# Ingredient Pivot Skills

> Ingredient Pivot

- Skill: `mcltyl/ingredient-pivot-skills` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add mcltyl/ingredient-pivot-skills`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/mcltyl/ingredient-pivot-skills/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: mcltyl (https://skillmd.com/u/mcltyl)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/mcltyl/ingredient-pivot-skills

---

# Ingredient Pivot

> "I don't have [ingredient]" — instant substitution while your hands are covered in flour.

---

## When to Use

- Mid-recipe, just realized you're missing something
- Hands are messy, need a fast answer
- Don't want to run to the store for one item
- The recipe calls for something you never buy

**Trigger:** "I don't have [ingredient]" or "What can I use instead of [ingredient]?"

---

## Core Principle

Most recipes are more flexible than they pretend. The goal isn't identical flavor—it's **close enough to not ruin the dish**.

---

## Quick Substitution Protocol

### Step 1: Identify What the Ingredient Does (5 seconds)

Every ingredient serves a function:

| Function | Examples |
|----------|----------|
| **Acid** | Lemon, vinegar, wine, tomatoes |
| **Fat** | Butter, oil, cream, bacon fat |
| **Sweetener** | Sugar, honey, maple syrup, dates |
| **Thickener** | Flour, cornstarch, eggs, reduction |
| **Leavening** | Baking soda, baking powder, yeast, eggs |
| **Umami** | Soy sauce, fish sauce, parmesan, mushrooms |
| **Moisture** | Milk, stock, water, yogurt |
| **Aromatics** | Garlic, onion, ginger, herbs |

**Ask:** "What is this ingredient *doing* in this recipe?"

---

### Step 2: Match Function, Not Flavor (10 seconds)

**Dairy Swaps**
| Missing | Substitute | Notes |
|---------|-----------|-------|
| Buttermilk | Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, sit 5 min | Works perfectly |
| Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk | For sauces, not whipping |
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt | Nearly identical |
| Milk | Water + butter (for baking) | 1 cup water + 1 tbsp butter |
| Cream cheese | Ricotta + tiny bit of lemon | Texture differs slightly |

**Eggs**
| Purpose | Substitute |
|---------|-----------|
| Binding | 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water |
| Leavening | 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana |
| Moisture | 1/4 cup yogurt |
| Richness | 2 tbsp mayo (trust me) |

**Common Pantry Gaps**
| Missing | Substitute |
|---------|-----------|
| Wine (cooking) | Stock + splash of vinegar |
| Fish sauce | Soy sauce + tiny anchovy or Worcestershire |
| Mirin | Rice vinegar + sugar (3:1) |
| Sesame oil | Skip it or use any neutral oil + sesame seeds |
| Fresh herbs | 1/3 amount dried (except basil, use more) |
| Shallots | Red onion, less amount |
| Leeks | Onion + a little garlic |

**Baking Specifics**
| Missing | Substitute |
|---------|-----------|
| Baking powder | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar |
| Baking soda | 3x amount baking powder (but affects taste) |
| Cake flour | AP flour - 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch per cup |
| Self-rising flour | AP flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt per cup |
| Brown sugar | White sugar + 1 tbsp molasses per cup |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave (1:1) |
| Corn syrup | Honey or maple (affects flavor) |

**Thickeners**
| Missing | Substitute |
|---------|-----------|
| Cornstarch | 2x flour, or arrowroot 1:1 |
| Flour (for roux) | Cornstarch slurry at end instead |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers, oats, or panko |

---

### Step 3: Give the Adjusted Instruction (5 seconds)

Don't just say "use X instead." Give the exact modification:

> "No buttermilk? Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to your measuring cup, then fill to 1 cup with regular milk. Let it sit 5 minutes. Done."

**Format:**
1. What to do
2. Exact amounts
3. Any timing notes
4. "Done" (signals they can continue)

---

## Things You Can't Easily Substitute

Be honest when something is critical:

| Ingredient | Verdict |
|------------|---------|
| Eggs in meringue | No good sub, need real eggs |
| Yeast in bread | Need actual yeast (or long ferment starter) |
| Gelatin | Agar works but behaves differently |
| Specific cheese flavor | Can sub texture but not exact flavor |

> "You can technically substitute, but the dish will be noticeably different. Your call."

---

## Learn Their Kitchen (Optional Enhancement)

If user shares what they typically have, build a profile:

**Staples they always have:**
- [ ] Soy sauce
- [ ] Rice vinegar
- [ ] Lemons
- [ ] Greek yogurt
- [ ] Maple syrup
- [ ] Fish sauce
- [ ] Miso

Then prioritize substitutions from their actual pantry.

---

## Output

User should get:
1. What to use instead (specific product)
2. Exact amount
3. Any prep required (e.g., "let sit 5 min")
4. Confidence to continue cooking

**Speed matters. They're mid-recipe.**

---

*This skill is about momentum. Keep them cooking, not Googling.*