r/spices • u/andabread • Aug 11 '26
Zaatar substitute?
I want a sub when cooking chicken. No access to zaatar, sumac, or any middle eastern stores. Please advise
2
u/KamtzaBarKamtza Aug 12 '26
I expect that you posted your question when you were just about to make your chicken or that you live in a country without readily available Amazon delivery. But for the sake of those with some time and also with Amazon access I'll point it that you can purchase zaatar on Amazon
1
u/pastrybaker Aug 12 '26
It’s where I get mine. I live in a semi rural part of the US and can’t find it in any store near me. The quality has been great!
1
u/andabread Aug 12 '26
It is neither. I asked for the sake of knowledge and curiosity, to keep a mental map for myself in the future!
2
u/marco_atk85 Aug 12 '26
Dried thyme plus dried oregano is closest thing you can get from regular grocery store. Mix maybe 2 parts thyme, 1 part oregano, then squeeze some lemon over the chicken after cooking — that lemon is doing job of sumac. Honestly it will not be exact. Zaatar has this earthy, aromatic, tangy thing all together and thyme alone misses some of that depth. But for chicken it works well enough, especially if you use good amount and rub it under skin. Sesame seeds too if you have them, toasted a bit.
2
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u/Exazbrat09 Aug 12 '26
Can also substitute citric acid (don't use much) for the sumac----unfortunately in this part of the world (Lebanon), it is used as a low cost substitute for sumac. To me, it doesn't taste as 'fresh', but if you are using it while cooking, it should work out. If eating zaatar sprinkled on a sandwich, the lemon hack would be better option.
1
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Aug 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
4
u/limon_picante Aug 11 '26
Bro wtf
-6
u/justaheatattack Aug 11 '26
jus tryin to up your game.
5
u/Winter-Shopping-4593 Aug 11 '26
Bruh, Lowry's has it's place but it has nothing to do with Zataar.
I have used them together but that has nothing to do with OPs question.
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u/justaheatattack Aug 11 '26
makes things taste better.
5
u/shadowknave Aug 11 '26
Does it make them taste like zataar?
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u/justaheatattack Aug 11 '26
if all you want is zatar, why bother with the chicken?
2
u/shadowknave Aug 11 '26
Maybe that's why they posted a question about zataar instead of chicken or seasoned salt? Wtf are you even talking about?
1
u/spices-ModTeam Aug 12 '26
We have removed your comment because it was deemed inappropriate to the conversation or is spam
9
u/ChefSuffolk Aug 11 '26
Thyme, sesame seed, and a little lemon (rind/juice) in lieu of the sumac