White pepper is an essential ingredient in light-colored sauces and dishes such as Alfredo Pasta. Moreover, we always look for white pepper if we want to build a mild pepper taste in a recipe or if we want to add a bit of peppery heat to a delicate dish.
But what if you find the bottle of white pepper empty at the last moment and visiting a grocery store is not an option. What then?
The first hack is to look for white peppercorns. Suppose you have them in your pantry. In that case, just grind and turn them into white pepper powder and do the happy dance.
Note that 1 tsp of white peppercorns = 1 1/2 tsp of white pepper powder.
And even if you don’t have peppercorns, still no worries. Because in this article, we have listed 7 healthy substitutions for white pepper that you can easily find on your spice rack.
But initially, let us learn a bit about white pepper, its nutritional value, and its health benefits.
White Peppers and its Making:
White pepper is a condiment that has been used for centuries. It comes either in the whole form or grounded powder form. The white and black pepper originates from the same berries called peppercorns. White pepper is a slightly milder version of the standard black pod since it lacks a tough outer shell.
When the dark-color skin of the pepper fruit is removed, the seed of the pepper plant is left, which is called white peppercorn. The process is commonly performed through retting, which involves soaking completely mature red pepper berries in water for about a week.
It is more commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese cooking. It is always preferable for mild spice cuisines as it does not flare or color up the dishes.
Nutrition Facts of White Pepper
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 grams.
- Fiber: 0.6 grams.
- Fat: 0.1 gram.
- Protein: 0.3 gram.
Health Benefits of White Pepper
- It has pain-relieving properties
- It prevents stomach ulcer
- It is beneficial in Cancer cure
- It also relieves Headaches
- It aids in Weight loss
- It cures cough
White Pepper, Black Pepper, and their Differences:
Although, white and black peppers are both harvested from berries of the Piper nigrum pepper plant. The distinction between the two stems from their fermentation process.
White peppercorns are berries that have been plucked at their pinnacle of ripeness, steeped in water, and then had their outer layer removed. While black peppercorns, on the other hand, are unripe pepper berries that have been dried, resulting in blackened skin.
White pepper has a flavor described as earthy and musty, but black pepper has a spicy heat (thanks to the piperine).
Black pepper is the preferred spice of American kitchens. In contrast, white pepper is a must-have spice in French cooking tradition and a favorite ingredient in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Swedish cuisines.
Enough with the differences, let’s learn how to substitute black pepper for white pepper, and let us also see which other common spices can be used as white pepper alternatives.
7 Smart Substitutions for White Pepper
The Good Substitutes for White Pepper are black pepper, pink peppercorn, ground ginger, green pepper, paprika, ground mustard, turmeric powder, and cayenne powder. Now, let us analyze them one by one.
1. Black Pepper – The Piquant Substitute for White Pepper
As mentioned above, black pepper has a more pungent hot taste and a sharp scent than white pepper. To utilize it as a substitute for white pepper powder, you have to consider how it will alter the flavor and appearance of your food.
Black pepper will give a strong kick of spice to your food; therefore, to avoid overpowering your food and save your dish from turning dark, you’ll want to reduce the amount by at least half.
Similarly, to replace white pepper in soups and creamy sauces, crush the black pepper until grounded and use it minimally.
P.S. Do not forget to stir well.
Nutrition Facts of Black Pepper:
-
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Fiber: 1 gram.
- Sugar: 0 gram.
- Carbohydrates: gram.
- Protein: 0 grams.
Benefits of Black Pepper
- It’s good for your brain.
- It could help you control your blood sugar.
- It has the potential to reduce cholesterol.
- It may have anti-cancer qualities.
2. Ground Ginger – The Best White Pepper Substitute
Ground ginger is a better replacement for white pepper because it does not alter the appearance of your dish as it has soft yellow color.
Moreover, ground ginger is a better white pepper seasoning substitute for white, creamy sauces and soups as it has a moderate spice compared to a black peppercorn.
The taste of ground ginger is not overpowering, but just enough to give a dish some tang.
Nutrition Facts of Ground Ginger:
- Calories: 4.8
- Fat: .05 gram.
- Carbohydrates: 1,07 grams.
- Protein: .11 gram.
- Sugar: 1
- Fiber: .12 gram.
Health Benefits of Ground Ginger
- It has gingerol, a powerful therapeutic ingredient.
- It’s effective for a wide range of nausea symptoms, including morning sickness.
- It supports weight loss.
- Improve the risk factors for heart disease.
- Can help with persistent dyspepsia treatment.
3. Pink Peppercorn – The White Pepper Counterpart
The pink peppercorns are light pink and taste almost the same as their white counterparts; therefore, they are the recommended substitute for whole white peppercorns. They have a trivial piquant taste and are mainly used in vinegar, fish, and wines.
Their essential oils are distilled like white pepper, resulting in a gentler spice flavor and a less harsh scent.
Nutrition Facts of Pink Pepper
- Carbohydrates: 42,0 grams.
- Fat: 11,0 grams.
- Fiber: 24,0 grams.
- Protein: 6,0 grams.
- Salt: 0,00 gram.
Health Benefits of Pink Pepper:
- It includes antioxidants and antibacterial essential oils.
- It can lower blood sugar.
- Reduces the chance of developing cancers.
4. Paprika – The Suitable Substitute for White Pepper
5. Green Pepper – Always the Life Saver
There are many new green peppers types out there, and each could make a proper alternate, depending on the type of meal.
Green pepper is an excellent white pepper substitute in white sauces, fish recipes, and seafood. You can grind it into powder form if you want a dried version.
Cooked green peppers go well in a variety of meals, including:
- Spaghetti
- Tacos
- Meatloaf
- Burgers
- Fry in a wok
- Chili
Nutrition Facts of Green Pepper:
- Calories: 15
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams.
- Fiber: 1 gram.
- Sugar: 2 grams.
Health Benefits of Green Pepper
- It improves gut health and helps to digest food.
- It’s good for your heart and eyes.
- It could aid in the maintenance of healthy body weight.
6. Turmeric Powder – The Golden Alternative for White Pepper
Turmeric is a tall plant known as Indian saffron or golden spice. It is bright yellow. Turmeric powder is like a white pepper substitute to ground ginger in grounded form. Like ginger, turmeric has a light taste.
Turmeric has a different flavor profile than white pepper, so be sure it complements the rest of the ingredients in your recipe. Begin with a minor amount and gradually increase as needed.
Nutrition Facts of Turmeric Powder:
- Calories: 29
- Fat: 0.31 gram.
- Fiber: 2.1 grams.
- Sugar: 0.3 gram.
- Protein: 0.91 gram.
- Carbohydrates: 6.31 grams.
Health Benefits of Turmeric Powder:
- It reduces the chance of heart disease.
- It aids in the treatment of depression.
- It enhances memory.
- It aids in the prevention of cancer.
7. Cayenne Pepper – Spicy Stand-In for White Pepper
Cayenne pepper is indeed a spicier white pepper replacement. It’s also red, and it’ll make your dish seem different. Therefore, to use cayenne pepper as a substitution for white pepper, only use 1/8 tsp.
Nutrition Facts of Cayenne Pepper
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fat: 0.9 grams.
- Fiber: 1.4 grams.
- Protein: 0.6 grams.
- Sugar: 0.5 grams.
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
- Aids indigestion.
- Migraine pain is relieved.
- Prevents the formation of blood clots.
- Joint and nerve pain are alleviated.
- This supplement aids weight loss.
- It acts as an anti-irritant.
- Boost your metabolic rate.
FAQs About Substitutions for White Pepper
