Running to the store? Hold on a second–plenty of curry powder substitutes are already sitting in your spice rack, ready to save the day! It’s curry night, and you’re all set to cozy up with a big, warm bowl of homemade curry. But here’s the hitch: you just realized you’re out of curry powder.

1.Chaat Masala

Chaat masala is a vibrant Indian spice blend that’s often compared to garam masala, but with a sweeter and tangier twist.

Made with spices like cumin, coriander, and black pepper, it gets its unique flavor from ingredients like citric acid, mint leaves, and mango powder.

If you love a hint of sweetness in your curries, you might just prefer chaat masala over regular curry powder.

Plus, it’s delicate enough to use in a 1:1 ratio, and you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like.

2.Chinese 5 Spice

Looking for a great substitute for curry powder? Chinese 5 Spice is an excellent alternative! While it doesn’t taste exactly like curry, it offers a similar warm, cozy vibe.

This blend includes peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and fennel seeds, giving it a mix of warm, sweet, salty, and slightly bitter notes.

One of the best things about Chinese 5 Spice is its versatility–it’s intense in flavor but not spicy. To use it as a substitute, try a 1:1 ratio.

If you want a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust slowly!

3.Turmeric + Coriander + Allspice

Looking to spice things up? Let’s dive into your spice rack! Turmeric takes center stage here, bringing that vibrant yellow hue and earthy warmth.

Coriander and allspice join the party to add depth and a hint of sweetness, creating a blend that’s reminiscent of curry powder. While this mix delivers plenty of warm, savory flavor, it’s not overly spicy.

Craving more heat? Just sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to turn up the temperature.

Best of all, this blend works as a 1:1 substitute for curry powder, making it easy to experiment in your favorite recipes.

4.Cumin + All Spice

Need a curry powder substitute? Cumin is a key ingredient in most curry powders, so you’re halfway to a great replacement if you have it on hand.

Mixing cumin with allspice creates a warm, aromatic flavor similar to curry powder but without the heat. To make this blend at home, simply combine equal parts cumin and allspice.

Since this mix isn’t as potent as curry powder, you’ll need to use a bit more–about 1.25 times the amount.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of curry powder, use 1 ¼ teaspoons of your cumin-allspice blend. This substitute offers a similar flavor profile and is a perfect backup when you’re out of curry powder.

5.Cumin Powder + Chili Powder

Looking for a substitute for curry powder? Cumin and chili powder make a fantastic duo! Classic chili powder blends spices like garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, and paprika, packing in some serious heat.

When paired with cumin, you get a spicy curry alternative that’s hard to beat. A little goes a long way here–use them in a .5:1 ratio.

If your recipe calls for one teaspoon of curry powder, try using half a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder instead. It’s a powerful mix, so start small and adjust to taste!

6.Sambar Powder

Looking for a great substitute for curry powder? Sambar powder is your answer! It brings a warm, aromatic blend with just the right amount of heat.

Inside, you’ll find spices like coriander seeds, ginger, garlic powder, clove powder, fenugreek, and black mustard seeds. These ingredients create a flavor profile that’s almost identical to curry powder.

Best of all, you can use sambar powder as a 1:1 substitute in any recipe that calls for curry powder. It’s an easy and flavorful swap that delivers similar results without any hassle.

7.Garam Masala

Garam masala is a fantastic alternative to curry powder, offering a warm, savory flavor. This aromatic spice blend typically includes cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves.

Unlike curry powder, garam masala has a more robust, slightly bitter profile, so a small amount can make a big impact.

If you’re swapping curry powder for garam masala, start with a 1:1 ratio, but don’t hesitate to taste as you go. You might find you need a bit more to achieve that perfect curry flavor.

The best part? It’s all about the journey–tasting, adjusting, and making it your own. That’s what makes cooking with spices so much fun!

8.Tandoori Masala

If you whipped up Tandoori chicken for dinner recently, chances are you’ve got some Tandoori Masala hanging out in your spice rack.

This blend is like a warm hug for your taste buds, mixing spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, fenugreek, and garlic powder–plus a few more for good measure. The big difference?

Tandoori Masala leans heavier on the savory side compared to curry powder, so you won’t need to use as much.

Just remember: if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of curry powder, you can get away with half a teaspoon of Tandoori Masala. Easy peasy!

9.All Spice

Allspice is a solid backup plan if you’re out of other options. It brings a strong, fragrant flavor to the table.

While it can’t match the complexity of curry powder, it offers a warm, cozy touch. Remember, a little goes a long way–start with a quarter of what the recipe calls for.

If the recipe needs a teaspoon of curry powder, just use a quarter teaspoon of allspice. It’s a simple swap that keeps your dish delicious, even when you’re in a pinch.

10.Curry Paste

Curry paste is like curry powder, but turned up a notch. It’s made with ingredients like vegetable oil, garlic paste, lime, red chilis, and ginger, giving it a bold, fresh flavor.

When using it in place of curry powder, remember that a little goes a long way. Here’s a tip: mix it with a little water before adding it to your dish.

Then, use the diluted paste in a 1:1 ratio for the perfect balance of flavor.