Cumin Substitute 11 Easy Alternatives For Any Recipe

Jump to Recipe Try a cumin substitute from this list the next time you find yourself without this popular spice mid-recipe! It packs a punch of flavor and aromatics that many dishes would not be complete without. But don’t worry about running to the store, you may have one of these easy cumin substitutes waiting in your spice cabinet! Best Cumin Substitute Cumin has one of the most recognizable tastes and aromas. This bold earthy spice has a natural warmth to it that enhances the flavor of meat, stews, and sauces. Without it, you really would have a bland dish. Therefore, while it may seem tempting to leave out a spice if you don’t have it on hand – I don’t recommend it. Rather than forgo the bold flavor of your recipe, try one of these amazing substitutes for cumin.

Jump to:Best Cumin Substitute

Coriander
Ground Coriander + Cayenne
Caraway Seeds
Fennel Seeds
Taco Seasoning
Chili powder
Chipotle Powder
Paprika
Curry Powder
Garam Masala
Star Anise
Nigella Seeds 📋 Recipe
Coriander Coriander has a bold flavor that is reminiscent of cumin. Which makes sense since these two spices are cousins. Like cumin, the bold flavor of coriander is also popular in Mexican cuisine. Therefore, you will probably recognize its taste and aroma if you love Mexican food. In addition, coriander is used in Indian and Thai cooking. It is one of the main spices used in making curry powder. While coriander and cumin share many similar flavor notes, coriander is not as spicey as cumin. However, it is still best to start with only ½ of a teaspoon of coriander in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin. You can use ground coriander or coriander seeds.
Ground Coriander + Cayenne As mentioned above, coriander will work wonderfully on its own. Especially if you prefer a flavor with a little less kick than cumin. If you want that bold kick of flavor that comes from the spice in cumin though, coriander alone won’t offer it. However, this can be remedied with another common spice in your cabinet – cayenne pepper. Follow the direction above for subbing coriander for cumin and then add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Caraway Seeds Caraway seeds are commonly found in Middle Eastern cooking. Like cumin, they have a complex and rich flavor profile. These flavorful seeds are earthy with notes of pepper, citrus, and anise. It is a flavor that has a bit of a zing, with a sweet softer undertone. These seeds are used to add bold flavor to rich sauces and dishes with pasta and rice. Use ½ teaspoon of caraway seeds in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. If the flavor is not bold enough, add more slowly.
Fennel Seeds When heated up, fennel seeds release a bold aroma that is warm and earthy. Much like what cumin smells like when heated up. However, in addition to its earthy aroma and flavor, fennel has the added flavor of anise. If you are unfamiliar with anise, it has the same flavor as licorice. Fennel also has a bit of sweetness. While there are some flavor differences this bold spice is still a great choice as a substitute for cumin. It works particularly well in tomato sauce and curries. As with the other substitutes, start with half the measurement the recipe calls for. The flavor of fennel goes a long way.
Taco Seasoning If you don’t have cumin in your spice cabinet peek in your pantry to see if you have any taco seasoning. Yes, the little packet with the perfect measurement of spices to kick up the flavor of a plain pound of ground beef. Whether it is a generic taco seasoning packet or Taco Bell brand, this mixture of spices is a great choice to use instead of cumin powder. Especially when making a Mexican dish. Most taco seasonings are made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar. The main seasoning, chili powder, is made with cumin. Therefore, when you smell cumin on its own it may remind you of taco seasoning. In most recipes, you can use taco seasoning in a 1:1 ratio for cumin. However, if you are worried about it shifting the flavor too much start with ½ a measurement and add more as desired.
Chili powder As mentioned above, chili powder contains cumin. Chili powder is a blend of dried chili flakes, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Like taco seasoning, the mixture is a great choice for Mexican dishes. Especially those that you want to have a nice bold flavor. Since chili powder is not balanced with the sugar used in taco seasoning it will often be a bit spicier though, so keep that in mind when using it as a substitute. The red flavor may also add a bit of color to your dish. Start with ½ teaspoon of chili powder for 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.
