Substitutes

The best mochiko flour substitute is another glutinous rice flour such as Bob’s Red Mill Sweet White Rice Flour or Erawan brand, used at a 1:1 ratio, since they are made from the same type of rice and behave identically in mochi and butter mochi recipes. The first time I ran out of mochiko in

The best substitutes for Florina peppers are red bell peppers or roasted red peppers for a similar sweet, mild flavor, or Marconi peppers if you want the closest match in both taste and texture. I use Florina peppers a lot in my Mediterranean cooking. These vibrant red peppers, originating from the Florina region of Greece,

The best substitutes for vodka in pasta sauce are white wine or chicken broth for a savory result, or tomato juice and water if you want to keep things alcohol-free. I make a hearty bowl of vodka pasta sauce every chance I get, it’s become one of my go-to comfort meals. But I don’t always

The best substitutes for tequila are mezcal for a similar smoky, agave-based flavor, or vodka and gin as neutral spirits that work in almost any tequila cocktail. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, known for its distinct flavor and aroma, and it’s a key ingredient in cocktails like the Margarita.

The best substitutes for jalapeños are serrano peppers, Fresno peppers, and poblano peppers, since they’re closest in flavor and heat, though the right pick really depends on how much spice you’re after. There are plenty of other options too, from mild bell peppers to fiery habaneros, so there’s a substitute out there for pretty much

Scotch bonnet peppers are the closest substitute for habanero, matching both the heat level and the fruity flavor almost exactly. For a milder option, cayenne or serrano peppers work, though you’ll need to adjust the flavor and quantity. Ran out of habaneros mid-recipe once and grabbed serranos without checking the heat difference first. Big mistake,

Cauliflower and broccoli are the closest substitutes for Brussels sprouts, since they’re in the same cruciferous family and roast up the same way. Kale, green beans, and bok choy work well too, depending on the dish. Some people can’t stand their pungent aroma and bitter taste. I keep Brussels sprouts in regular rotation, but on

Brandy is the closest substitute for cognac in cooking, since cognac is technically just a specific type of brandy from the Cognac region of France. Sherry, whiskey, and a few non-alcoholic options also work depending on the recipe. I don’t keep cognac on hand for everyday cooking. It’s expensive, and most recipes don’t need the

Orange water, hibiscus water, and rose essence are the closest substitutes for rose water, since they’re all floral distillations with a similar delicate character. Vanilla extract, lavender, and almond extract work too, with a bit more flavor adjustment. I keep orange water on hand specifically for the times I’ve run out of rose water mid-recipe.