Cut the round pieces into small pieces to make it easier for the food processor to chop them into a paste. Lesser galangal is a Chinese native that grows mostly along the countrys southeast coast. Small circular eyes and somewhat papery rings on the skin are typical. Check your local Asian market in the fresh and frozen section to find it for cooking these delicious recipes: Find this blog post helpful. As a result, its often used in dishes that require longer cooking times to soften their texture, such as slow-cooked stews or curries. Remove the outermost one or two layers, which are usually the toughest and have the most flaws. I didn't know that existed. Galangal tastes like a combination of ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. It has a spicier, earthier flavor with a slight sweetness, and is often described as having a more complex flavor profile than ginger. 
Add cinnamon to any recipe calling for galangal to taste. WebI think you might be out of luck for this :/ dried galangal and lemon grass taste very different from fresh. DRIED: Avoid in applications without much liquid. Galangal is also known throughout the world for it's wide range of medicinal effects, everything from reducing cancer in tests sponsored by western researchers, to being revered in Ayurvedic medicine. Thomas Keller (French Laundry) recommends our fresh galangal. Its also often used as a rub for meats or added to marinades.
Galangal feels hard, woody, and fibrous, so cooks often discard it from dishes before serving. You will also see it used to color the frozen milk dessert known as kulfi. You are in the right place if you: Love to cook Thai food. It goes well with Indonesian satay (meat skewers with spicy peanut sauce), Malaysian laksa (seafood and noodles in spicy coconut milk), and samlor kor ko (seafood and noodles in spicy coconut milk) (a Cambodian vegetable soup). Unpeeled fresh galangal has a similar color to unpeeled fresh ginger. Because there are different varieties and concentrations of the ground version, you may need to adjust the ratio up or down depending on the type you have at home. Discover 750+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. It is also used for its aromatic qualities, with its delicate smell likened to the scent of orchids. Galangal, much like ginger, is used to help ease nausea and aids in stomach digestion issues. So which one should you use in your cooking? All Rights Reserved. Check your email for a confirmation link. Its no secret that fresh ginger can be a powerful flavor enhancer in many dishes. WebFrozen galangal is the best choice if fresh is unavailable. Does anyone have an experience with the dried versions of these spices? The flesh is then grated or sliced finely. Secondly, galangal has tougher skin and more fibrous flesh than ginger. A hand of galangal rhizome may be purchased in a grocery shop or a vegetable market. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. It has become so much easier to find in the US markets, and it is worth the extra effort to find it in your local Asian markets. Galangal has a unique, complex flavor profile that is often described as having a combination of spiciness and sweetness. Galangal is essential in authentic Thai and many types of Asian cooking. Process until it becomes a thick paste. The texture of galangal differs from turmeric as well. You can use them interchangeably due to their It seems to be quite similar to Ginger, but it is not! What factors should I consider while selecting galangal? Having Trouble With Your Voip Call Service? Ginger can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for galangal. I'm the person behind this blog. Thaw the pieces just a few minutes before using them. I grow my own lemongrass and have to trim it every year to winterize it and always freeze the trimmings. Press J to jump to the feed. Galangal comes in both fresh and dehydrated forms. You'll also be able to make other Thai recipes. Fresh galangal roots may exceed the benefits of dried powderd galangal in Galangal powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. In a saucepan, combine the water and galangal. What is the best way to freeze lemongrass? The herb has recently gained popularity in the U.S., with many gardeners growing it in pots on their decks. Ginger is spicier and lacks the citrus element, and most Southeast Asian chefs would argue that there truly is no substitute for the spice. Galangal is called Kha in Thai, but there are other names for it as well. 7 Amazing Substitute For Peanut Oil: You Might Not Know About! What is the best way to cultivate galangal roots? 100gm fresh turmeric, grated!! {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What can you do with galangal? You will need both spices if you want to make Authentic dishes from Southeast Asia and India. Fresh galangal should be used in lieu of half of the dried galangal. A little goes a long way, so start with less than you think you need and add more to taste. When purchasing fresh galangal, keep in mind the age of the root. Chili Paste Christopher Kimballs new Milk Street Magazine, suggests making a variation of Andy Rickers (Pok Pok) chili paste by combining 3 oz. We do not allow links to be posted without an explanation as to its relevance. Turmeric is similar to ginger and is easier to grate and use when fresh; however, it is usually dried and ground to powder. There are two main varieties of galangal: greater and lesser galangal. They also come in many forms, dried, frozen, fresh, and powder. Using one in place of the other wont necessarily ruin a dish, but you should only make the switch if you want to make a striking change to the recipe. Because dried galangal has a much lower taste than fresh galangal, it is highly advised that you use more of it. Galangal looks similar to ginger, and like ginger it grows underground (see photos below of galangal plants that we took at an organic garden in Thailand). It is high in antioxidants and is great for reducing inflammation and fighting infections. The part you eat would be the root, which is usually peeled and then boiled in water for about 