Cumin is hard to substitute, but there are a few options if you don’t have this spice on hand! Here is the best substitute for cumin in recipes.
Preparing a recipe that calls for cumin and you don’t have any? We have all the answers. Cumin is a spice with an earthy, savory flavor that’s instantly recognizable. You’ll find it in many great cuisines around the world, including Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Indian.
Cumin is so unique that if you can, go to the store and buy some cumin! But if you’re in the middle of a recipe and don’t have time to shop, we get it. Here are the best cumin substitutes.
The best substitute for cumin
Note that how these options work depends on the type of cuisine and how the cumin is used.
1. Chili powder (Latin cuisine only).
Chili powder contains cumin, so substitute cumin in a pinch. Replace half of the cumin with chili powder (½ teaspoon chili powder to 1 teaspoon cumin).
Warning: Chili powder tastes more bitter than cumin and also adds heat! Don’t pursue this if you don’t have a spice tolerance. This only works with Mexican or Latin American flavors! Don’t try it in an Indian curry (see below).
2. Taco seasoning (Latin cuisine only).
Similar to chili powder, taco seasoning substitutes for cumin because it contains cumin. Again, replace half of the cumin with the taco seasoning. Please note: taco seasoning usually contains salt! Therefore, adjust the salt content in your food accordingly.
This only works in Mexican or Latino flavors, like in tacos or enchiladas. It wouldn’t work well in Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine.
3. Ground Coriander (Middle Eastern cuisine only).
If you have it on hand, substitute coriander for half the cumin. In other words, ½ teaspoon of coriander replaces 1 teaspoon of cumin. Their taste is similar, but the cumin is much more pronounced. This one works best in Middle Eastern kitchens.
4. Curry powder (Indian cuisine only).
If necessary, curry powder only works in Indian cuisine as a substitute for cumin. Many curry powder mixes contain cumin. Keep in mind that turmeric in curry powder can turn the color of food yellowish. Again, start with ½ tsp curry powder to 1 tsp cumin.
Related Recipes
Here are some of our favorite cumin recipes:
