11 Best Substitutes for Curry Powder (& How Much to Use)

As someone who loves making a good curry, I know how frustrating it can be to not tolerate one or more of the ingredients in curry powder. Or even worse, to be in the middle of a recipe and realize you're out of this essential spice blend.

But fear not, my fellow foodies! There are plenty of curry powder substitutes out there, each of which can give your dish that same delicious, aromatic flavor. Whether you're looking for a milder option or a spicier kick, there's an alternative for every situation.

Below I share some of my favorite options to substitute for curry powder, most of which can be easily found in your pantry or at your local grocery store. It's important to note that each curry powder substitute will have its own unique flavor and aroma, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect match for your curry or other home-made dish. Be sure to check each ingredient's recommended ratio; the swaps are in no particular order.

Cumin is a spice that is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. It has a distinct aroma and a warm, earthy flavor that can give your meals more depth and richness; it's surprisingly delicious on popcorn.

Curry powder typically contains a blend of spices, including cumin, though it also includes other ingredients like coriander, turmeric, and ginger. So, while cumin can help to replicate some of the flavor of curry powder, it won't be an exact match.

This spice pairs well with other spices like coriander and turmeric, so you can also blend them together to create a similar flavor profile. Cumin also has a distinctive brown color that can help to mimic the appearance of curry powder in your dishes.

One of the benefits of using ground cumin as a substitute for curry powder is that it’s a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to aid in digestion and even help lower cholesterol levels.

Ground coriander comes from the seeds of the coriander plant and has a warm, citrusy flavor with hints of sweetness. You can expect this ingredient to have a slightly different color and flavor profile from curry powder. 

While curry powder tends to have a yellowish-orange hue, ground coriander is more of a brownish-red color. In terms of flavor though, ground coriander has a slightly sweet and citrusy taste, with notes of nuttiness and warmth

But what makes ground coriander a great substitute for curry powder is its health properties. Coriander is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it's a great source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and even calcium.

So, not only will your dish taste great, but it’ll also be packed with nutrients to help your body.

Garam masala is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cuisine and typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander. While it may not have the same bright yellow color as curry powder, this spice still adds a warm and complex flavor to your dishes.

Keep in mind that garam masala is typically more potent than curry powder, so you'll likely need to use less of it than you would with the latter.  I would recommend starting with about half the amount of garam masala and then adjusting to taste.

This blend is just a great choice altogether because it contains a variety of spices that have been linked to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, the individual spices in garam masala are all known for their antioxidant properties, which can help protect your cells from damage.

Madras curry powder is a blend of spices that typically includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, mustard seeds, and fenugreek, and cinnamon. It's named after the city of Madras (now Chennai) in southern India and is known for its vibrant yellow color and bold, spicy flavor.

When it comes to using madras curry powder as a possible substitute for regular curry powder, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as color. Your dish's color will be slightly different, as madras curry powder tends to be more yellow than the reddish-brown hue of traditional curry powder. 

However, the overall flavor profile is similar, with slightly more intense heat and a hint of sweetness.

In terms of health properties, madras curry powder is spot on as many of the spices in the blend are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and turmeric in particular has been linked to several health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved brain function.

Chaat masala is a spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine that has a tangy, sour, and slightly spicy flavor. It's typically made with cumin, coriander, dried mango powder, black salt, and other spices.

Chaat masala has a brownish-red color and is commonly used to season fruit, vegetables, and snacks like chaat, a popular Indian street food. It can also be used to add flavor to marinades, dressings, and sauces.

When using this ingredient, it's important to note that it has a unique flavor profile and won't provide the same depth of flavor as curry powder, but can still add a delicious and unique taste to your dishes.

One of the benefits of using chaat masala is the health properties it adds. The use of black salt in the blend can help aid in digestion and improve overall gut health, while the addition of dried mango powder can provide a boost of vitamin C.

If you're looking for a more authentic Indian flavor, Indian curry paste may just be your answer. This paste is made by blending a variety of Indian spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. Indian curry paste is typically more concentrated and potent than curry powder, so you'll need to use less of it in your recipes. 

One of the things I love about Indian curry paste is the vibrant color it adds to dishes. It's a beautiful shade of orange-yellow that pops on the plate. But more importantly, the flavor is incredible. It's a complex blend of spices that includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, and more. The paste also has a bit of heat to it, which I really enjoy.

Also, the spices it contains are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of chronic disease. 

Be sure to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe accordingly, as the paste will already contain many of the spices found in curry powder.

If you're looking for a curry powder substitute that's more on the savory side, sambar powder might be the option for you. This spice blend is commonly used in South Indian cuisine and is known for its warm, earthy flavor.

Sambar powder typically includes a mix of coriander, cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, and other spices depending on who makes the blend, and has a distinct reddish-brown color that can add depth and richness to your dishes.

In terms of flavor, sambar powder has a slightly earthy taste with a touch of heat from the chili powder. However, it still provides that rich, complex flavor that everybody loves about curry powder. You’ll also find that it works particularly well in Indian and South Asian dishes, but can also be used in other cuisines to add a unique twist.

Many of the spices in the blend, such as turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants, making it a viable choice for anyone looking to add more health benefits to their meals.

Tandoori masala is a spice blend that's often used in Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes like tandoori chicken. It has a similar color, but the overall flavor is quite different. While curry powder tends to be more earthy and warm, tandoori masala is more tangy and spicy, thanks to the presence of ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cumin.

Tandoori masala is also rich in antioxidants & anti-inflammatory compounds and has been shown to have various health benefits, including improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.

Chinese 5 spice is a flavorful blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns that can be used as a substitute for curry powder. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that can work well in many dishes, though nearly all of the ingredients are considered high histamine.

While Chinese 5 spice doesn't have the same yellow color, it more than makes up for it in terms of flavor. The warm, sweet notes of cinnamon and fennel are balanced by the sharp, slightly bitter taste of star anise and the numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns. The result is a complex, aromatic spice blend that can elevate any dish.

This spice isn’t just delicious, but also packed with various health benefits. Cinnamon, for example, has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, while cloves are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel can aid digestion, and star anise has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections.

The usage of Chinese 5 spice does vary depending on your preferences, but a good rule of thumb is to start with half the amount that the recipe calls for. You can always add more if you feel like the flavor isn't strong enough. The spice blend does have a stronger flavor, so bear in mind that a little can go a long way. 

This trio of spices will give you a similar color and flavor profile to curry powder, while also providing a range of health benefits. Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powder and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and the vibrant yellow color it adds to dishes. 

While coriander, on the other hand, has a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor that compliments the earthiness of turmeric. Allspice adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the mix, though it may bother some people with histamine issues.

When using this combination alternative, mix together equal parts of turmeric, coriander, and allspice. Use about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for every tablespoon of curry powder called for in your recipe.

Cumin powder is a staple spice in many cuisines around the world, and its earthy and warm flavor pairs well with chili's heat. This combination won't give you the same bright color as curry powder, but it’ll still add a warm and earthy tone to your dish, and you can easily add a splash of color and tone down the heat by swapping some of the chili for turmeric.

Cumin powder is also known for its health benefits, as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. Chili, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which can help reduce inflammation and pain when consumed in moderation.