Chipotle Powder Chipotle powder is made from dried and smoked chili peppers. This is the powder that is often used as a base for chili powder. However, since it is not mixed with the other spices it has a distinctly different flavor. You will notice that chipotle powder has a smoky flavor with a bit of heat. Even though it has some heat in the flavor it is a different type of flavor than cumin. Therefore, you will notice some differences in the final taste. However, it is a good option for adding a smoky twist to a dish. Use ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.
Paprika Of all the dried chili spices, paprika is the mildest. It has a rich smoky flavor that is more prominent than any spiciness. Paprika is mostly identified as because of its rich red color, rather than its flavor. Due to its mild flavor and bold color, this spice is commonly used as a garnish. Just because it is used as a garnish doesn’t mean it doesn’t work well mixed into the recipe as well. If you want an alternative to cumin that is not as spicy, try paprika. It will add a nice hint of color and a smoky flavor. You can use a 1:1 ratio for this substitution.
Curry Powder Curry powder is a spice blend that is used to make, curry! This blend is commonly used in Indian cooking, but it has become more popular around the world. If you have ever used curry powder before then you know it is a bold yellow color. The color comes from the main ingredient – turmeric. While turmeric is bold visually, it has a very mild taste. Therefore, it is mixed with other spices like cumin, fenugreek, and coriander to get a richer flavor. Since curry powder is made with cumin it works well in many dishes. However, the flavor will be more subdued, and it will also add a bright yellow hue to your dish. Curry powder can be used in a 1:1 ratio because of the mild turmeric base.
Garam Masala Another spice blend that originated in India is Garam Masala. This blend is less common in the United States. However, if you are familiar with it and have it on hand it can also be a nice substitute for cumin. Unlike curry powder, garam masala is not made with turmeric. Therefore, it will not add a yellow hue to your dish. Like curry powder, it includes cumin in its mixture. In addition, most garam masala blends will include coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, nutmeg, and mace. These bold spices will provide a rich flavor that has a similar spicy flavor profile as cumin. The addition of the nutmeg and mace will lend a warm flavor with hints of sweetness. Start with ½ a teaspoon of garam masala in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin.
Star Anise You may recognize star anise as the star-shaped pods that are used in making mulled wine and ciders during the holidays. However, this distinctly shaped spice also comes in a ground powder form. The flavor of star anise is quite different from cumin. While it has spicy notes, they are offset by a strong licorice flavor. Although this spice is not identical to cumin it is a fun way to elevate the flavor of a dish. So, if you have ground star anise in your cupboard give it a try. You can even use the full pods for simmering in sauces or stews. Use ½ teaspoon of ground star anise or 2 to 3 whole pods to replace 1 teaspoon of cumin.
Nigella Seeds Less common than other substitutes for cumin are nigella seeds. These are seeds that have a slightly bitter flavor. The flavor resembles a blend of cumin, oregano, and onion. There is also a smoky element to them. This complex flavor pairs well with many of the same foods that cumin would be used to season on its own. Therefore, if you are familiar with nigella seeds and have them available, they are a great alternative to cumin. Even though these come in seed form rather than a ground powder they can be easily measured in a 1:1 ratio for cumin. However, the little black seeds will be noticeable in your final dish and slightly change the aesthetic. Cooking SubstitutesApple Cider VinegarMarsala WineDijon MustardSesame OilHorseradishRed Wine VinegarMasa HarinaCream CheeseCreme FraicheWorcestershire SaucePeanut SubstitutePecan SubstituteAu JusCremini MushroomAncho ChilePoblano PepperCeleryYogurtBrowning SauceParmesan CheeseGreen OnionGreen ChilesBeef BrothShaoxing WineTamarindMiso PasteRicotta CheeseSherry VinegarCream of ChickenCream of MushroomMirinTomato SauceBalsamic VinegarMascarpone CheeseLardBreadcrumbButterRice VinegarGruyere CheeseSoy SauceVegetable OilTahiniTomato PasteOyster SauceWhite Wine VinegarChicken BrothSour CreamFish SauceShallotsMushroomMore great guides to substitutions to help you out with all of your cooking! No matter what you’re cooking, we are sure it will come out delicious if you use a cumin substitute from this page! Let us know in the comments below which alternatives you tried and how your recipe turned out!

