How to Use Turmeric Powder

Turmeric powder is having a major moment right now. This bright golden spice is popping up everywhere from trendy cafes to health food stores. But what exactly is turmeric powder, and how do you use it?

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, a relative of ginger. It has a peppery, warm, and slightly bitter flavor. The compounds in turmeric give it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other health-promoting properties.

While fresh turmeric root can be used in cooking, turmeric powder is more common and has a long shelf life. The earthy orange-yellow powder can transform the color and flavor of foods. From savory dishes to baked goods and beverages, read on to discover 16 creative ways to use turmeric powder at home.

Table of Contents

Add Turmeric Powder to Eggs and Breakfast Foods

When you're first getting used to turmeric's distinctive flavor, eggs are a great place to start. The yellow color blends right in! Turmeric powder pairs nicely with the richness of eggs and imparts a subtle earthiness.

To use turmeric powder for breakfast:

Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric when scrambling eggs or making an omelet. The turmeric gives the eggs a boost of color and nutrition.
Mix turmeric into the batter for omelets, frittatas, and scrambled tofu. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per egg.
Make golden pancakes and waffles by stirring 1/2 teaspoon turmeric into the dry ingredients.
Fold 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric into egg or tofu scrambles along with veggies, cheese, or other mix-ins.
For a savory breakfast, add turmeric to hot cereals like oatmeal, grits, farina, or cream of wheat. Try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per bowl.
Bake turmeric right into breakfast breads and muffins. It pairs nicely with banana, zucchini, pumpkin, and other moist veggie or fruit breads.

Key Takeaway: Turmeric powder blends seamlessly into egg dishes, adding nutrition without overpowering flavor.

Boost Flavor in Soups, Stews, and Chilis

The subtly spicy, earthy flavor of turmeric powder is delicious in hearty soups and stews. It adds both nutrition and a gorgeous golden color to brothy dishes.

Turmeric also stands up well to the bold flavors of chilis and curry dishes. Simply stir it in toward the end of cooking.

Ways to use turmeric powder in soups and stews:

Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric per serving when making vegetable, chicken, beef, or lentil soups.
To keep the color bright, stir in turmeric powder at the end once the soup is done cooking. Or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
For quick weeknight chicken noodle or vegetable soup, sprinkle turmeric into canned or boxed broth.
Make golden curry powders and spice blends using turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
Add a teaspoon or two of turmeric powder to curries, chili, stew, and other slow-cooked dishes.
For cream-based soups, stir in a pinch to 1/4 teaspoon turmeric per serving to gently tint the broth.

Key Takeaway: Turmeric imparts an earthy flavor and golden hue to soups, stews, chilis, and curries.

Liven Up Veggies, Grains, Beans, and Tofu

Since turmeric has a mild flavor, it complements most savory foods. It adds both visual appeal and nutrition to veggie sides, grain dishes, legumes, and tofu.

Whip Up Golden Dips, Dressings, and Sauces

Turmeric powder is ideal for mixing into condiments like hummus, salad dressings, marinades, and creamy dips. It adds nutrition as well as bright, golden color that makes dishes pop.

Turmeric's earthy flavor also complements yogurt-based sauces and tangy vinaigrettes. Play around with spice combos to create your own signature blends.

How to incorporate turmeric into condiments:

Make turmeric hummus by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric when blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
For golden salad dressings, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric.
Mix 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to make a quick veggie dip or sandwich spread.
Stir together olive oil, lime juice, honey, crushed garlic, and lots of fresh ginger and turmeric to marinate chicken, fish, or tofu.
Blend turmeric, smoked paprika, garam masala, cumin, and black pepper into oil and vinegar to make a turmeric vinaigrette.
For golden gravy, stir turmeric into pan drippings or simmer sauce made from broth, butter, and flour.

Key Takeaway: Vibrant turmeric powder livens up the flavor, color, and nutrition levels of dips, dressings, sauces, and marinades.

Add Turmeric to Breads, Muffins, and Baked Goods

Turmeric isn't just for savory dishes! It also adds subtle earthy flavor and beautiful color to all kinds of baked goods. Turmeric pairs well with ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and black pepper.

Try blending turmeric into any bread, muffin, cookie, or cake recipe. The flavor complements sweet vegetables and fruits like carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, apples, pears, and bananas.

Get creative with turmeric in baked treats:

Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon turmeric into the dry ingredients when making breads, scones, biscuits, pancakes, or muffins.
Add a pinch or two of turmeric to cookie dough or cake batter for color and an earthy undertone.
For spiced flavor, include a teaspoon or more of turmeric in apple, banana, zucchini, or pumpkin breads and muffins.
Make savory biscuits, scones, or hand pies using turmeric, black pepper, Parmesan, herbs, or other savory ingredients.
Blend turmeric into gluten-free flours when baking bread or muffins. It masks any bitterness from the flours.
Swirl turmeric powder into vanilla or coconut yogurt, then dollop on top of muffins or quick breads before baking.

