Does your recipe call for orange zest but you don’t have any oranges? No need to fear, there are some great substitutions you can use in place of orange zest.
These different alternatives offer the flavor to work in almost any recipe that calls for orange zest.
So what are the best substitutes for orange zest?
The top orange zest replacements are orange extract, lime zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and lime juice.
Orange Zest Alternatives
Orange zest is a popular ingredient used in a number of recipes like cookies, orange cake, suaces, glazes, orange vinaigrette, and so many more.
Orange zest has oils and offers a powerful citrus flavor. When substituting for orange zest, you will need to use an ingredient that offers a similar flavor profile. Read on for the best orange zest replacements.
Orange Extract
Orange extract is strong, concentrated form of orange flavor perfect for baked recipes that call for orange zest. Because orange extract is concentrated, it is stronger than orange zest and should be used in a 1:4 ratio.
Orange extract is not well suited for recipes that are not baked.
Lime Zest
If your recipe needs a zest and you’re all out of oranges then lime is a great citrus zest perfect for any recipe that can be changed to a lime flavor. Lime zest works just like orange and can be subbed in at a 1:1 ratio.
Lime is a great flavor and any orange based recipe will work well with lime flavor.
Lemon Zest
Just like lime, lemon zest is a great orange zest alternative. Lemon flavor is very popular and works incredibly well in any dessert recipe that calls for orange flavor. You can substitute lemon zest at a 1:1 ratio.
Lemon zest also works great in savory recipes that call for orange zest.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is an excellent zest alternative in recipes that can handle a liquid sub. Orange juice offers that flavor you are looking for and it is already in most refrigerators. It will not work well in recipes that require a whipped consistency. When subbing in orange juice use a 2:1 ratio.
Lime Juice
I don’t use lime juice often but it is an excellent alternative when you are looking to change up your recipe. Lime is a great flavor and is a fun change of pace when you don’t have orange zest on hand. It works in the same situations as orange juice and should be used at a 2:1 ratio.
Conclusion
No matter what recipe you are making, one of these replacements will work well. Just be sure to follow the substitution ratio and your recipe will taste delicious. If you don’t have any of these substitutions on hand you can just leave it out. You will lose out on that wonderful orange flavor but it works if you’re in a pinch.