Need a quick orange juice substitute for a recipe? You're in luck! I have tried and tested the best substitutes that you can use in place of orange juice. From pineapple juice to apple cider vinegar, I have you covered.
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And for the record, I am assuming you have already considered using juice from the orange family members from blood oranges to clementines. As well as an orange juice concentrate.
Yes, they all can be substituted one for one.
Picking the right substitute for OJ depends on the role that orange juice plays in your recipe.
Why Include Orange Juice in a Recipe
Orange juice plays different roles in different recipes. Fresh orange juice is a common ingredient because it can add any of the following to a sweet or savory recipe.
- Highly Acidic- Meaning it works with other baking ingredients to create the reaction that allows baked goods to rise.
- Tangy- Again acid. But in both sweet and savory dishes
- Flavor- Orange is a generally well-liked flavor. And orange zest adds an extra punch.
- Meat Tenderizer- The acid can help break down cell walls making it perfect for meat tenderizing marinades.
- Liquid- The juice of orange can provide moisture to both sweet and savory dishes.
Summary
- Lemon juice is your all-around best bet. Just keep an eye on tartness and add sweeteners as needed.
- In dressing and marinades, try lemon juice and or a mild vinegar like apple cider or champagne.
- In baked goods where orange zest is required, try orange extract.
- In baked goods where the acid is needed try a mix of lemon juice and honey or buttermilk.
- In cocktails, try orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. Or another fruit juice like pineapple or grapefruit.
Buttermilk or Vegan Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a dairy product that has a tangy flavor and is high in acid. It is an excellent substitute for baked goods that have a dense and rich texture.
If you're looking for a vegan buttermilk substitute, 1 cup of nondairy milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Orange Extract
Orange extract is a great orange juice substitute for recipes that call for small amounts of orange juice or orange zest. The flavor is intense, so you'll only need to use a few drops.
You can increase the amounts of other liquids like milk, to replace the moisture.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great orange juice substitute for marinades and vinaigrettes. The acidity will help tenderize the meat and balance the fats. The best types of vinegar to substitute for orange juice are rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
But my personal favorite is champagne vinegar because it has a light fruity taste. I use it in our Citrus and Sesame Shrimp Salad recipe.
Citric Acid
When dehydrating or freezing foods that discolor, like peaches or apples, orange juice, or lemon juice is added to prevent browning.
Citric acid is a chemical that can be used in place of fresh orange juice. Add ¼ teaspoon of citric acid to every cup of fruit before preserving.
You can also add to baked goods to help them rise.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a great orange juice substitute for sweet recipes. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that will add depth to your baked goods. It is also highly acidic so you will get a great rise.
Pineapple juice also makes a great substitute for cocktails and other drinks.
I also use it in my citrus shredded beef when I am out of orange juice.
Papaya Juice
Papaya juice is a great orange juice substitute for smoothies and other sweet recipes. It has a sweet flavor but typically
However, papaya's secret weapon is how well it tenderizes meat without leaving behind any noticeable flavor. I used it in place of OJ in our Vietnamese grilled pork recipe and it was fantastic!
Soda (Coke or Sprite)
I often see Coke as an OJ substitute. I am on the fence on this one. Coke is sometimes added to cakes (especially doctored-up cake mixes) to give a rich flavor.
But my preference is actually Sprite because it does add a bit of citrus flavor.
Note, that whatever you choose sodas will not replace the acid that may be needed to get a rise.
On the savory side, Coke can be used in BBQ style sauces in place of OJ.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great all-around orange juice substitute. It can be used in just about any cooking or baking application. If you are worried about the tartness consider using a Meyer lemon.
You can also increase the sweetness of the dish by adding honey or simple syrup (sauces) or added sugar.
Lemon juice is also a great orange juice substitute for cleaning. It can be used to clean countertops, tile, and even brass.
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice is a great orange juice substitute for cocktails and other drinks. It has a tart and tangy flavor that will add depth to your recipe. It can also be used in marinades and vinaigrettes. The acidity will help tenderize the meat.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur is a great orange juice substitute for cocktails and other drinks, like our Cranberry Christmas Cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that will add depth to your recipe.
It can also be used in baking to give a boost of flavor. A little goes a long way so start with just a few teaspoons and increase as needed.
Orange Marmalade
For thick sauces like cranberry sauce, Huli-Huli chicken, or glazed pork chops, orange marmalade can be used. Thin out the marmalade with a little warm water and reduce or remove any sugars in the recipe. This includes honey or maple syrup.
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