These days it can seem pretty common to pick up a recipe and not recognise some of the ingredients. At that point, you may think you'll just throw in the towel and revert to what's in your pantry.

But, in almost all cases there will be a perfect substitute hiding in your cupboards already. Here's a few of those ingredients that are increasingly showing up in recipes and our go-to alternatives that are susually lurking in the pantry.

‍

Kecap Manis

This is an Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce. It's thick and sticky and an absolute staple in Indonesian pantries. Its mild, sweet and umami flavour is gaining huge popularity in recipes we see today. So much so that it can be found in most supermarkets. But, if you don't have it at home and need a replacement then use 1 Tbsp brown sugar and 1 Tbsp soy sauce.

One of our current favourite recipes with kecap manis (or this handy substitute) is our Balinese pork steak satay

Alcohol Substitutes

An increasing number of recipes call for red wine, white wine, beer or even cider. Whether you don't drink, or just don't have the right thing in the cupboard, there's always an alternative:

‍
Red wine - replace one for one with any of the following:
- Alcohol-free red wine
- Beef stock
- Chicken stock
- Red wine vinegar (use ½ vinegar and ½ water for similar flavour results)

White wine
- Alcohol-free white wine
- Chicken stock
- White wine vinegar (use ½ vinegar and ½ water for similar flavour results)

Light Beer (eg a lager)
- Chicken stock
- Ginger ale

Dark Beer (eg a stout)
- Beef stock
- Apple juice
- Coke

Cider
- Apple juice (swapped at a ratio of one for one) plus 1 Tbsp lemon juice

‍

Red wine recipes are often more popular as the colder weather sets in and you start reaching for the stews. This rich and hearty pork stew is one of our favourite winter warmers with wine, but also just as delicious with a substitute.

‍

‍

Pomegranate Molasses

A delicious sticky, tangy sweet sauce, this ingredient is a super flavour enhancer. The simplest alternative is to mix one part lemon juice with two parts white sugar and heat in a pan until the sugar is dissolved. Make sure you cool it before you add it to your recipe. If the dish is a little tangier than you'd like, add a little more sugar.

You can try it out on these Sweet Sunday Cutlets

‍
‍

Balsamic Vinegar

There are so many different vinegars used these days: white, malt, white wine, red wine, apple cider, balsamic. You could have a whole shelf just for these! If you find yourself short of balsamic vinegar then don't worry, there's a few different options to swap for:
- 1 Tbsp Red wine vinegar and 2 tsp maple syrup. Mixed together this can be the best alternative; taste test it and check you've got the balance right for your recipe
- Worcestershire sauce - this can be substituted one for one. Just be aware it will be a little more savoury so you may like to add a small squeeze of lemon juice

We can't look past this Balsamic Glazed Pork Chop Tray Bake for a midweek dinner

‍