering plant, widely used as a spice and traditional medicine.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Spicy, Warm, Citrusy, Woody
TextureFibrous, Juicy, Crisp (when raw)
AromaPungent, Spicy, Fresh, Lemony
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Active Compound

Gingerol

Culinary Forms Used

Fresh, Dried, Powdered, Candied, Pickled

Shelf Life (Refrigerated)

3-4 weeks (unpeeled)

Nutrition Facts

Per 5 g (1 tsp grated)
Calories80 kcal
Total Fat0.8 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.8 g
Total Carbohydrate17.7 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars1.7 g
Calcium16 mg
Iron0.6 mg
Potassium415 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel ginger, scrape it with the edge of a spoon. For maximum flavor, add fresh ginger at the end of cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Galangal

1:1

Closest flavor profile, but more peppery and piney. Good for Southeast Asian dishes.

Ginger Powder

1/2 tsp powder for 1 tbsp fresh grated

Good for flavor, but lacks freshness and texture. Use in cooked dishes.

Allspice

1/2 tsp for 1 tbsp fresh grated

Offers warmth and some spice, but a different flavor profile. Best for baking.

Ground Cardamom

1/4 tsp for 1 tbsp fresh grated

Provides aromatic warmth, but is more floral and less pungent.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, smooth skin, free of mold. Store unpeeled in a cool, dry place or refrigerated.

Flavor Pairings

Garlic Soy Sauce Chili Lemon Lime Turmeric Honey Chicken Fish.

Recipes Using Ginger

Asian Preparation Time To Make Asian

Chicken Tikka Masala Vegan Style

Craving Chicken Tikka Masala but living the vegan life? This recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors you love, completely plant-based! Using Gardein's 'Chicken Scallopini' as a fantastic meat substitute, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most dedicated carnivores. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Number Of Servings European Course Number Of Servings

1995 1St Place Swedish Spice Cookies

Award-winning recipe! These Swedish spice cookies won first place in the 1995 Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. Get ready to impress with these melt-in-your-mouth delights, perfectly spiced and delicately sweet. A treasured family recipe, perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion.

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Equipment Chicken Thighs Legs Poultry Meat

African Saucy Chicken

Experience the vibrant flavors of Africa with this irresistible slow cooker recipe! Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmer in a creamy peanut butter and coconut milk sauce, infused with warming spices and a hint of heat. Perfect served over rice or vermicelli noodles, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easily customizable to your spice preference!

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Easy Gluten Free Beginner Cook Potatoes

African Sweet Potato And Peanut Soup

A vibrant and flavorful West African-inspired soup, adapted from the Moosewood Cookbook. This hearty recipe combines sweet potatoes, peanuts, and warming spices for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Easily customizable with your favorite fruit or vegetable juices! (Wine, apricot, or tomato juice are great substitutes.)

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Rice Equipment Stove Top Main Dish

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.

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Course Main Ingredient Occasion Cakes

Alaskan Sourdough Blueberry Gingerbread

Warm up your kitchen with this irresistible Alaskan Sourdough Blueberry Gingerbread! Inspired by julesong's recipe #7020, this twist features the bright burst of fresh Alaskan blueberries, creating a unique and unforgettable gingerbread experience. Get ready for a comforting treat with the perfect balance of tangy sourdough, spicy ginger, and juicy blueberries. Perfect for a cozy evening or festive gathering!

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Course Course Steaks Meat

Alberta Flank Steak

Experience the ultimate Canadian BBQ with this mouthwatering Alberta Flank Steak recipe! Marinated to perfection in a savory soy-wine blend, then grilled to juicy tenderness, this recipe is a flavour explosion. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a special weeknight dinner.

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60 Minutes Or Less Eggs Dairy Cupcakes Cheese

Amanda's Gingerbread Cupcakes

Warm up your autumn with Amanda's irresistible Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes! This recipe, originally made for a fall volunteer tea in 2010, delivers perfectly moist and flavorful gingerbread cupcakes topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Equipment North American Main Ingredient Chicken Breasts

Apple Braised Chicken

Juicy and flavorful apple braised chicken, a low-point, healthy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner! This recipe uses fat-free liquid to simmer tender chicken breasts, creating a moist and delicious dish. Experiment with different broths and juices to customize your flavor profile. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, 5-star recipe!

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For 1 Or 2 Course Seasonal 30 Minutes Or Less

Apple Ginger Oatmeal

Warm up on chilly mornings with this comforting Apple Ginger Oatmeal recipe, straight from the enchanted kitchen column in Sagewomen magazine! This delightful breakfast bowl combines the sweetness of apples and warming ginger with creamy oats for a truly satisfying start to your day. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect recipe to banish those cold-weather blues.

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Course Free Of Something Poultry Main Ingredient

Apple Juice Marinade

Unlock unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken or pork with this easy apple juice marinade! Sweet and subtly tart, this marinade infuses your meat with delicious apple flavor, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Get ready for tender, mouthwatering results!

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Dietary Low Carb Low In Something Beginner Cook

Asian Chicken Burgers

Juicy Asian Chicken Burgers bursting with flavor! This recipe skips the bread crumbs and egg unless your chicken is extra dry. These flavorful patties are perfectly complemented by crisp beansprouts, a tangy soy sauce drizzle, and creamy sour cream. Serve on toasted buns for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ.

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Course Chicken Time To Make Preparation

Asian Chicken Salad With Roasted Peanuts

Craving a vibrant and flavorful salad? This Asian Chicken Salad with Roasted Peanuts, inspired by Bon Appetit, is a quick and easy weeknight meal! Crispy roasted peanuts, juicy chicken, and a zesty ginger-cilantro dressing come together for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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15 Minutes Or Less Course Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian Inspired Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired salad bursting with fresh ingredients! This quick and easy recipe (ready in 10 minutes!) is perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or a potluck contribution. Inspired by the rsc#18 ingredient list, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Double the recipe for a crowd!

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Asian Condiments Etc Cuisine 3 Steps Or Less

Asian Marinade

Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Asian-inspired marinade! A secret ingredient—fresh rosemary—infuses your meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables with an unforgettable, aromatic depth. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive gatherings, this marinade delivers a burst of flavor in just minutes. Marinate and grill for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Main Ingredient Occasion Number Of Servings Sweet Sauces

Asian Plum Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this explosive Asian Plum Sauce! Sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory, this vibrant sauce is the perfect complement to fried tofu, chicken, or pork. Imagine the juicy plum flavor mingling with a hint of chili heat, all balanced by a touch of salty umami. Garnish with fresh scallions for an extra burst of freshness. This homemade sauce is a game-changer for your weeknight meals and a delightful gift for fellow food lovers!

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Dinner Party Dietary Rice Occasion

Asian Risotto

Experience a flavor explosion with this Pacific Rim-inspired shrimp risotto! A comforting twist on a classic, this recipe boasts succulent shrimp, fragrant ginger and garlic, crunchy pine nuts, and fresh cilantro. Say goodbye to traditional risotto and hello to a vibrant, umami-rich dish that's quick to make and guaranteed to impress. Adapted from a local grocery store recipe.

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30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Dietary

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad With Peanut Dressing Vegetarian

This vibrant Asian Sesame Noodle Salad is a quick and easy vegetarian meal packed with flavor! A creamy peanut dressing coats perfectly cooked noodles and crisp veggies for a satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch. Prepare the dressing and noodles ahead of time to save even more time! Serves 4-6 (easily doubled for 6-8).

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