Sumac Substitutes – Close Alternatives to Use!

Last updated on July 18th, 2024

Sumac is a common spice that adds richness and acidic flavor to any dish it touches. But what happens when you’re elbow-deep in a recipe, only to find your sumac stash has mysteriously vanished? Before you panic and pray to the spice gods, let’s explore some usable sumac substitutes you might already have.

What is Sumac?

First of all, what is sumac?

Sumac is a spice that is made from red berries and is known for its famous bright red color. The berries that are used to make sumac grow in the wild in bushes or on trees.

The word “sumac” comes from the Arabic word “summaq,” which means “dark red.” This vibrant spice is derived from the berries of the sumac plant, which is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the cashew family. These berries are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder that’s used to add a distinct, tart flavor to various dishes.

Sumac is a tangy, crimson-red spice that’s been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries.

Sumac can be used when cooking fish and chicken but is best known to be used in salad dressing and marinades.

It’s also a key ingredient in za’atar, a popular spice blend that also includes sesame seeds, thyme, and oregano. Sumac is often sprinkled over hummus, used as a rub for grilled meats, or added to salads and dressings for a pop of flavor.

Here are a few ways to incorporate sumac into your cooking:

• Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or potatoes
• Mix it into your favorite marinades for chicken, lamb, or fish
• Add a dash to your homemade salad dressings for a tangy twist
• Use it as a garnish for soups, stews, or grain dishes

Sumac is rich in antioxidants. Plus, using sumac as a seasoning can help you cut back on salt.

Sumac Substitutes

When you’re in a pinch and your recipe calls for sumac, don’t fret! Here are alternatives that can provide a similar tangy, citrusy flavor to your dishes.

Lemon Zest

One of the easiest sumac substitutes is lemon zest. The outer peel of a lemon is packed with essential oils that provide a bright, tart flavor similar to sumac.

Simply grate the yellow part of the lemon peel (avoiding the bitter white pith) and sprinkle it over your dish. Start with half the amount of lemon zest compared to the sumac called for in your recipe, and adjust to taste.

Vinegar

While it lacks the same citrusy notes, vinegar provides a similar tart, acidic flavor that can work well in many dishes.

Try using apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar depending on the flavor profile you’re going for.

Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of tanginess.

Tamarind

Tamarind, a tropical fruit popular in many Asian and Latin American cuisines, can also serve as a unique sumac substitute. It has a sweet and sour flavor that can add depth and complexity to your dishes.

Look for tamarind paste or concentrate at your local grocery store or Asian market. Start with a small amount, as tamarind can be quite potent, and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Za’atar

While za’atar contains sumac as one of its key ingredients, this spice blend can work as a substitute in a pinch. Za’atar typically includes thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt in addition to sumac, so keep in mind that it will add additional flavors to your dish.

If you have za’atar on hand, start with half the amount called for in your recipe and adjust as needed.

Flavor Profiles of Substitutes

When substituting sumac with an alternative ingredient, it’s essential to consider the flavor profile of each option. While no substitute will perfectly replicate the unique taste of sumac, understanding the similarities and differences can help you choose the best option for your dish.

Comparing Tart and Tangy Notes

Sumac is known for its tart and tangy flavor, which is why many substitutes also share these characteristics.

Lemon zest and vinegar, for example, provide a similar acidic kick that can brighten up a dish. Tamarind, with its sweet and sour notes, can also mimic the tangy aspect of sumac, although it may add a slightly different depth of flavor.

Earthy and Aromatic Qualities

Some substitutes, like za’atar and ground coriander, bring additional earthy and aromatic qualities to the table. Za’atar offers a complex flavor profile with hints of nuttiness and herbaceousness. Ground coriander, on the other hand, has a slightly citrusy and floral aroma that can complement the tart notes of other sumac substitutes.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Sumac?

Sumac is one of the few spices that actually provides a very tart flavor and has the acidic flavoring of lemon. Some describe the taste of sumac spice to be similar to black or white pepper.

