
sugar
Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.
About
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.
Culinary Uses
Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.
Used In
Recipes Using sugar (2,800)
Oriental Cabbage Salad
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6-8.
ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRUNCHY NOODLES
ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRUNCHY NOODLES from the Recidemia collection
Oriental Meat Balls with Rice
Makes 6 servings
Oriental Stir-fried Beef
Oriental Stir-fried Beef from the Recidemia collection
Othello Layered Cake
In Romanian: Tort Othello
Ottumwa Rhubarb Pudding Pie
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Outrageous Caesar Salad Dressing
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
OVEN DRIED MANGOS
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Oven Pancakes
Oven Pancakes from the Recidemia collection
Oven pancakes (vegan)
Oven pancakes (vegan) from the Recidemia collection
Ovos Moles de Papaia
Papaya and egg yolk pudding. This recipe originated in Mozambique, South Africa and serves four (4). Eggs are used sparingly in many parts of Africa. In fact in some parts, there are still taboos associated with eggs.
Oyakodon by GodsMullet
by GodsMullet, submitted by Ishamael
Oyi Namul Cucumber Salad
Korean cucumber salad. Serves six people.

Paczki
Paczki (Polish Donuts)
Pad Thai Sauce
Pad Thai sauce is commonly used in a Thai dish that shares the same name. This is a simplified version that is versatile enough to use in many other dishes.
Pajeon (pan-fried green onion and seafood)
Pajeon (pan-fried green onion and seafood) from the Recidemia collection
Paklava II
Paklava II from the Recidemia collection
Pakon Char Poat Koun
Stir-fry Shrimp with shiitake mushroom and baby corn is delicious. It is one of the recipes that my family cooks on special occasions.
Palacsinta I
Hungarian pancakes
Palak Panir
Spinach with fresh cheese. Women in India make their own fresh cheese. Paneer is now more widely available or you can substitute Ricotta.
Palta Rellenos
Palta Rellenos from the Recidemia collection
Panamanian Mango Pudding
Panamanian Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection

Pancake
Pancakes are a type of flatbread.
Pancake mix
This mix will save you from having to eat creosote-flavored instant pancakes for breakfast.
Pancakes (Vegan)
Pancakes (Vegan) from the Recidemia collection
Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream
Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream from the Recidemia collection
Pan de Banano
Pan de Platano
Pan de Batata
Pan de Batata from the Recidemia collection
Pan de Maiz
Pan de Maiz from the Recidemia collection
Panderos
Panderos
Paneer-Corn liquid
A rather unusual combination of ingredients go to produce this rich Indian dessert that is served with puris on special occasions.
Paneer in Cashew Sauce
The literal translation of Shahi Paneer is ‘Royal Paneer’…very appropriate – A dish fit for a king. The richness of the sauce comes from the cashews. Serves 6.
Paneer Tikkis
Paneer Tikkis from the Recidemia collection
Pani Popo
Pani Popo from the Recidemia collection
Pani Puri
Pani Puri from the Recidemia collection
Panna
Panna from the Recidemia collection

Panna cotta
Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.
Panna cotta
Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.
Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries
Copyright 2007, Ina Garten, All Rights Reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Shore Thing From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Papaw Upside-down Cake
Papaw Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Papaya Balls
This recipe comes from a friend of mine from Trinidad. She serves these candies every Christmas.
Papaya Coleslaw
Papaya Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection
Papaya-Mint Sorbet
Papaya-Mint Sorbet from the Recidemia collection
Papaya Oatmeal Squares
Papaya Oatmeal Squares from the Recidemia collection
Papos de Anjo
right| Papos de Anjo
Pappardelle and Provençal Sauce
This is a simple pasta dinner that's easy to prepare and is loaded full of flavor. If you can't find pappardelle noodles in your grocery store, you can use any other type of ribbon pasta available.
Pareve Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
8 servings, may be frozen
Parisian Chocolate Mousse II
Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Linda Robinson—original source of recipe

Party Perfect Poached Pears
A beautiful simple dessert absolutely perfect for a dinner party. Use that bottle of wine that's been collecting dust in the back of your cupboard (you know the one) - it will work great in this classic dish!
Party Sushi Rolls
Sushi, a representative food of japan, is a vinegared rice garnished with an assortment of fresh vegetables, fish and seasonings. You'll find many of the ingredients ... And the bamboo mat ... At an oriental food store.