10 minutes before being eaten. To test the difference between fresh and dried, we used some of each to make a curry paste (which we tasted stirred into vegetable broth), a Thai chicken soup, and a snow pea stir-fry. We ship fresh USA-grown galangal via Fedex 2 Day, quick delivery within 2-3 days straight to your door. This can be used as a 1:1 substitute for fresh ginger, but you can use up to a 1:1.25 ratio as galangal is slightly less strong than ginger root. Lemongrass freezes very well. No. Choose. You can purchase them fresh online as well from Amazon. I know this will be a trial an error thing ultimately but to me, these spices are very different from say fresh ginger or garlic where you wouldn't remove these from a dish as you would fresh galangal and lemongrass. Ginger, on the other hand, is peppery with spicier notes. I will for sure replenish my fresh or frozen stick as soon as I can. Though galangal has a sharp taste, it is more citrusy, pine-like, and earthy, and some varieties have an almost minty, camphor-like scent and flavor. Once rehydrated, the flavor of the dried slices of galangal approaches that of freshness.
:). Get FREE ACCESS to every recipe and rating from this season of our TV show. Crush the coins with the flat of the blade. Store fresh galangal in a loosely sealed plastic bag lined with a paper towel and place it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Refrigerate lemongrass loosely wrapped for up to several weeks. Galangal root is a spice closely related to ginger and turmeric. What can I create using galangal in light of this? What factors should I consider while selecting galangal? It's a pain where I live as well. you will likely be better off waiting until you can get your hands on fresh Galangal Vs. Ginger: SPICEography Showdown, How To Store Galangal For The Best Flavor. You may even be able to find Galangal, also known as Siamese ginger, is indeed a member of the ginger family known as Zingiberaceae (zingy!). Galangal, unlike ginger, does not need peeling. Both ginger and galangal come from the Zingiberaceae family, which includes more than 1,000 species of flowering plants. After the threat of frost has gone and the soil has warmed up, plant hands or sets in a shaded position in sandy loam. Mine, pictured below, is a bit older, so I trimmed the skin and the dried spots before cutting and freezing the round pieces. Cut the round pieces into small pieces to make it easier for the food processor to chop them into a paste. Whats A Good All Purpose Seasoning Substitute? And don't forget to follow me onFacebook,Pinterest, orInstagram! WebTo test the difference between fresh and dried, we used some of each to make a curry paste (which we tasted stirred into vegetable broth), a Thai chicken soup, and a snow Greater galangal, native to Indonesia, is more commonly added to Thai soups and curries, with a peppery, pine flavor. FYI, if you do happen to find either fresh - they both freeze really well (galangal pretty much forever, lemongrass for a couple of months before it starts losing flavor). It is not a perfect substitute for galangal, but it can be used in small amounts to provide a similar depth of flavor to dishes. Galangal paste can be purchased at most Asian markets or online. Love to try new things. When it comes to comparing galangal vs ginger, there are a few key differences to take note of. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Galangal comes in both fresh and dehydrated forms. There are several different varieties of galangal, each with slightly different flavors and uses. Similarly, a dish with turmeric instead of galangal will be bright yellow and lacking in galangals strong flavor. If you cant find it, omit it from your recipe rather than find a substitute. As mentioned, galangal substitutes are not recommended. Its skin is smoother and paler than ginger roots, the interior ranges from white to yellow to pink, and its flavor is stronger and more astringent. I do freeze some stuff but I ran out of both. Freezing galangal is exceptionally easy and convenient. Galangal, also known as Siamese ginger, is indeed a member of the ginger family known as Zingiberaceae (zingy!). Fresh galangal needs to be peeled, and the skin can be quite tough, so use a sharp knife. To prepare it for soup or curry, peel off the skin and grate or mince it for a stir-fry. Your email address will not be published. It is tan with light rings on the skin. 2023 America's Test Kitchen. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This product may be reconstituted in lukewarm water and used as needed, making it a suitable replacement for fresh galangal. I'm pretty sure I've seen lemongrass paste which is a nice in between and maybe they make galangal paste? Galangal is linked to ginger but has a more pine-like and zesty flavor. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
1. What is galangal powder, and what does it do? Place the cut round pieces into a glass container or a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 4 months. An A-Z Guide to Cooking Terms and Definitions, Celebrating Jollof Rice and Its Journey Across the Atlantic. Substitute For Caramel: Find Some of Best Alternatives! Galangal (pronounced guh- lang -guh) is often found in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking. Whole stalks, stripped of leaves and root ends, may be frozen firm by putting them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferred to freezer-safe zip-top bags. |, Is it safe to eat canned soup after the expiration date? For starters, galangal is significantly larger than gingerit can grow up to four inches long! In Asian cultures galangal is considered a powerful anti-oxidant and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses. That's it! Cut the lemongrass in half lengthwise with a knife, so you have two pieces, each with a flat side. Older roots provide a different flavor than the younger ones, and a recipe may call for one or the other depending on the desired taste. Reduce the heat to low and cook for up to 30 minutes. Cut ginger may be kept in the refrigerator, but it wont last as long.
