Flavorful Replacements: 5 Top Substitutes for White Pepper

White pepper is a useful seasoning to have to make a dish more flavorful.

However, not many people store it. So, when you need some, it may not be available at home.

But with many spices and condiments being available on the market, you can substitute it with something else.

The following sections will mention the 5 best substitute for white pepper that you can use instead.

What is White Pepper?

White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper.

However, the whole process of making them into commercial products is quite different.

Due to the difference in the making process, the flavor and intensity of heat and spice are also different.

There are at least five varieties of peppers in the same family.

While the most traded variety is black pepper, the white one is also popular in many Asian cuisines.

These days, people in other places are showing interest in white pepper.

Like many other spices, this variety is also valuable for medicinal purposes.

The white pepper essential oil is a vital ingredient for aromatherapy.

Let us see which spices or herbs can be considered as the 5 best substitute for white pepper.

5 Best Substitutes for White Pepper

1 – White Peppercorn

When not available, white peppercorns can work perfectly instead of white pepper.

Most supermarkets sell them so you can get a pack without any problem.

You can grind it in the same way as you would grind black pepper.

You can use this variety in different ways to spice up your dish.

It will blend nicely with stews, soups, salads or any other dish.

You can also add it to dips and sauces.

When adding to various dishes, don’t put a large quantity at once, or your tongue will burn.

Always begin slowly till you get the desired effect.

If you are going to use white peppercorns in place of white pepper, simply follow this ratio.

Suitable ratio:

• 1 ½ teaspoon white pepper = 1 teaspoon white peppercorns.

2 – Black Pepper

You can also use black pepper in place of the white variety.

The former being cheaper and easily accessible, it can be a good substitute.

Though from the same plant, they have some distinct features, as stated earlier.

According to experts, black pepper has the strongest flavor.

So, when you use it instead of white pepper, you might want to tone it down a bit by putting a smaller quantity.

Black pepper also goes well with many dishes, and you can sprinkle it on as you wish.

Add to pasta, veggies, salads, dips, sauces, barbeque meat, scrambled eggs and much more.

But as with other spices, put only a tiny amount at first.

Since it has such a strong flavor, the dish may taste different if you add a large quantity at once.

Suitable ratio:

• 1 teaspoon white pepper = 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (increase only if needed).

3 – Pink Peppercorn

Pink peppercorn can also work well instead of white pepper.

It is native to Peru, Argentina and Chile and comes from a completely different plant called Schinus molle.

It has a more fruity flavor than regular pepper and is sweeter and milder too.

According to cooking enthusiasts, it also tastes similar to mild chile peppers.

So, you can use it in many ways without worrying about the flavor overpowering your dish.

You can add pink peppercorn to popcorn, cheese, seafood, salads, curries and even chocolate.

You can also add to some more dishes according to preference if you want to experiment a bit.

Since it has a mild flavor, it is not a problem to use it without grinding.

Add a similar amount of pink peppercorn when you substitute it for white pepper.

Suitable ratio:

• 1 teaspoon white pepper = 1 teaspoon pink peppercorn (increase the amount if necessary but not at once).

4 – Ground Ginger

Ginger has a spicy flavor, and it goes well with most dishes.

Ground ginger looks almost similar to white pepper too.

Popular in Thai cuisine, it is a versatile spice to have at home.

You can add it to sauces, dips, broths, soups, stews, and fried dishes.

You can also use it for marinating meat and in baked dishes.

If you like some spice in your sweet dish, you can add some to desserts too.

Just a tiny bit for fragrance and some heat.

It is not only flavorful, but ginger offers several health benefits too.

People have been using it as a traditional and alternative medicine for many years.

So, a small dose every day in food can be a healthy habit.

When adding ground ginger in place of white pepper, use a smaller dose and add more only if needed.

Suitable ratio:

• 1 teaspoon white pepper = 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.

5 – Green Peppercorn

The last substitute on the list is green peppercorn which comes from the same plant as the white and black variety.

It retains the green color as they are plucked before ripening.

It has a milder flavor and so can be an excellent option to use instead of white pepper.

It is popular in a number of French recipes when green and fresh.

But you can also use it in many other dishes.

If you can get it in the supermarket, buy some and store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

It will retain the color and freshness for some time before the color changes.

However, the flavor and fragrance remain the same.

Use a little more amount when substituting it for white pepper.

• Suitable ratio:

1 teaspoon white pepper = 1 1/2 teaspoon green peppercorn (add later if needed).

Conclusion

A touch of spice can genuinely make a difference.

With several choices being available, your food will never get boring.

Add any of the ingredients and make your dish even better.

What you need to remember is not to put a large quantity all at once.

Always start slow so that you don’t mess up a delicious dish.

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