Sumac spice is a Middle Eastern spice with a tart, lemony flavor. It’s often used in seasoning dips and spreads, but it can also be used in other dishes. Here are some ways you can incorporate sumac spice into your cooking.

Sumac spice is a must-have in any Middle Eastern kitchen, but what do you do if you can’t find it or just don’t want to spend the money?

Never fear; plenty of sumac spice substitutes will give your dish the same delicious flavor. Check out these five easy substitutes for sumac spice!

What is sumac?

Sumac spice is a reddish-purple powder made from dried sumac berries. It has a lemony, tart, and astringent taste. It is used to add flavor to food and is also used as a natural dye.

Sumac spice can be used in a variety of ways. For example, it can be sprinkled on food as a seasoning, added to dressings and marinades, or used as a natural dye.

Sumac Spice Substitutes

Sumac spice is a popular Middle Eastern seasoning made from ground dried berries. It has a tart, lemony flavor and is used in salads, marinades, and sauces.

If you’re looking for a sumac substitute, try one of these five options:

• Lemon zest
• Vinegar
• Zaatar
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Tamarind
• Amchoor
• Lime

Each ingredient will add a tart, acidic flavor to your dishes. While sumac can be found in specialty stores, it can be expensive. If you’re looking for a substitute for sumac, here are five options to try.

1. Lemon zest

Lemon zest is a perfect way to add a tart, lemony flavor to your dish without adding any liquid. However, ensure you don’t use too much, as it can be overpowering.

Lemon zest is the layer of the lemon peel and is used to add flavor to food. It’s an excellent substitute for sumac because it has a similar tart and acidic taste.

To use the lemon zest as a sumac substitute, add it to your dish in the same amount that you would use sumac. If you’re using it as a seasoning, start with a little bit and add more to the taste.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is another good option for adding acidity and tanginess to a dish. But, again, be careful not to use too much, or it will dominate the flavors of your plate.

Vinegar is a popular ingredient in cooking and can be used in various ways. For example, it can be used to add flavor to food, as a preservative, or to help with cooking.

When using vinegar in cooking, choosing the right type is essential. Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and even red wine vinegar are all excellent options.

3. Zaatar

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically contains sumac. Therefore, it can be used as a 1:1 substitution for sumac in most recipes.

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically contains thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It can be used in many ways but is most commonly sprinkled over flatbreads or salads. It can also be used to flavor roasted meat, fish, or vegetables. If you’re out of sumac spice, try using Zaatar as a replacement.

4. Lemon pepper seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning is a typical spice blend that contains both lemon and pepper. It can be used to replace sumac in a recipe, although you may want to adjust the amount of other spices in the dish.

Several different dishes can be enhanced with the addition of lemon pepper seasoning. Some of the best include chicken, fish, and pasta. If you’re out of sumac or looking for a change, try one of these delicious substitutes.

5. Tamarind

Tamarind is a fruit with a sour, acidic flavor. It’s often used in Asian cuisine, and you can find it in many Asian markets. Tamarind paste can be used as a sumac substitute, although you may need to adjust the other flavors in your dish to balance the sweetness.

Tamarind is used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, usually in curries. It is also used in Thai cuisine, for example, in all sorts of curry, Phad Thai and more.

6. Amchoor

If you’re looking for a substitute for sumac, amchoor is a good option to try. Amchoor is made from dried unripe mangos and has a sour, acidic flavor. It can be used in place of sumac in most recipes.

7. Lime

A final sumac substitute for trying is lime. Like lemon, lime has a sour, acidic flavor that can be used to enhance food. It’s a good option for dishes with a Mexican or Caribbean flair.

When using lime as a sumac substitute, start by adding a little bit and adjusting according to your taste.

FAQ: Most common questions about sumac spice

Can I make sumac at home?

Yes, you can make sumac at home by drying sumac berries and grinding them into powder. You can watch a 4-minutes Youtube video to learn more.

What does Sumac spice taste like?

Sumac has a lemony, tart, and astringent taste.

Is sumac spicy?

No, sumac is not spicy; it’s savory.

What is another name for sumac?

Another name for sumac is Rhus Coriaria.

Is sumac the same as paprika?

No, sumac is not the same as paprika. Paprika is made from ground peppers and has a sweet taste, while sumac is made from ground berries and has a tart, lemony flavor.

Where to buy sumac in the USA?

You can buy sumac online, for example, on Amazon or at specialty stores like Walmart or Tesco.

Wrap Up

Sumac is a sour, acidic spice that can be used to enhance the flavor of food. It’s often used in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in many Asian markets. If you’re out of sumac or looking for a change, try one of these delicious substitutes.