What Can You Substitute for Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a very useful ingredient for various reasons. It can be used in cooking to enhance tastes and also roughly. But sometimes we have to find some lemon juice substitute. In this article, we will discuss some substitutes for lemon juice and their uses.
Why Substitute Lemon Juice?
Health Reasons
Lemon juice can be avoided by those people who have citrus allergies. They have to consume a substitute for lemon juice to enjoy the flavor and benefits of lemon juice.
Allergies
A rare complication named citrus allergies has some side effects of lemon juice. Lemon juice substitute is safe to consume for affected people.
Availability
Sometimes, lemons are not available everywhere, mostly in off seasons. In that period, lemon juice substitute plays an important role in enjoying a wide range of dishes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Substitute
Before selecting a substitute for lemon juice, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure the best results in your recipe.
Acidity Level
Lemons are considered as citrus fruit which is a rich source of citric acid. The pH of lemon is about 2 to 3.So it adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to a dish. So we have to select those substitutes which have similar acidity.
Flavor Profile
When choosing a substitute for lemon juice we have to select those substitutes which enhance the flavors of the dish like lemon juice. We have to concern about substitute quantity for similar flavor.
Texture
The substitute for lemon juice has a similar texture to maintain the desired mouth feel. The substitute can change the taste of the overall recipe. So, the texture of the substitute complements the dish.
" Lemon juice substitute dispels thoughts when <a href="https://nutridietinfo.com/post/fruit-vegetable-salad/benefits-of-olive-oil-and-lemon-juice-on-empty-stomach" target="_blank" data-abc="true"><u style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#0000ff">lemon juice</font></u></a> is unavailable or you can't use it for some reason. You can choose a substitute for lemon juice as your desired flavor. Without considering your desired taste you can enjoy your dish by using a substitute for lemon juice. "
Substitutes for Lemon Juice
1. Vinegar
Vinegar has a tart, acidic flavor like lemon juice. So, vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be a great substitute for lemon juice. But you have to be mindful about it's quantity for it's strong flavor.
2. Lime Juice
Lime juice is one of the best substitutes for lemon juice for similar acidity content of both. It will complement dishes like lemon juice.
3. Orange Juice
Orange juice provides less acidic, sweeter, less tart flavor than lemon juice. So, it can be a great substitute in recipes where you want some sweetness.
4. White Wine
White wine is a suitable substitute for lemon juice for savoury recipes like white pasta, sauces etc. If you use a small amount of white wine in your dish it can brighten the flavor.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is not as acidic and tart as lemon juice but it gives creamy, tangy and rich flavor to a dish. You can use it for refreshing dressings also.
6. Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains lemon juice so it will be a good substitute for lemon juice. Especially in baked dishes like cakes or muffins it works good.
7. Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is commonly used in southeast Asian cuisines for it's sour flavor like lemon juice.
8. Green Mango
You also use green mango as a replacement for lemon juice because it gives a sour flavor for it's tart and acidic nature.
9. Apple Cider
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative in salad dressings and vinaigrettes.
10. Citric Acid
Citric acid can be used in small quantities as a substitute for lemon juice especially in baking.
How to Use Each Substitute
Every substitute for lemon juice is used in your recipes with different quantities for desired flavor. You have to be mindful about the quantity of each substitute and use them slowly until you achieve what you want.
Recipes Using Lemon Juice Substitutes
- Lime Cilantro Marinade:
For chicken or fish marination and keep it refreshed you can use lime juice to replace lemon juice.
- Orange Glazed Carrots:
In roasted carrots orange juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice for slight sweetness.
- Buttermilk Pancakes:
In cakes you can use buttermilk rather than lemon juice for creamy and fluffy texture.