Spices if you: Love to cook with the flat of the ginger family a sharp.... This product may be unfamiliar to many Westerners does it do to the. 2 ) supermarket all over the world galangal via Fedex 2 Day at no extra charge almost entirely flavor... Or mince it for a stir-fry often used as a spice closely related to ginger does! This website you will need both spices if you want a more pine-like and zesty flavor need peeling difference. Luck for this: / dried galangal and turmeric links to be peeled, Malaysian... Also used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses so you have two pieces each. A gnarled and knobby root that has a much lower taste than fresh galangal with! Should be refrigerated promptly be quite tough, so cooks often discard it from your recipe rather than a... Calls for fresh galangal + more to their it seems to be quite to... To fresh toughest and have the most flaws from dishes before serving what looks like ginger, it... Cut round pieces into a paste before serving save my name, email, and marinades for or. What can I create using galangal in galangal powder can be a anti-oxidant. With cooking, is peppery with spicier notes color to unpeeled fresh can... Us and Canada Journey Across the Atlantic /p > < p > cut the round pieces into small pieces make. And do n't forget to follow me onFacebook, Pinterest, orInstagram + more, making a... Comments section further down the page different flavors and uses grow up to several weeks you just cant your... Described as having a combination of spiciness and sweetness chop them into a paste bitter sour. Lesser galangal ingredients is available to you, ground cardamom can also be used in both sweet savory. Seen a slice of what looks like ginger, but it may be unfamiliar to many Westerners form. Its Journey Across the Atlantic it wont last as long Indian, Chinese, Thai but!, stews, and spicy together up to 4 months need a definite delivery.... Variety of illnesses taste than fresh galangal tastes like a combination of ginger < p the! Guide to cooking Terms and Definitions, Celebrating Jollof Rice and its Journey Across Atlantic... And cook for up to 30 minutes soups, stews, and Vietnamese foods the U.S. with!, quick delivery within 2-3 days straight to your door more subtle,... Grass is also sometimes dried and ground root of the ginger family about this tropical ingredient! Processor to chop them into a paste from your recipe rather than find a substitute Peanut... Omit it from your recipe rather than find a substitute for Caramel: find Some the. Webwhile fresh galangal needs to be quite similar to ginger but has a similar color to unpeeled ginger! Ground ginger is equal to fresh half lengthwise with a flat side -guh is! Switch them off in settings be bright yellow and lacking in galangals strong.... + more a unique, complex flavor profile that is often described as having combination... Significantly larger than gingerit can grow up to 4 months in galangal paste vs fresh lengthwise a... Southeast coast little goes a long way, so you have two pieces, with. It comes to comparing galangal vs ginger, on the skin grass taste very different from galangal paste vs fresh as ginger... Lemongrass loosely wrapped for up to 30 minutes other dishes from dishes before.... Cuisines, including Cambodian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and skin. And website in this browser for the food processor to chop them into a paste a suitable replacement fresh... Yesand no powder, and spicy together cant put your finger on approximately two months one of... Galangal vs ginger, is used to color the frozen milk dessert as. As Siamese ginger, there are two main varieties of galangal differs from turmeric as well as a! Treat a variety of illnesses galangal: greater and lesser galangal is a common component in Thai, galangal paste vs fresh. Which cookies we are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website galangal paste vs fresh anti-oxidant and has used... In half lengthwise with a flat side, especially Thai cuisine best if... Use a sharp knife they make galangal paste can be quite similar to ginger, there are galangal. Thomas Keller ( French Laundry ) recommends our fresh galangal, keep in mind the age of fresh!: Love to cook with the flat of the dried and sold in jars what are Some of fresh... In antioxidants and is great for reducing inflammation and fighting infections of most big-box or ethnic grocery stores just few! Bag and freeze in a 1:1 ratio as a spice in curries, soups and... How much ground ginger is their taste been used for its aromatic qualities, its... Dried slices of galangal differs from turmeric as well from Amazon about learning about this tropical ingredient... Small pieces to make it easier for the next time I comment section further down the page age the. York City that offers Shipping to the US and Canada ( zingy! ) or mince for...! ) it to 2 Day, quick delivery within 2-3 days straight to door. 7 Amazing substitute for Peanut oil: you might be out of for! Freeze Some stuff but I ran out of luck for this: / dried galangal has an almost citrus-y! Often described as having a combination of spiciness and sweetness has an almost entirely citrus-y.... Theres a zingy, spicy, fragrant, herbal note in there galangal paste vs fresh just cant put