Overall, when used in a dish sumac can give the meal a tart, sour and slightly salty taste. Some people can taste these elements in sumac spice but others the tartness of sumac is not that strong. Whether you can taste the sour flavor or not, there is no denying that sumac spice is one hundred percent tangy!

There are plenty of other ingredients that can be used when you have run out of sumac as replacements. Using any other substitutes for sumac spice will not be able to match sumac perfectly as it is hard to find an ingredient that has a tart like taste while also providing a citrus like flavor.

Here are our top recommendation for a sumac subtitle to use within your cooking:

Substitute	Description	Usage Tips	Benefits/Notes
Za’atar	A mixture of spices and herbs, often confused with sumac. Provides a similar acidic and tart taste.	Use in equal amounts as sumac.	Great substitute due to similar flavor profile.
Vinegar	A liquid alternative that provides a tart taste.	Use in small amounts and increase as needed. Very strong flavor.	Has health benefits, especially for blood sugar control. Good for those with diabetes.
Tamarind	A tropical fruit with a tart-like taste. Available in various forms (dried pods, paste, frozen pulps).	Use very small amounts as it’s highly concentrated.	Versatile ingredient suitable for different dish types.
Lemon pepper seasoning	A mixture of lemon zest and black pepper. Provides tangy, sour taste with saltiness.	Can be used as a direct substitute in most recipes.	Easy to find or make at home. Aligns well with Middle Eastern cuisine traditions.

Is Sumac The Same As Zaatar?

Za’atar is a herb but can mostly be found as a mixture. It is made up of other spices and herbs to create a unique flavor. Commonly za’atar is made from a combination of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram , sumac and sesame seeds. These ingredients provide floral, nutty and rich flavors. Sumac adds an acidity to za’atar and a distinctive tangy taste.

Za’atar and sumac are not the same thing. Sumac is a spice of its own, made from berries that grow on shrubs and small trees. Za’atars natural flavor is very similar to other dried herbs like oregano and is mainly used in Arab cooking.

Za’atar can contain sumac to add a tangy flavor. But is not the same thing as sumac as they both come from different plants. Sumac is a spice whereas Za’atar is a herb.

What Herb Is Similar To Sumac?

If you are wanting to substitute sumac for a herb then we would recommend using ground coriander.

Ground coriander has a similar lemon like flavor that sumac has and therefore can provide similar flavorings when cooking. Ground coriander is very different from sumac and will give an earthy, fresh tone when compared to sumac. Many like the added benefits of taste that coriander provides but some people do not enjoy the earthy, herby taste.

Sumac Substitute For Fattoush

Fattoush is a dish that is traditionally served with herbal flavors. If you haven’t tried it, when made correctly, it’s a refreshing savory meal. Fattoush is also served with ingredients that are naturally quite acidic, such as vinegar and sumac. 

Replacing sumac in a fattoush recipe is slightly tricky because sumac adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Sumac definitely compliments the other ingredients in fattoush well, and replacing it may be tricky but it can be done!

Here sumac substitute powder recipe:

You will need

• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon citric acid
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Sprinkle of sea salt

How to Make Sumac Substitute Paste

1. Combine the lemon zest, vinegar, citric acid and salt into a small bowl.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to grind up the ingredients until a paste is formed.
3. Use straight away or store in the fridge.

There Are A Variety Of Subtitles That You Can Use For Sumac

There are a lot of ingredients that can be used as a subtitle for the spice sumac. The most popular substitute for sumac is lemon pepper seasoning. It matches sumac’s lemon taste, salty flavoring, acidity and texture. There are other ingredients that can be used to replace sumac – such as coriander and vinegar – that can all be found in your kitchen cupboard.

Substituting sumac is a an easy task. You just have to remember that these ingredients are strong in taste and therefore a little goes a long way.

Check out more blog posts about substitutes on the blog!

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• Pernod Substitute When Cooking

Sumac Substitute FAQs