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Best Cumin Substitute: Coriander (+ More Easy Alternatives!)

Try a cumin substitute from this list the next time you find yourself without this popular spice mid-recipe! It packs a punch of flavor and aromatics that many dishes would not be complete without. But don’t worry about running to the store, you may have one of these easy cumin substitutes waiting in your spice cabinet!

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving Calories: 0.1kcal Prep 2 minutes Cooking 0 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ ½ tablespoon coriander (ground or whole)▢ ½ tablespoon caraway seeds▢ ½ tablespoon fennel seeds

InstructionsIt is best to start with only ½ of a teaspoon of coriander in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin. ½ tablespoon corianderUse ½ teaspoon of caraway seeds in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. If the flavor is not bold enough, add more slowly. ½ tablespoon caraway seedsAs with the other substitutes, start with half the amount of fennel in place of cumin. The flavor of fennel goes a long way. ½ tablespoon fennel seeds Equipment You May NeedMeasuring SpoonsAirtight Spice ContainerSilicone Whisk Notes *Nutrition calculations are for coriander only.

NutritionCalories: 0.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.01g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 0.1mg Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! best cumin substitute, cumin alternatives, cumin substitute, cumin substitutes for cooking, what to use in place of cumin Course SubstitutionsCuisine AmericanAngela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Best Cumin Substitute

Cumin has one of the most recognizable tastes and aromas. This bold earthy spice has a natural warmth to it that enhances the flavor of meat, stews, and sauces. Without it, you really would have a bland dish.

Therefore, while it may seem tempting to leave out a spice if you don’t have it on hand – I don’t recommend it. Rather than forgo the bold flavor of your recipe, try one of these amazing substitutes for cumin.

1. Coriander

Coriander has a bold flavor that is reminiscent of cumin. Which makes sense since these two spices are cousins.

Like cumin, the bold flavor of coriander is also popular in Mexican cuisine. Therefore, you will probably recognize its taste and aroma if you love Mexican food.

In addition, coriander is used in Indian and Thai cooking. It is one of the main spices used in making curry powder.

While coriander and cumin share many similar flavor notes, coriander is not as spicey as cumin. However, it is still best to start with only ½ of a teaspoon of coriander in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin. You can use ground coriander or coriander seeds.

2. Ground Coriander + Cayenne

As mentioned above, coriander will work wonderfully on its own. Especially if you prefer a flavor with a little less kick than cumin.

If you want that bold kick of flavor that comes from the spice in cumin though, coriander alone won’t offer it. However, this can be remedied with another common spice in your cabinet – cayenne pepper.

Follow the direction above for subbing coriander for cumin and then add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

3. Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are commonly found in Middle Eastern cooking. Like cumin, they have a complex and rich flavor profile.

These flavorful seeds are earthy with notes of pepper, citrus, and anise. It is a flavor that has a bit of a zing, with a sweet softer undertone.

These seeds are used to add bold flavor to rich sauces and dishes with pasta and rice.

Use ½ teaspoon of caraway seeds in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. If the flavor is not bold enough, add more slowly.

4. Fennel Seeds

When heated up, fennel seeds release a bold aroma that is warm and earthy. Much like what cumin smells like when heated up.

However, in addition to its earthy aroma and flavor, fennel has the added flavor of anise. If you are unfamiliar with anise, it has the same flavor as licorice. Fennel also has a bit of sweetness.

While there are some flavor differences this bold spice is still a great choice as a substitute for cumin. It works particularly well in tomato sauce and curries.

As with the other substitutes, start with half the measurement the recipe calls for. The flavor of fennel goes a long way.

5. Taco Seasoning

If you don’t have cumin in your spice cabinet peek in your pantry to see if you have any taco seasoning. Yes, the little packet with the perfect measurement of spices to kick up the flavor of a plain pound of ground beef.

Whether it is a generic taco seasoning packet or Taco Bell brand, this mixture of spices is a great choice to use instead of cumin powder. Especially when making a Mexican dish.

Most taco seasonings are made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar. The main seasoning, chili powder, is made with cumin. Therefore, when you smell cumin on its own it may remind you of taco seasoning.

In most recipes, you can use taco seasoning in a 1:1 ratio for cumin. However, if you are worried about it shifting the flavor too much start with ½ a measurement and add more as desired.

6. Chili powder

As mentioned above, chili powder contains cumin. Chili powder is a blend of dried chili flakes, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper.

Like taco seasoning, the mixture is a great choice for Mexican dishes. Especially those that you want to have a nice bold flavor.

Since chili powder is not balanced with the sugar used in taco seasoning it will often be a bit spicier though, so keep that in mind when using it as a substitute. The red flavor may also add a bit of color to your dish.

Start with ½ teaspoon of chili powder for 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.

7. Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder is made from dried and smoked chili peppers. This is the powder that is often used as a base for chili powder.

However, since it is not mixed with the other spices it has a distinctly different flavor. You will notice that chipotle powder has a smoky flavor with a bit of heat.

Even though it has some heat in the flavor it is a different type of flavor than cumin. Therefore, you will notice some differences in the final taste. However, it is a good option for adding a smoky twist to a dish.

Use ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin powder.

8. Paprika

Of all the dried chili spices, paprika is the mildest. It has a rich smoky flavor that is more prominent than any spiciness.

Paprika is mostly identified as because of its rich red color, rather than its flavor. Due to its mild flavor and bold color, this spice is commonly used as a garnish.