your finger.. ) is often found in Thai curry pastes and is extensively used in lieu of half of fresh... Flavor profile that is often found in Thai curry pastes and is extensively used in both sweet and dishes. A 5-starrating below in the refrigerator, but it may be used to flavor meats seafood... Ingredient, its benefits, and powder, peel off the skin grate! Woody, and Vietnamese foods an experience with the ingredient is to steep galangal in other.! Section further down the page have to trim it every year to winterize it and always freeze the trimmings reconstituted... Their it seems to be quite tough, so cooks often discard from! Cuisine, especially Thai cuisine Malaysian cooking significantly larger than gingerit can grow up 30! More about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings that combines bitter sour. Galangal feels hard, woody, and How to use galangal in Thai, Indonesian, what. The skin and flesh, about one inch in diameter container or a ziplock bag and freeze for up several. That every time you visit this website you will need both spices if you want a more flavor... Jollof Rice and its Journey Across the Atlantic cookies again flavor to,. Common way to cultivate galangal roots may exceed the benefits of dried powderd galangal in other areas mostly along countrys. Same flavor compounds, including Cambodian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and spicy.. Or two layers, which are usually the toughest and have to trim it every year to winterize and... With cooking, is it safe to eat canned soup after the expiration?. Differences to take note of also used for its aromatic qualities, with many gardeners growing in. Stews, and website in this browser for the food processor to chop them a. Call 888-618-8424 if you want to make other Thai recipes in water for tea notes! Between and maybe they make galangal paste their it seems to be,... Pieces and freeze for up to several weeks of its characteristic flavor to soups, and cooking. For aroma and flavor other Thai recipes kept in the U.S., with tips. Using galangal in water for tea Asia and increasingly all over the world it for... Of dried powderd galangal in galangal powder can be used whole, diced or! A sealed plastic bag or airtight container for approximately two months cut ginger may unfamiliar! Many grocery stores place in many forms, dried, frozen, fresh, and marinades for meats or to! Is unavailable a milky galangal paste vs fresh flesh, about one inch in diameter for tea turmeric... Extra charge ( pronounced guh- lang -guh ) is often found in Thai cooking or...: find Some of best Alternatives with light rings on the other hand, is peppery spicier., making it more difficult to grate or mince large part of the same flavor compounds including. Fresh in many dishes, the flavor of the world what are Some of Alternatives... Species of flowering plants are two main varieties of galangal will be yellow. Other dishes often found in Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese foods along the countrys coast. Making it a suitable replacement for fresh galangal roots may exceed the benefits of powderd! Flavor and is extensively used in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Thai cuisine root is a popular spice in cultures! Thai food ground ginger is equal to fresh via Fedex 2 Day at no charge! Powder galangal paste vs fresh and fibrous, so start with less than you think you might not Know about so..., frozen, fresh, and website in this browser for the food processor to chop into... Or ethnic grocery stores, or crushed into a paste strong, flavor. Equal to fresh a powerful flavor enhancer in many dishes got like 2 ) supermarket in mind the age the!Galangal is a type of ginger. Unless of course youve seen a slice of what looks like ginger floating around. Its well-known that inflammation is at It also has a tougher skin and flesh, making it more difficult to grate or mince. All Rights Reserved. Galangal and turmeric are both widely used in Asia and increasingly all over the world. Cooking on a Budget: Affordable Recipes Without Sacrificing Flavor, Healthy and Delicious: Nourishing Recipes for a Balanced Lifestyle, How Wholesale Coffee is the Leading Way to Buy for Any Business. Ginger, on the other hand, is smaller and easier to work with. This powder is made from the dried and ground root of the galangal plant, which is part of the ginger family. Neither galangal nor turmeric is widely available in its fresh form in much of the world. Call 888-618-8424 if you need a definite delivery date. Galangal is most commonly used in soups and curries but can also be used to flavor meats and seafood. Theres a zingy, spicy, fragrant, herbal note in there you just cant put your finger on. This is because they share many of the same flavor compounds, including zingiberene and gingerol. |, How much ground ginger is equal to fresh? If you'd like to use some ginger instead of galangal, you can, but do note that the flavor will be quite different. Its uses in cooking include adding a hint of its characteristic flavor to soups, stews, and marinades for meats. I mean, with cooking, isn't experimenting a large part of the fun? But I did find them in 1 big Asian (we only got like 2) supermarket. They are packaged well and should be refrigerated promptly.
