Running out of ingredients while cooking or baking can be a frustrating situation. However, there are several ingredient substitutions that can work just as well as the original ingredient. The success of these substitutions is often due to the chemistry and physical similarities they share with the original ingredient.
One common substitution is using oils instead of butter. Both oils and butter belong to the lipid class and serve to add flavor and influence the structure and texture of baked goods. While butter contains water and is about 80% lipid, oils are almost 100% lipid. This difference results in a softer crumb when using oil, but it is still a suitable fat for baking. Various oils, such as olive oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, and macadamia oil, can be used, each imparting different flavors.
Nut “butters,” like peanut and cashew butter, cannot replace dairy butter due to their different composition. These nut butters are actually pastes and have distinct characteristics that make them unsuitable for replacing dairy butter without additional oil.
Another substitution is using aquafaba or flaxseed instead of eggs. Aquafaba is the liquid drained from canned legumes and contains proteins similar to those found in egg whites. These proteins act as foam stabilizers and create a light, airy texture in baked goods. While egg whites have a higher protein concentration and create a stable foam quickly, aquafaba requires more whipping but can still produce a meringue-like foam. Flaxseed, when mixed with water, forms a gel texture similar to raw egg and can provide structure and emulsification in recipes that require a small amount of egg white.
When buttermilk is not available, slightly soured milk can be used as a substitute. Buttermilk is the liquid left over after churning butter and contains proteins and fats. Adding lemon juice or cream of tartar to milk can achieve a slightly soured milk that mimics the flavor and chemical composition of buttermilk. Buttermilk is often used in pancakes and baked goods to add height and volume, as the acidic components interact with baking soda to create a light and airy texture.
Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar in cooking and baking. It adds flavor and texture to various products. However, it is important to note that honey imparts a softer, moister texture due to its higher moisture content and humectant properties. The sweetness level of honey may also differ from regular sugar, so adjustments to recipes may be necessary.
For those with gluten allergies or sensitivities, substitutions for regular flour are necessary. Gluten is the protein responsible for the stretchy texture in bread. Gluten-free alternatives often include a mixture of ingredients like corn or rice flour, xanthan gum as a binder and moisture holder, and tapioca starch as a water absorbent and binder for the dough.
In conclusion, ingredient substitutions can be successful in cooking and baking when the chemistry and physical characteristics of the substitute closely resemble those of the original ingredient. Oils can replace butter, aquafaba or flaxseed can replace eggs, slightly soured milk can substitute for buttermilk, honey can be used instead of sugar, and gluten-free alternatives can be used in place of regular flour.
