What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes.

What can I use instead of an egg?

For binding in meatballs, cookies and quick breads, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water replaces one egg.

What fish can I use instead of cod?

Haddock, pollock and hake are mild, flaky white fish that cook in the same time.

Kitchen Substitutions

Out of buttermilk, cream, eggs or the fish the recipe calls for? These swaps work in most recipes on the site. For baking, substitutions can change the texture, so the first time, make the recipe as written if you can.

Allergies: a substitute can bring in a new allergen (nut milks, soy, wheat, shellfish). Read labels, and if you are cooking for someone with a food allergy, check every ingredient with them.

Dairy

Instead of	Use
1 cup buttermilk	1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar; let stand 5 minutes. Or 3/4 cup plain yogurt thinned with 1/4 cup milk.
1 cup heavy cream (for cooking, not whipping)	3/4 cup whole milk plus 1/4 cup melted butter. For a dairy-free sauce, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
1 cup sour cream	1 cup plain Greek yogurt.
1 cup whole milk	1 cup unsweetened oat or soy milk, or 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water.
Butter for sauteing	Olive oil or vegetable oil, about 3/4 as much.

Eggs and baking

Instead of	Use
1 egg, for binding	1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes; or 3 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas).
1 cup self-rising flour	1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
1 cup cake flour	1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted together.
1 teaspoon baking powder	1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.
1 cup packed brown sugar	1 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses.
2 tablespoons flour, for thickening	1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (also gluten-free).

Flavor

Instead of	Use
1 shallot	2 tablespoons minced mild onion plus a small pinch of minced garlic.
1 tablespoon fresh herbs	1 teaspoon dried herbs.
1 clove garlic	1/8 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger	1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
1/2 cup wine in a pan sauce	1/2 cup broth plus 1 teaspoon red or white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Soy sauce, gluten-free	Tamari or coconut aminos.
Worcestershire sauce, vegetarian	A vegetarian Worcestershire, or soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar; regular Worcestershire contains anchovies.

Fish

Instead of	Use
Cod	Haddock, pollock or hake: mild, flaky white fish that cook the same way.
Halibut	Cod loin, sea bass or mahi-mahi; halibut is leaner, so watch the time.
Salmon	Arctic char or steelhead trout, which cook a little faster.
Tuna steaks	Swordfish steaks, cooked to 145 F rather than rare.
Sole or flounder	Tilapia or any thin white fillet.
Sea scallops	Bay scallops, which are smaller and cook in about half the time.

Beef cuts

Instead of	Use
Ribeye	New York strip or top sirloin, cooked the same way; sirloin is leaner.
Filet mignon	Center-cut sirloin or flat iron, for less money.
Flank steak	Skirt steak or flat iron; slice all of them thinly across the grain.
Chuck roast for braising	Brisket flat or bone-in short ribs, braised low and slow until fork-tender.
Ground chuck (80/20)	Ground sirloin (90/10) is leaner and can dry out; add a tablespoon of oil per pound for burgers.

Looking for a meatless version of a dish? Many of our recipes list plant-based swaps; see vegetarian swaps and gluten-free swaps.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of buttermilk?: Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes.
What can I use instead of an egg?: For binding in meatballs, cookies and quick breads, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water replaces one egg.
What fish can I use instead of cod?: Haddock, pollock and hake are mild, flaky white fish that cook in the same time.