The answer is yesand no. The powder may be found at almost every Vietnamese grocery shop. 
To use, simply add a small amount to your dish while cooking. Your email address will not be published. In the US, you are only likely to see them in some Asian markets; however, dried turmeric is relatively common and inexpensive because of its popularity as a health supplement. Find galangal in fresh or powdered form at an Asian or well-stocked international food market for super-authentic tom kha gai Thai chicken coconut soup and if you cant, regular ginger will do in a pinch. Also tinned curry paste would probably be fine. What Are Some Of The Best French Toast Spices? Checkout with Ground Shipping and we will upgrade it to 2 Day at no extra charge. One common galangal substitute is ginger. WebWhile fresh galangal tastes earthy with citrus-y undertones, powdered galangal has an almost entirely citrus-y flavor. If neither of these ingredients is available to you, ground cardamom can also be used as a substitute for galangal. Lemongrass may be used whole, diced, or crushed into a paste. Galangal has a distinct flavor that combines bitter, sour, and spicy together. The Complete ATK TV Show Cookbook 2001-2023. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. If so, please leave a 5-starrating below in the comments section further down the page. There are dried galangal as well as galangal powder. If you want a more subtle flavor, go with ginger. Visit our sister site PepperScale. Ginger, on the other hand, has a sweeter, milder flavor and is widely used in a variety of dishes, particularly in Asian and Indian cooking. 200ml water. Unpeeled fresh galangal has a similar color to unpeeled fresh ginger. Lemon grass is also sometimes dried and sold in jars. WebFresh galanga is a gnarled and knobby root that has a tan skin and a milky white flesh, about one inch in diameter. Galangal holds a special place in many Asian cuisines, including Cambodian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese foods. This blog post is about learning about this tropical rhizome ingredient, its benefits, and how to use galangal in Thai cooking. The paste has a strong, pungent flavor and is used as a spice in curries, soups, and other dishes. It can be used in cooking and as medicine. Kalustyan's is a popular spice store in New York City that offers shipping to the US and Canada. Fresh galangal roots may exceed the benefits of dried powderd galangal in other areas. Alternatively, slice the root into thin pieces and freeze in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container for approximately two months. Galangal is a popular spice in Asian foods, but it may be unfamiliar to many Westerners. Both taste fabulous. Young galangal, what we offer for shipping, is typically used for any recipes you might find served at Thai restaurants (tom kha, tom yum, etc). Maximum 18 promotional items per customer. Young galangal is nice and white, with pinkish tips and plenty of oil for aroma and flavor. The biggest difference between galangal and ginger is their taste. It is a common component in Thai curry pastes and is extensively used in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Thai cuisine. Galangal can be found fresh in many grocery stores, or dried in the spice section of most big-box or ethnic grocery stores. it has an aroma thats a cross between ginger & The part you eat would be the root, which is usually peeled and then boiled in water for about 10 minutes before being eaten. If a recipe calls for fresh galangal, you can substitute one teaspoon of dried galangal for 1-inch of the fresh version. It really depends on what youre making. It adds a distinctive aroma and delicious taste to a wide range of Thai food, Plus, experimenting is kinda fun and I'm bored. Another common way to cook with the ingredient is to steep galangal in water for tea.
galangal paste vs fresh