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

For 1 Or 2 High Protein Low Carb 15 Minutes Or Less

A Pork Marinade

Tired of pork marinades that are either too lemony or overly sweet? This recipe strikes the perfect balance! A flavorful blend of savory and subtly sweet ingredients creates a tender, juicy, and incredibly delicious pork dish. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. Get ready for your new favorite marinade!

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Time To Make Poultry Dietary Egg Free

Adobo Chicken With Ginger

Experience the best Adobo Chicken with Ginger recipe! This mouthwatering dish boasts tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a rich sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Healthy African Healthy 2 Course

African Peanut And Squash Stew

A vibrant and flavorful vegan African Peanut & Squash Stew, bursting with protein and exotic spices! This hearty, satisfying stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich peanut sauce, tender squash, and delightful black-eyed peas!

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Cuisine Dietary Preparation Time To Make

African Pork And Peanut Stew

A vibrant and flavorful African Pork and Peanut Stew recipe! This hearty stew boasts tender pork, rich peanut butter sauce, and warming spices. Garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts, it's a satisfying and exotic meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Add a kick with optional red pepper flakes!

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Beef Course Main Ingredient Easy

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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Equipment Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Fruit

Almond Topped Pear Pie

This adopted recipe for Almond-Topped Pear Pie is a delicious fall dessert featuring juicy pears baked to perfection under a crunchy almond topping. Easy to follow instructions and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible pie!

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Lunch Snacks Dietary Kid Friendly

Aloo Potato Pakora

Whip up a batch of these irresistible Aloo Potato Pakoras in just 10 minutes! This easy recipe, shared by my friend Rupali, makes a fantastic side dish for any Indian meal. Perfect for adults, and a kid-friendly snack with less chili powder – they'll gobble them up! Get ready for crispy, flavorful potato fritters that are bursting with deliciousness.

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Course Course Indian Time To Make

Aloo Gobi Mattar Cauliflower Pea And Potato Curry

Experience a flavor explosion with this vibrant Aloo Gobi Mattar! Combining the best of Aloo Gobi and Aloo Mattar, this curry is bursting with fragrant spices and tender vegetables. A delicious adaptation of a Route79.com recipe, it's a fantastic way to sneak extra greens into your meal. This gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free dish is traditionally cooked in a karahi, but a wok or large nonstick pan works perfectly. For an authentic taste, we highly recommend using ghee. Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice with chapati or naan for a truly unforgettable culinary journey!

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30 Minutes Or Less Apples Fruit Comfort Food

Apple Butter Muffins

Experience a taste of Toh tradition with these irresistible Apple Butter Muffins! A delightful blend of warm spices and sweet apples creates a unique "spicy" flavor with a fruity "punch." These muffins are incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Healthy Beginner Cook Lunch Occasion

Apple Butter Spice Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this irresistible Apple Butter Spice Cake! This recipe, a treasured gift from a master baker, delivers moist, spiced cake layers infused with the rich sweetness of apple butter. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to bake up a slice of autumn heaven!

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Fruit Thanksgiving Course Pies And Tarts

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!

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Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Course

Asian Beef Chicken Lo Mein

Craving a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner? This speedy Asian Beef or Chicken Lo Mein recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Enjoy tender noodles tossed with your choice of savory ground beef or juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and aromatic ginger. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is easily customizable – use fresh or frozen veggies for ultimate convenience!

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Number Of Servings 60 Minutes Or Less Meat 3 Steps Or Less

Asian Beef And Noodles

Savor the explosion of flavors in this quick and easy Asian Beef and Noodles Stir-Fry! Tender sirloin steak is tossed with vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snow peas in a savory sauce, all served over perfectly cooked noodles. A delicious and satisfying weeknight meal ready in under 40 minutes!

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Poultry Pasta Rice And Grains Easy Cuisine

Asian Chicken And Snow Pea Noodle Bowl

This vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken & Snow Pea Noodle Bowl is a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender chicken, crisp snow peas, and delicious noodles are tossed in a savory broth, making for a satisfying and healthy dish. Easily adaptable to your taste – substitute beef for chicken and beef broth for chicken broth to create a delicious beef noodle bowl! Vegetarian? Simply use tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken and chicken broth. Customize your spice level and add extra bouillon for a richer flavor. Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 30 minutes!

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Main Dish Time To Make Course Low Cholesterol

Asian Creation

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired spaghetti dish! This recipe combines the best of Thai noodles and Chinese lo mein, featuring tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, fragrant ginger and cardamom, savory soy sauce, and a touch of spicy heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to customize to your spice preference.

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Preparation Course Meat Main Ingredient

Asian Grilled Chicken Salad

Fire up your grill for this vibrant Asian Grilled Chicken Salad! Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty Asian-inspired sauce, grilled to perfection, and served over crisp lettuce with a refreshing dressing. Ready in under an hour (excluding marinating time). Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light summer lunch.

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Time To Make Number Of Servings Time To Make Salads

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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Vegetables Easy Stove Top Course

Asian Sweet And Spicy Noodles Vegetarian

Craving a vibrant and flavorful noodle dish? This Asian Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian Noodles recipe is a game-changer! Quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for a weeknight meal or a make-ahead picnic. The sweet and spicy sauce, featuring honey, rice wine vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, coats perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a symphony of tastes. Loaded with colorful veggies like baby corn, chestnuts, bell peppers, and peas, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Add protein like shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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