Key Takeaway: Turmeric powder subtly enhances the flavor, texture, nutrition, and color of baked goods.

Mix Turmeric into Beverages and Smoothies

Turmeric powder dissolves easily into liquids, making it ideal for mixing into smoothies, lattes, tea, and juice. The earthy, spicy flavor pairs well with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg.

For the best flavor, first mix turmeric powder with a bit of water to form a paste. Then add your liquid and other ingredients. Steep it into hot water to intensify the benefits and flavor.

Creative ways to make turmeric beverages:

For turmeric tea, combine 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder with hot water, honey, and lemon. Add ginger or black pepper to amp up the benefits.
Make a healing tonic by simmering fresh turmeric with grated ginger, garlic, lemon, and honey in hot water or tea. Strain before drinking.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to fruit or veggie smoothies. Pair it with banana, mango, berries, kale, or a mix.
Mix turmeric paste into coffee drinks, matcha lattes, golden milk, and chai for earthy flavor and nutrition.
For a vibrant immunity booster, combine fresh turmeric and orange juice in a blender with ginger, lemon, and a date or two.
Simmer cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and turmeric in coconut milk. Mix with brewed black or masala chai tea for a spiced latte.

Key Takeaway: Turmeric dissolves nicely into smoothies, juices, tea, coffee drinks, and herbal lattes.

Make Vibrant Turmeric Rice Dishes

Cooking rice or grains in turmeric-infused broth or water is an easy way to add color, flavor, and nutrition. Turmeric rice makes a bright, antioxidant-rich accompaniment to curries, stews, grilled meats, and veggies.

Try cooking up a batch of golden turmeric rice or pilaf on the weekend. Then use it throughout the week in rice bowls, stir-fries, salads, and more.

How to make turmeric rice:

Cook rice in broth seasoned with a teaspoon or more of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper.
For turmeric pilaf, sauté diced onion and garlic in olive oil. Add rice, turmeric, chicken or veggie broth, and seasonings.
Stir a teaspoon or two of turmeric into the water when cooking your favorite rice. basmati, and jasmine work well.
Make turmeric fried rice with chilled brown or white rice, veggies, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of turmeric.
Top rice with sautéed veggies, chickpeas, nuts, and a drizzle of turmeric oil or dressing for a quick grain bowl.
For Mediterranean turmeric rice, cook rice in broth seasoned with turmeric, parsley, lemon, olives, and a dash of cinnamon.

Key Takeaway: Turmeric transforms ordinary rice into a colorful side dish and adds an anti-inflammatory boost.

Give Desserts and Sweets a Turmeric Twist

FAQs

How much turmeric powder should you use?

When using turmeric powder, start with just 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per serving of food or drink. This allows its earthy flavor to shine through without overpowering other ingredients. Work your way up to 1 teaspoon or more once you get accustomed to turmeric's distinctive taste.

Does turmeric stain?

Yes, turmeric can temporarily stain skin, countertops, and clothing yellow-orange. To avoid stains, thoroughly wash skin and surfaces immediately after handling the powder. For clothes, pretreat stains right away and launder as usual.

What's the best way to store turmeric powder?

To retain its freshness and potency, store turmeric powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Properly stored, ground turmeric will keep for up to 1 year.

Can you substitute fresh turmeric for the powder?

Yes! To replace turmeric powder, use twice as much grated or finely chopped fresh turmeric root. Or make a paste by mashing fresh turmeric with a bit of water or oil. Just keep in mind that fresh turmeric has a more potent, slightly more bitter taste.

What foods complement turmeric powder?

Turmeric pairs well with eggs, chicken, lentils, rice, veggies, greens, citrus, ginger, garlic, yogurt, coconut, lamb, fish, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, clove, cumin, and mustard seed.

Conclusion

With its lively color, subtle flavor, and extensive health benefits, it's easy to see why turmeric powder is popping up everywhere lately. This golden spice is extremely versatile. It can be added to savory foods like eggs, meats, veggies, legumes, and broth-based dishes as well as blended into smoothies, beverages, and sweet treats.

Turmeric imparts a lovely yellow-orange hue to foods. Its mild, earthy taste adds subtle spice without overpowering other flavors. Mix in just a pinch or two of turmeric powder when preparing your favorite recipes. It dissolve easily and enhances both the nutrition and visual appeal of foods and drinks.