MSG is a ubiquitous component in virtually all recipes. It is a powerful umami provider that enhances the taste of our meals and increases salivary flow.
MSG may be your go-to if you’re watching your salt consumption. But what if you don’t have it?
You may still opt out.
I’d recommend skipping it since it doesn’t add anything to your dishes.
You may have far healthier meals if you use any of the MSG flavour replacements listed below, such as beef stock, soy sauce, parmesan cheese, dulse, and many more.
Contents
- 12 Best MSG Seasoning Substitutes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What can I use instead of MSG seasoning?
- Is there a natural MSG?
- What food tastes like MSG?
- What herbs can substitute for MSG?
- How to get umami flavor without MSG?
- Can I leave MSG out of recipe?
- What is the closest thing to MSG?
- What vegetables contain MSG?
- What is a hidden source of MSG?
- Is MSG worse than salt?
12 Best MSG Seasoning Substitutes
This post gives you a lot of alternatives for healthier and more common kitchen goods.
If you want to know what MSG is and what it tastes like, see our article on what accent seasoning tastes like.
Let’s look into MSG seasoning alternatives.
1. Beef Stock
Although other kinds of stock might be substituted for MSG, beef stock is the finest for flavor. Beef stock is an excellent MSG alternative; however, you will need to use more of it to make the flavor stand out.
It is a water-boiled extract of beef bones with herbs and spices. And Also it is more healthy and flavorful of meat.
The beef stock has less salt, making it an excellent choice for those managing their sodium intake. For a simple change, get the beef stock cubes and add one cube each dish.
It may be used to add flavor to braises, sauces, gravies, stews, and other dishes. You may make it at home or purchase it ready-made from the grocery store.
Since beef cubes include MSG, if you want to avoid it entirely, stick to homemade beef stock or select one that does not contain MSG.
2. Soy Sauce
MSG is naturally present in soy sauce. It’s basically a byproduct of making soy sauce.
As a result, it will work well as an MSG alternative in salads, prepared foods, and cold specialities.
Soy sauce has a wide range of flavors, including salty, mild umami, sweet, and somewhat bitter.
Keep in mind that saltiness is the main flavor. As a result, use it sparingly.
They are available in a variety of brands; select the one that works best for you.
3. Parmesan Cheese
Of course, parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute for MSG.
Did you realize that MSG is naturally present in these cheese-like mushrooms and tomatoes?
A 2-tbsp of parmesan cheese contains 0.05 g MSG, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation.
Also, parmesan cheese is a flavorful and excellent replacement. That is even better for you than MSG.
The cheese is created in Italy from top grade cow milk.
Unlike insipid MSG, parmesan has a delicious, nutty flavor with hints of bitterness.
It complements most Italian foods, including risotto, spaghetti, and pizza. But, it may also be used in soups, stews, omelets, and even salads.
4. Cheddar Cheese
However, cheddar cheese is another delightful alternative for cheese.
In the absence of MSG, it will function as a flavor-enhancing addition.
Also, it contains more Monosodium glutamate than parmesan, making it desirable.
Cheddar cheese is tasty, creamy, and hard, with the oldest type of fermentation producing the best flavor.
Nonetheless, you may eat it raw with fruits or use it shredded as a garnish for soups, stews, or salads.
You may also use it to top pizzas, casseroles, and sandwiches.
5. Dulse
Utilizing this edible salty seaweed will also considerably enhance the tastes of your food. If you try this solution, you may wish to stick with it in the future.
Regrettably, it is more common in Asian recipes and is readily available in Asian shops or supermarkets. Raw in salads, slaw, tartare, pesto, pickles, tapenade, or dressings.
Cook it in fish pies, soups, chowders, and stews, or use it as a garnish for vegetables and fish. Other from that, you may sauté with butter, but I would avoid it in sweets.
Use it in the same quantity as MSG, since too much will intensify the ocean taste.
6. Yeast Extract
In most recipes, yeast extract might be used in lieu of MSG. It includes some naturally occurring glutamate, much as MSG. Yet, it may not be as much as MSG.
The flavor difference between the two food products is significant. MSG is flavorless; it has no discernible taste. It is just a taste enhancer, similar to salt.
Yeast extract functions similarly to spice in that it provides taste to dishes. Nonetheless, it fulfills the MSG function; having a neutral savory flavor, it may enhance and bring out flavors in sauces, soups, and stews.
They are easily accessible and reasonably priced in most supermarket shops. Don’t worry, the salty umami taste isn’t overpowering. It won’t even be detectable in your recipes. But it will DEFINITELY improve all of the other tastes in your food.
7. Mushrooms
Isn’t it true that your jaw dropped?
Although mushrooms may seem to be an odd option, you may be amazed at how certain mushrooms may enhance the tastes of your dishes.
Are you still not convinced?
You may be surprised to learn that many amateur cooks and professional chefs are substituting mushroom spice for MSG to get that delicious Umami taste.
Apart from being rich in natural Glutamate and packed with nutrients, it is SAFER to ingest as a glutamate product than MSG, which is excitotoxic.
Most significantly, as a culinary spice, it is adaptable enough to be sprinkled on almost everything.
