A caraway seeds substitute could come in handy when you least expect it, so I've gathered all the best alternatives in one convenient place! Caraway seeds are not the most common ingredient, so odds are when it comes up in a recipe you won't have any on hand. Don't worry, because with these substitutes you can pull off your recipe without anyone knowing it's missing a thing!
Best Caraway Seeds Substitutes
Even though they are often used in small quantities, spices are one of the most essential parts of a recipe. Spices are what create the unique flavor of a dish and without them, our recipes just don’t taste quite the same.
Because spices are so important, we often try to plan ahead as home chefs to make sure we have the correct ones on hand. However, sometimes the recipe calls for something we don’t have and we need to choose an alternative.
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The great thing about spices is that while they each have their unique flavor profile, many spices share similar flavor elements. Therefore, if you don’t have the correct spice – like caraway seeds – you can use a different spice in its place. To find out the best caraway seed substitutes take a look at the list below.
What are Caraway Seeds
Before looking at the substitutes for caraway seeds it is important to know what you need to substitute for. Therefore, you need to know what caraway seeds are and what flavors they present.
Caraway seeds are actually not a seed at all. They are a fruit that comes from a plant known as the caraway. Although they are not seeds, they look like one and even have an earthy and nutty flavor that is often associated with seeds.
In addition, caraway seeds are known for their warm aroma that resembles a blend of mint and pine, with hints of softer citrus notes. They are also one of several spices associated with a distinct licorice or anise flavor.
As you can see, like many spices, caraway seeds have a complex flavor. This flavor is wonderful to pair with savory dishes but can also be found in some sweeter baked goods.
1. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are one of the best substitutes for caraway seeds. They have a similar earthy flavor, as well as clear notes of licorice. Therefore, they are ideal if your recipe relies on a distinct anise flavor.
The warm flavor of fennel seeds is great to substitute in hearty dishes. Moreover, this spice is particularly great at holding its flavor at high heat. Therefore, making it perfect for rich soups and sauces cooked over high heat.
While fennel seeds are commonly used to enhance the flavor of savory dishes with meat and vegetables, like carraway seeds they can also crossover to the sweet side.
One of the best things about this substitute is that it can be used in a simple 1:1 ratio.
2. Anise Seeds
Anise seeds are another excellent choice for recipes that need a prominent licorice flavor. In addition, these seeds are known for their sweeter profile.
Due to their naturally sweet flavor profile and bold licorice flavor, these are an excellent choice for adding flavor to baked goods. They can be used to replace carraway seeds in a variety of bread, cookies, and cakes.
Since these have a bolder licorice flavor it is best to start with half a measurement (½ teaspoon anise seeds = 1 teaspoon caraway seeds).
3. Star Anise
While we are discussing anise, let’s look at another spice by that name – star anise. If you don’t recognize star anise by its name, you probably know it by its shape.
This star-shaped spice is a popular choice around the holidays. It helps enhance the flavor of everything from braised beef to mulled wine. It is also great in jams or stews.
Although star anise shares a name with anise seeds, they are not from the same family. Star-anise is a pod that comes from an evergreen tree and anise seeds are the seeds of the anise plant (that is a member of the carrot and celery family). However, despite not being from the same spice family, they share a similar flavor.
Like anise seed, star anise is known for its bold licorice (or anise) flavor. Therefore, it can be used as a substitute for caraway seeds in recipes that rely heavily on licorice taste.
Because of its bold flavor though it is not often recommended as a first choice. If you do use it, it is wise to start with a quarter of what the recipe calls for (¼ teaspoon star anise = 1 teaspoon caraway seeds). Moreover, while you can use whole or ground star anise it is easiest to use ground star anise as a substitute.
4. Dill Seeds
For recipes that do not rely heavily on the flavor of licorice, you can use a variety of other spices. Like dill seeds.
Dill seeds are the dried fruit of the dill plant. While the feathery dill weed is an herb, the seeds are considered a spice and are used in the same way as caraway seeds.
Although dill seeds have their own unique flavor, their flavor profile falls somewhere between caraway seeds and anise. Therefore, making it a wonderful alternative to either of the other two spices.
While dill seeds have notes of licorice it is not as prominent as the spices above. In contrast, dill seeds lean more towards the citrus notes found in caraway seeds.
