In short, the best alternatives to caraway seeds include fennel seeds, anise seeds, cumin seeds, nigella seeds, etc. I will explain how to use them and how much to use them below. These substitutes offer various flavors and dietary options, making them suitable for different preferences and dietary restrictions.
If you eat rye bread, you will probably be familiar with the nutty flavor, citrus, and slight licorice notes of caraway seeds. The seeds are used whole or ground in various European cuisines to add flavor to cheese, pastries, cake, stews, meat, sauerkraut, potato, and apple dishes.
If you are cooking up a storm and realize there are no caraway seeds in the spice rack, we have put together an extensive list of flavorful substitutes to use instead.
What Are Caraway Seeds?
Caraway seeds are harvested from caraway plants that have an appearance very similar to other plants in the carrot family. The leaves are feathery with fine divisions growing on 8 to 12-inch stems. The main flower stem can grow as tall as 24 inches.
The small crescent-shaped seeds are around 2mm long but can be ground into a fine powder for cooking as well.
Since it has an anise taste, it is suitable in sweet and savory dishes which makes it a versatile spice to add pizzazz to many dishes.
Best Caraway Seed Substitutes
Fennel Seed
The most suitable and most recommended caraway seed replacement is fennels seeds. They offer the same licorice flavor notes which is one of the main characteristics you will want to replicate if a similar taste is what you’re after. However, if the licorice taste is what you are trying to avoid, choose another alternative.
This spice has a slightly sweeter flavor than caraway but can be used in sweet and savory applications since the intensity is fairly similar.
Substitute quantity: Do a direct swap, replacing the spices in equal measures.
Best used in: Soup, curry, rye bread recipes, baked goods, and salad.
Also called black onion seeds, these are tiny black seeds with a similar size and shape to caraway. They have a herbal flavor with licorice and black pepper notes. These black specs are often sprinkled over savory pastries and bread adding not only flavor but a bit of crunch too.
Substitute quantity: Replace the spices measure for measure.
Best used in: Naan, curry, bread, sprinkled over savory pastries and bagels, lentil dishes, and pickles.
Anise Seed
Anise seeds are not to be confused with the spice star anise. Anise seeds may be small, but they have a strong licorice flavor. As with caraway, they are versatile to be used whole or ground, in sweet and savory applications. They do have a stronger taste so if you don’t like the taste of licorice, use with caution or blend it with other spices.
Substitute quantity: Since they have a potent flavor, use only half the amount required in your recipe. If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of caraway, use only half a tablespoon of anise.
Best used in: soups, stews, braises, bread, salad dressing.
Dill Seed
Dill seeds are commonly used in Eastern European dishes. They have a bright flavor with hints of bitterness, citrus, and licorice. Although they can be used in a variety of dishes, their fresh flavor pairs especially well with salads and dressings.
Substitute quantity: Use dill seeds as a substitute for caraway seeds in equal quantities
Best used in: Salad dressings, pickles, soup, and bread
Mustard seeds look and taste a little different to caraway but can add warm earthiness in similar savory applications. The small, round, dark yellow seeds generally aren’t suitable for desserts, bread, or pastries but are popular in dressings and used as a component in pickling spices.
Substitute quantity: Replace the spices measure for measure.
Best used in: Stews, sauce, pickles, and salad dressing.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are best when you lightly toast them to release their flavorful earthy and aromatic oils. They can also be ground into a powder, which is a more common way to use the spice. With a similar appearance to caraway, they can be used in bread and flatbread, however, they are not suitable for sweet pastries.
Substitute quantity: Replace in equal measures.
Best used in: Curry, stew, soup, meat and braised beef recipes, chili, pickles, and rice dishes.
This beautiful star-shaped spice is very fragrant with licorice notes, a bit of earthiness, and a touch of bitterness. When used in curries, stews, and mulled wine the spice is cooked whole in the dish to impart flavor and then removed before serving. Biting into a pod will overtake your palette with intense flavor and the bark-like texture is unpleasant to eat.
However, star anise seeds can also be ground into a fine powder allowing it to blend into the dish completely. Although it is not suitable to use as a coating on bread or in pastry, ground star anise can be incorporated into spiced cakes and cookies. The spice is mostly used in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
Substitute quantity: Since star anise is a powerful spice, use only one-quarter of the amount required in your recipe.
Best used in: Curry, stew, mulled wine, and braises.
Coriander Seeds
Even though coriander seeds don’t look like caraway they offer similar warm, nutty, and earthy flavor undertones with hints of citrus. Lightly toasting and grinding the seeds will allow you to incorporate them into dishes seamlessly. The seeds can be used whole, but not everyone likes crunching down on a seed while eating a curry or stew.
Substitute quantity: Replace the spices in equal quantities. First measure the seeds before toasting and grinding them.
Best used in: Stew, curry, meat dishes, lentil dishes, and soups.
Cloves are powerful with a fragrant and intense aroma. The unique flavor is synonymous with the holidays with comforting warmth and earthiness. However, biting into a whole clove is not pleasant so ensure that you strain or remove whole cloves from your dish before serving. Alternatively, ground cloves are also a popular option in both sweet and savory applications.
Substitute quantity: Use only a quarter of the amount called for in your recipe. If the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds, use only ¼ tablespoon of cloves. After measuring, grind the cloves. If you are using pre-ground cloves, remember that the powdered form will be stronger than whole cloves so you may need even less.
Best used in: Spiced desserts, curry, stew, meat dishes, and sauces.
A popular Mediterranean herb, dried oregano, looks and tastes different to caraway. However, its peppery notes can make it a suitable substitute in savory bread where it is used for flavor rather than appearance. It is also delicious in salad dressings and sauces. It won’t pair well in sweet dishes or curry.
Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs, so be careful not to let the herbs overpower other delicate flavors in your recipe.
Substitute quantity: Use only half the amount of oregano. If your recipe requires 2 teaspoons of caraway, use one teaspoon of dried oregano.
Best used in: Salad dressing, sauces, stews, spice rubs, marinades, chicken, lamb, and beef dishes.
FAQ
What food pairs best with caraway seeds?
The spice goes well with pork, garlic, potato, tomato-based dishes, and cabbage.
Can caraway seeds turn bad?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place the spice will be good for a few years. It will however lose potency over time and is generally best used within 6 months for the best flavor.
Can caraway seeds be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the seeds to keep them fresh.
Can I use coriander instead of caraway seeds?
While coriander and caraway seeds have somewhat similar earthy and citrusy notes, they have distinct flavors. If substituting coriander for caraway seeds, be aware that the flavor profile will differ, so consider adjusting quantities to achieve the desired taste in your recipe.
Summary
The spices you choose as a caraway seed substitute will largely depend on what you are making. Cumin, coriander, and nigella seeds are the best caraway seeds substitutes for savory applications while fennel seeds and anise can be incorporated into some sweet applications as well.
If you are unsure about how much of your substitute to add, start on the conservative end with a smaller amount and add to taste. This will serve you better than adding too much and overpowering the other flavors in your dish.
Spices can vary greatly in their strength and may also change slightly on cooking. They are fun to experiment with allowing you to find new flavor sensations you love.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