They will, however, fulfill any sweet appetite more when used in stews, soups, and salads.
8. Anchovies
Anchovies are another flavor enhancer that may be used in place of MSG in the kitchen.
It contains glutamate, which gives it the longitude and latitude to impart that umami flavor to dishes while also stimulating the rest of the elements in your recipe.
While you should use caution when using this product, it is rather salty, and many chefs recommend skipping the salt anytime you add Anchovies.
This delectable fish product can be used in your favorite sauces or as a topping for pasta and pizza.
The fishy and salty taste complements sandwiches and a variety of other cuisines.
9. Salt
Salt is a vital MSG substitute. This is an obvious choice.
However, salt has a greater sodium level, which may not be the optimal intake for someone wanting to reduce sodium in their meals.
On the other hand, they work nicely with all recipes. You only need to add them to your liking.
Additionally, whose kitchen runs out of salt, a daily necessity?
You almost certainly have it on hand. When you don’t have MSG on hand, a bit of salt will come in handy.
They function as an activator in both hot and cold foods.
10. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a delicious option, but it is not without controversy.
Although it may not be everyone’s favorite, if you like it, you’ve just met a trusty companion who will enhance the taste of your dinner.
The oyster sauce, on the other hand, is rather choosy since it comes in a variety of tastes.
Oyster sauce may be used to provide a savory taste to a variety of meat, noodle stir-fry, and vegetable meals.
11. Flavored Oil
This frying oil is an excellent msg seasoning replacement. Flavored oil is all you need to give your salad a delightful boost. Flavored sesame oil, sunflower oil, or any other kind of oil might be used.
It goes well with soups, as a dip for fine bread, and in vinaigrettes.
But one thing is certain:
Flavored oil, which comes in chili, garlic, and mushroom tastes, will give your dish a special flavor.
12. Herb Mix
When MSG is not available, this typical blend of dry herbs is MORE THAN READY to be used.
And you’ll like it since it’s easy to find and combines beautifully in omelets, bread, desserts, spaghetti sauces, soups, stews, and even salad dressings.
Don’t be concerned about the flavor, since it provides a richer and more fulfilling flavor.
It is simple to create at home or to get them ready-made at a local grocery shop.
Conclusion
Thus, although MSG might assist enhance the taste of your cuisine, you shouldn’t run out to get it.
With so many MSG seasoning replacements available on this website, you won’t have to beat yourself up if you run out.
Recall that MSG does not provide your body with even the smallest amount of nourishment.
Hence, for a healthy choice, use one of the solutions listed above to enhance the taste of your cuisine.
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FAQs
What can I use instead of MSG seasoning?
Soy sauce, which is high in umami, is a decent replacement. As with broth cubes, first check the ingredient list to confirm that no MSG has been added. To improve the flavor of foods, oyster sauce, fish sauce (nam pla), and Worcestershire sauce may be utilized. Since they are heavy in salt, they should be consumed in moderation.
Is there a natural MSG?
MSG is found naturally in many foods, including tomatoes and cheese. Throughout history, people have consumed glutamate-rich foods. A glutamate-rich seaweed broth, for example, is a traditional Asian cuisine.
What food tastes like MSG?
Despite difficult to identify on its own, umami is a powerful flavor enhancer, making salty meals seem saltier and sweet foods taste sweeter.
Mushrooms are one of the foods that have natural umami taste.
Meats that have been prepared.
Meat that has been cured.
Seaweeds.
Seafood.
Tomatoes.
Cheese.
Foods that have been fermented.
Jun 22, 2021
What herbs can substitute for MSG?
Herbs. MSG is a taste enhancer that is used in meals. Herbs like garlic, savory, tarragon, rosemary, and pepper give meals a peppery, savory taste. Other spices, such as turmeric and cumin, are wonderful MSG substitutes that bring warmth to any meal.
How to get umami flavor without MSG?
Make use of umami-rich items.
Certain foods are naturally high in umami. Ripe tomatoes, dried mushrooms, kombu (kelp), anchovies, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients provide the savory flavor of umami to meals. Here’s a tasty Mediterranean recipe with tomato for added umami.
Can I leave MSG out of recipe?
Absolutely, you can leave out MSG in a dish and it will still be delicious. You may also use any of the above-mentioned replacements. It is crucial to remember, however, that MSG does not have a significant taste on its own. It must be used in concert with other substances to function as a taste enhancer.
What is the closest thing to MSG?
Soy sauce is likely the most apparent msg substitution in Asian meals, but it’s also a prevalent element in many other sorts of food. It is typically used in soups, salads, and rice dishes.
What vegetables contain MSG?
Indeed, MSG may be generated from plants and vegetables, most notably maize and beets, and added to a variety of popular food items such as bouillon cubes, processed meats, and others.
Hidden MSG, aspartame, and neotame may be found in drinks, confectionery, and chewing gum. Aspartic acid, which is contained in neotame and aspartame (NutraSweet), often triggers MSG-like responses in MSG-sensitive individuals. Certain drugs, particularly those for children, include aspartame.
Is MSG worse than salt?
The good news is that MSG has two-thirds less sodium than table salt, so if you’re trying to reduce your sodium consumption, using MSG to flavor your meal may help you consume less sodium.