The citrus notes of this spice make it a nice choice as a caraway seed substitute in dressings, creamy soups, and plant-based recipes. It pairs well with fish and fermented foods such as sauerkraut.
Since dill seeds are milder than caraway seeds, they can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Nigella Seeds
You may not be as familiar with nigella seeds (aka black onion seeds) as some of the other spices. However, if you are a fan of Indian cuisine you may recognize it.
Nigella seeds are commonly used in making naan. In addition, they are a popular spice used in other types of savory bread, including bagels.
While these seeds have hints of licorice, the overall flavor profile is a more complex blend with notes of cumin, onion, oregano, and licorice. Therefore, it is a wonderful option for savory dishes that you do not want to have an overpowering licorice flavor.
These seeds are a bold spice and will shift the flavor of your recipe slightly. Therefore, begin with half the amount suggested in the recipe. In addition, to get the most from this seasoning, it is best to lightly toast the seeds first to release the full flavor.
6. Cumin Seeds
Cumin is one of those spices with an aroma that reminds you of certain dishes. For a lot of us, this means Mexican food.
The warm peppery notes of cumin are a staple in Mexican food and other Latin American cuisines. It is also used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking.
While cumin has a hint of licorice it is not the primary flavor. This spice leans more towards the peppery notes enhanced with a citrusy aroma. Therefore, it is not an exact flavor match for caraway seeds.
However, while cumin has its own unique flavor profile it can be used as a caraway seed substitute in many savory dishes. This is great news because this is one of the most common substitutes to have on hand!
To avoid overdoing it with cumin, begin with half a measurement (½ teaspoon of cumin = 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds).
7. Coriander
Coriander is another spice that leans towards the citrus elements of caraway seeds and does not offer licorice notes. Therefore, it is best suited for savory dishes or for recipes where you want to avoid the licorice flavor.
With its earthiness, it pairs well with soups, stews, or curries that call for caraway seeds. However, it will also provide a more floral flavor and aroma than caraway seeds.
Despite some differences in flavor, coriander is a milder spice that will not overpower your recipe. Therefore, you can use a 1:1 ratio in place of caraway seeds.
8. Dried Oregano
Along with cumin, oregano is one of the most common spices to have in your cupboard. This makes it one of the most likely substitutes to have available.
However, like cumin, oregano has a distinctly different flavor profile than caraway seeds. It has a peppery taste with hints of mint and citrus notes. Therefore, oregano is best used in savory dishes.
If you are in a pinch, then use dried oregano in place of caraway seeds in your soups and sauces.
Since oregano is a familiar flavor most home chefs will use a 1:1 ratio of dried oregano in place of caraway seeds. However, if you are worried about changing the flavor of the recipe too much begin with half the measurement.
9. Celery Seeds
While celery seeds may not be as common to have in your cupboard as oregano, they are a suitable substitute for caraway seeds. However, like oregano, they are also not an identical flavor exchange.
Celery seeds have an earthy and bitter flavor that resembles celery stalks. It is not pungent in the way many other spices are though, which makes it a nice choice for a milder overall spice.
Although it will not be the closest flavor substitute for caraway seeds it will help enhance the overall flavor of your dish. If your goal is to find a softer flavor for a dish that does not have any notes of licorice, this is a nice option.
Use celery seeds in a 1:1 substitution for caraway seeds in savory dishes.
Choosing a Substitute for Caraway Seeds
When it comes to choosing the best substitute in a pinch, it will depend on what you have at home. In addition, it depends on what will work best in the type of recipe you are making.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a caraway substitute to intentionally shift the flavor profile then you can plan and choose any of the options above. Simply find one that suits the flavor profile you want to focus on in the recipe.
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📋 Recipe
Best Carroway Seeds Substitute: Fennel Seeds (+More Easy Alternatives!)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- ½ tablespoon anise seeds
- ¼ tablespoon star anise
Instructions
- Use fennel seed as a 1:1 substitution for Carroway seeds in any recipe.1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- Substitute ½ the amount of anise seeds for Carroway seeds in any recipe.½ tablespoon anise seeds
- Only use ¼ the amount of star anise that you would Carroway seeds in any recipe.¼ tablespoon star anise
Equipment You May Need
Notes
Nutrition
Angela 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!
Emsi says
Formidable article !!! Merci !
"Terrific article!!! THANKS !"