Ginger paste is a versatile ingredient that can add a spicy, sweet kick to both sweet and savory dishes. With its easily blendable texture and concentrated flavor, ginger paste makes cooking easier by having ginger ready whenever you need it.
Whether you want to spice up a stir-fry, give baked goods an extra zing, or brew a soothing cup of ginger tea, ginger paste is a handy kitchen staple to keep on hand.
Ginger paste is simply fresh ginger that has been peeled, chopped, and blended into a smooth, mash-like consistency. To make ginger paste at home, all you need is fresh ginger root, a blender or food processor, and in some recipes, a small amount of oil.
The oil helps preserve the ginger and prevent it from spoiling as quickly, though it can be omitted if you plan to use up the ginger paste within 3-5 days. Once made, ginger paste keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for longer term storage.
Benefits of Using Ginger Paste
There are several advantages to keeping ginger paste on hand:
- Saves prep time - No need to grate, mince, or chop fresh ginger each time. Using ginger paste helps speed up cooking.
- Adds concentrated flavor - Blending ginger releases its oils and juices, making it extra potent. A little goes a long way.
- More versatility - Ginger paste incorporates smoothly into both sweet and savory dishes.
- Longer shelf life - Lasts for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer. Pre-prepped ginger helps reduce food waste.
- Health benefits - Ginger provides antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other medicinal properties.
In short, ginger paste gives you an easy way to unlock ginger's signature flavor and health perks in your food while saving time in the kitchen.
How to Use Ginger Paste in Recipes
Ginger paste is incredibly versatile. It can spike the flavor of everything from Asian-inspired meals to classic American desserts and globally inspired dishes.
Here are some of the many ways to use ginger paste:
Savory Dishes
- Stir-fries - Saute aromatics like garlic and ginger paste before adding proteins and vegetables. The mixture only needs 30 seconds to become fragrant.
- Curries - Blend into curry paste or stir into the sauce near the end of cooking.
- Soups - Add to broths, especially those featuring squash, carrots, or tomato.
- Salad dressings and dips - Whisk into vinaigrettes, yogurt dips, bean dips, etc.
- Marinades - Mix with oil, spices, and acid to marinate meats.
- Rub for meat/tofu - Coat proteins before searing or baking.
Sweet Foods
- Baked goods - Add to cookie dough, cake batters, quick breads, pancakes, etc.
- Fruit desserts - Stir into fruit compotes, pies, crisps, and crumbles.
- Smoothies - Blend into fruit and veggie smoothie mixes.
- Tea and drinks - Brew ginger paste with hot water and honey for DIY ginger tea. Mix into lemonade, tea, and coffee drinks.
As you can see, ginger paste works well in both sweet and savory dishes spanning an array of world cuisines. Keep reading for specific recipe ideas.
Recipe Ideas Using Ginger Paste
Here is a table outlining some tasty ways to use ginger paste in recipes:
| Dish Type | Sample Recipes |
|---|---|
| Soups | Gingered Carrot Orange Soup, Carrot Ginger Tofu Soup |
| Salads | Ginger Citrus Salad Dressing |
| Meat dishes | Spicy Chicken Liver Fry, Kerala Beef Fry |
| Vegetable dishes | Kerala Vegetable Stew, Aloo Gobi |
| Rice dishes | Chicken Pulao, Lemon Rice |
| Chutneys | Mango Pineapple Chutney |
| Desserts | Fresh Ginger Pound Cake |
| Beverages | Ginger Tea, Ginger Ale |
Key Takeaway: Ginger paste adds flavor and aroma to a wide variety of savory dishes like curries, stir-fries, soups, salads, and meat marinades. It also enhances sweet items such as smoothies, desserts, and beverages.
How to Make Ginger Paste
Making homemade ginger paste is simple. Here is an overview of the basic steps:
- Select fresh ginger - Choose firm, smooth pieces without wrinkles or mold.
- Prep the ginger - Wash, peel if desired, and chop into chunks.
- Blend - Puree the ginger, adding a splash of oil or water to facilitate blending if needed.
- Store - Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze.
Be sure to pick plump ginger roots with taut, shiny skin. Older ginger tends to get stringy and fibrous. Place the cubed ginger into a high powered blender or small food processor. Puree, scraping down the sides as needed, until completely smooth. That's all there is to it!
Key Takeaway: To make ginger paste, simply wash, peel if desired, chop, and blend fresh ginger root, adding a splash of oil to help it puree smoothly.
Storing Ginger Paste
Proper storage is key for preserving homemade ginger paste. Here are your options:
- Refrigerator: Place ginger paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, use ice cube trays or freezer bags to store measured portions that can be thawed as needed. Frozen ginger paste keeps for 6 months or longer.
Be sure to label ginger paste stored in the freezer with the date and quantity per cube or bag. Always use clean utensils to scoop out only the amount needed, then promptly return the unused portion to the freezer.
Substituting Ginger Paste in Recipes
In a pinch, ginger paste can be substituted 1:1 for minced fresh ginger. However, since blending concentrates the intensity, you may wish to start with less and add more to taste.
As a guideline when substituting:
- 1 inch fresh ginger = 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste = 1 teaspoon minced ginger
For every 1 teaspoon ginger paste, use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger powder. The flavors differ slightly since powder loses some nuance, but this conversion will work.
Key Takeaway: When using ginger paste in place of fresh ginger, substitute 1 inch of fresh ginger for 1 tablespoon paste, or use a 1:1 ratio of ginger paste for minced ginger. Use 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder per 1 teaspoon paste.
FAQs
Should ginger be peeled before making paste?
Peeling is optional. Some people prefer removing the thin outer layer, while others leave it intact. Either way works fine.
Why is my ginger paste stringy or fibrous?
Older ginger roots tend to get woody and fibrous. For smooth paste, select the freshest ginger possible without wrinkles, mold, or soft spots.
Can I use frozen ginger paste cubes without thawing?
Yes! Frozen ginger paste can be added directly from the freezer to both hot and cold preparations.
How long does homemade ginger paste last?
Properly stored ginger paste keeps for 5-7 days refrigerated or at least 6 months frozen.
Is store-bought ginger paste as fresh tasting?
Homemade ginger paste delivers superior flavor compared to commercial versions, which often contain preservatives and anti-caking agents that dull the vibrant ginger taste.
Conclusion
Ginger paste is an invaluable ingredient to keep stocked in your kitchen arsenal.
Blending fresh ginger into a puree makes it easy to infuse a spicy tang into all types of dishes from stir fries to salad dressings to gingerbread.