Just because it is used as a garnish doesn’t mean it doesn’t work well mixed into the recipe as well. If you want an alternative to cumin that is not as spicy, try paprika. It will add a nice hint of color and a smoky flavor.

You can use a 1:1 ratio for this substitution.

9. Curry Powder

Curry powder is a spice blend that is used to make, curry! This blend is commonly used in Indian cooking, but it has become more popular around the world.

If you have ever used curry powder before then you know it is a bold yellow color. The color comes from the main ingredient – turmeric.

While turmeric is bold visually, it has a very mild taste. Therefore, it is mixed with other spices like cumin, fenugreek, and coriander to get a richer flavor.

Since curry powder is made with cumin it works well in many dishes. However, the flavor will be more subdued, and it will also add a bright yellow hue to your dish.

Curry powder can be used in a 1:1 ratio because of the mild turmeric base.

10. Garam Masala

Another spice blend that originated in India is Garam Masala. This blend is less common in the United States. However, if you are familiar with it and have it on hand it can also be a nice substitute for cumin.

Unlike curry powder, garam masala is not made with turmeric. Therefore, it will not add a yellow hue to your dish. Like curry powder, it includes cumin in its mixture.

In addition, most garam masala blends will include coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, nutmeg, and mace. These bold spices will provide a rich flavor that has a similar spicy flavor profile as cumin. The addition of the nutmeg and mace will lend a warm flavor with hints of sweetness.

Start with ½ a teaspoon of garam masala in place of 1 teaspoon of cumin.

11. Star Anise

You may recognize star anise as the star-shaped pods that are used in making mulled wine and ciders during the holidays. However, this distinctly shaped spice also comes in a ground powder form.

The flavor of star anise is quite different from cumin. While it has spicy notes, they are offset by a strong licorice flavor.

Although this spice is not identical to cumin it is a fun way to elevate the flavor of a dish. So, if you have ground star anise in your cupboard give it a try. You can even use the full pods for simmering in sauces or stews.

Use ½ teaspoon of ground star anise or 2 to 3 whole pods to replace 1 teaspoon of cumin.

12. Nigella Seeds

Less common than other substitutes for cumin are nigella seeds. These are seeds that have a slightly bitter flavor. The flavor resembles a blend of cumin, oregano, and onion. There is also a smoky element to them.

This complex flavor pairs well with many of the same foods that cumin would be used to season on its own. Therefore, if you are familiar with nigella seeds and have them available, they are a great alternative to cumin.

Even though these come in seed form rather than a ground powder they can be easily measured in a 1:1 ratio for cumin. However, the little black seeds will be noticeable in your final dish and slightly change the aesthetic.

No matter what you’re cooking, we are sure it will come out delicious if you use a cumin substitute from this page! Let us know in the comments below which alternatives you tried and how your recipe turned out!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review

Best Cumin Substitute: Coriander (+ More Easy Alternatives!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving Calories: 0.1kcal Prep 2 minutes Cooking 0 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ ½ tablespoon coriander (ground or whole)▢ ½ tablespoon caraway seeds▢ ½ tablespoon fennel seeds

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 1 review

Best Cumin Substitute: Coriander (+ More Easy Alternatives!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 0.1kcal

Prep 2 minutes

Cooking 0 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ ½ tablespoon coriander (ground or whole)▢ ½ tablespoon caraway seeds▢ ½ tablespoon fennel seeds

Equipment You May NeedMeasuring SpoonsAirtight Spice ContainerSilicone Whisk

Notes *Nutrition calculations are for coriander only.

Nutrition

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course SubstitutionsCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric

*Nutrition calculations are for coriander only.

Best Cumin Substitute#

1. Coriander#

2. Ground Coriander + Cayenne#

3. Caraway Seeds#

4. Fennel Seeds#

5. Taco Seasoning#

6. Chili powder#

7. Chipotle Powder#

8. Paprika#

9. Curry Powder#

10. Garam Masala#

11. Star Anise#

12. Nigella Seeds#

📋 Recipe#

Best Cumin Substitute: Coriander (+ More Easy Alternatives!)#

Nutrition#

Best Cumin Substitute

1. Coriander

2. Ground Coriander + Cayenne

3. Caraway Seeds

4. Fennel Seeds

5. Taco Seasoning

6. Chili powder

7. Chipotle Powder

8. Paprika

9. Curry Powder

10. Garam Masala

11. Star Anise

12. Nigella Seeds

📋 Recipe

Best Cumin Substitute: Coriander (+ More Easy Alternatives!)

Nutrition