Skip to Content

Savory Tweaks: 7 BEST Substitutes for Bulgur

Are you an adventurous foodie who loves experimenting with Bulgur?

It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in so many delicious dishes, from salads and tabbouleh to stuffing and pilafs.

However, if you’re running low on Bulgur or looking for alternative grains, not to worry!

In this blog post we’ll break down 7 of the best substitutes for Bulgur out there that offer their own unique flavors and textures — each able to deliver deliciousness just as well as Bulgar.

So no matter what spices are already in your pantry, customizable alternatives await you!

Let’s explore them now.

What’s Bulgur?

Bulgur is a whole grain that is most commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

It is made by steaming or boiling whole wheat kernels until they are soft, then grinding them into a coarse powder.

The resulting product has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Bulgur can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pilafs, soups, and stuffing.

Bulgur is a nutritious grain that is high in fiber and protein.

It also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Because bulgur is precooked, it is quick and easy to prepare.

Simply add it to your recipe in the desired amount and let it cook with the other ingredients.

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to add whole grains to your diet, look no further than bulgur.

This versatile grain can be used in many different dishes, and it’s packed with nutrients that are good for your health.

7 Best Substitutes for Bulgur

1. Rice

Rice is a classic staple food that can be used in so many different dishes.

It has a subtle flavor that can be easily enhanced with other ingredients.

Rice is also very versatile and can be used as a substitute for bulgur in many recipes.

When it comes to taste, rice is not as strongly flavored as bulgur.

This makes it a great option for those who want to add their own seasonings and flavors to a dish.

Additionally, rice is much softer than bulgur, which may be preferred by some people.

In terms of substituting rice for bulgur, it is important to remember that they have different cook times.

Rice will generally take longer to cook than bulgur.

As such, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly when using rice as a substitute.

Additionally, because rice is softer than bulgur, it may need to be cooked in more liquid in order to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Quinoa

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa is a great substitute for bulgur.

It has a similar texture and can be used in many of the same dishes.

Quinoa is a bit milder in flavor than bulgur, so you may want to add some extra spices to your dish.

To substitute quinoa for bulgur, simply cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.

Then, use it in place of bulgur in any recipe.

You’ll need to use about twice as much quinoa as bulgur, so keep that in mind when making substitutions.

3. Wheat Couscous

If you’re looking for a bulgur substitute that has a similar taste and texture, wheat couscous is a great option.

It’s made from durum wheat semolina and has a chewy, slightly nutty flavor.

It’s also quick and easy to prepare – just add boiling water and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Wheat couscous can be used in any recipe that calls for bulgur, such as tabbouleh or pilaf.

It’s a great way to add extra texture and flavor to salads, soups, and stews.

4. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a good substitute for bulgur because it has a similar taste and can be used in the same way.

Buckwheat is not actually wheat but a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb.

It is high in fiber and protein and has a nutty flavor.

To substitute buckwheat for bulgur, cook it in the same way you would cook bulgur.

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil for every 1/2 cup of buckwheat.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

You can also toast buckwheat before cooking it to give it a nuttier flavor.

5. Millet

Millet is a grain that is often used in birdseed, but it also has many culinary uses.

It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.

Millet can be used as a substitute for bulgur in many recipes.

To substitute millet for bulgur, cook the grain in boiling water for about 15 minutes.

Then, drain the millet and add it to the recipe in place of the bulgur.

This grain can be used in pilafs, soups, and salads.

6. Amaranth

Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that has a nutty flavor.

It can be used as a substitute for bulgur in recipes.

Amaranth can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores.

It is available in several forms, including whole grains, flakes, and flour.

Amaranth has a nutty flavor that is similar to wheat.

It can be used in place of bulgur in recipes for pilafs, salads, and stuffing.

Amaranth is a good source of fiber and protein.

It is also high in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.

Amaranth can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores.

It is available in several forms, including whole grains, flakes, and flour.

To substitute amaranth for bulgur, use 1 cup of amaranth for every 1 cup of bulgur called for in the recipe.

7. Teff

Teff is a grain that originates from Ethiopia. It is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine.

Teff has a mild, nutty flavor. It can be used as a substitute for bulgur in many recipes.

Teff can be used in place of bulgur in pilafs, salads, and stuffings.

When cooking with teff, it is important to remember that this grain absorbs liquid quickly.

As a result, you may need to add more liquid to your recipe when substituting teff for bulgur.

Teff can also be used as a flour substitute in baking recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several substitutes for bulgur that offer different flavors and textures.

Talk to your local grocery store clerk or Bulk Barn bin minder to find these grains.

With a little bit of exploration, you can find the perfect grain for your next recipe.

7 Best Substitutes for Bulgur You Should Try

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Rice
  • 2. Quinoa
  • 3. Wheat Couscous
  • 4. Buckwheat
  • 5. Millet
  • 6. Amaranth
  • 7. Teff

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
  • Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
  • This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!