Lemon Zest Substitute

If you are looking for the best Lemon zest substitute for baking or cooking recipes, you are at the right place. So what can you use if you run out of lemon zest? Read my article with 14 replacement options.

💡 Expert Tip: The best substitute from taste and texture point of view is Dried Lemon peel however you might need to adjust the quantity vs. lemon zest. Learn more in my article.

What is lemon zest exactly? Lemon zest is the outer skin of the lemon. Lemon zest contains essential oils. When you zest the lemon, it releases the oil in the peel. These aromatic oils are what produce the lovely sweet lemony flavor.

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What can you use instead of lemon zest? There are many alternatives for lemon zest, some similar in flavor, some similar in texture.

Dried lemon peel, candied lemon zest, lemon extract, lemon juice can be all considered depending on the recipe.

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Or, you might want to consider another citrus zest such as orange zest, mandarin zest, lime zest etc.

Can I replace lemon zest with vinegar? Vinegar might be a good lemon zest replacement when you are looking for tartness only eg. salad dressing, however, I would avoid using vinegar in dessert recipes.

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Using lemon zest is a wonderful addition to your recipes and luckily, there are plenty of alternatives when you want that lovely tangy taste in your baking or cooking.