
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)
Scottish Lemon Scones
These make a wonderful breakfast or brunch treat. They are also nice served with lemon curd.
Scottish Scones
Scottish Scones from the Recidemia collection
Scrumptious Cookie Crumble
A scrumptious cookie crumble unlike any you've ever tasted perfect for topping ice cream
Seafoam Divinity
Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro
Seared Mustard-coated Salmon
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings
Sebastian Ratti's Muffins
Sebastian Ratti's Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom
Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom from the Recidemia collection
Semolina Flatbreads with Sesame, Caraway and Fennel Seeds
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Senator McConnell's Chocolate Nut Pie
Home Cookin' Kentucky Recipes by the Office of Senator Mitch McConnell, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 45 minutes
Sesame Biscuits II
In Romanian: Pesmeti cu susan II
Seven Fruit Salad
Seven Fruit Salad from the Recidemia collection
Seven Minute Icing
Seven Minute Icing
Shaaria
Shaaria from the Recidemia collection
Shahi Paneer
Ethnicity - Punjabi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Shakar Choor
(Syrup mixture for paklava)
SHAKAR Choor
(Syrup mixture for paklava)
Shalgam
Shalgam from the Recidemia collection
Shallot-Lemon Confit
Confit, most commonly preserved goose or duck, can also be a condiment similar to a pickle, as it is here. Source: Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Four-Star Steak, Food & Wine, June, 2004.
Shanghai Pan-fried Noodles
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 - 6
Sharon's Famous Passover Brownies
Sharon Winstein and her friend Louise Levitt created these flour-free brownies for their first Temple cooking class.
Sheat Fish with Tomatoes
In Romanian: Mincare de somn cu rosii
Sheer Korma
This special Muslim dish is traditionally served on Eid day (both Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha) to the household after they come back from Eid prayers.

Sheqerpare
Cookies in syrup
Sherry Nectarine Sorbet
Sherry Nectarine Sorbet from the Recidemia collection
Shigmchi namul (Spinach salad)
Shigmchi namul (Spinach salad)
Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
Shiitake Mushroom Gravy from the Recidemia collection
Shirmal
also , is a traditional flatbread made by Muslims in Pakistan and in the Hyderabad region of India, probably from Persian influences.

Shortbread
Shortbread rounds before being baked is a type of cookie which is traditionally made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three parts plain white flour, although other ingredients like ground rice or cornstarch are sometimes added to alter the texture.
Shrikand
Shrikand
Shrimp and Tilapia Ceviche with Green and Red Peppers
* Source: Midwest Living * Prep: 1 hour | Chill: 5 hours * Makes 8 servings
Shrimp Nectarine Thai Salad
Here's a recipe I found in the paper - the salad looks very elegant, but can be put together in less than 20 minutes.
Shrimp Toast I
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Shrimp Toast with Pickled Ginger
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re
Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Shrimp with Lobster Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Shu Mai
Shu Mai Japanese steamed wontons. While shu mai are in reality Chinese dim sum, they magically become japanese steamed wontons in this recipe.
Sicilian Baci Gelato
An easy and authentic chocolate and hazelnut gelato made with Nutella.
Sidreyat al Dajaj
It serves 4 – 6 persons.
Silky Mango Ice Cream
Silky Mango Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
Simple Crème Brûlée
This recipe cuts the preparation time in half. Heating the cream isn't required.
Simple Italian Sausage Spaghetti Dinner
American cuisine | Italian cuisine
Simple Mango Jam
Simple Mango Jam from the Recidemia collection
Simple Meat Loaf
Simple Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Simple Mochi
Simple Mochi from the Recidemia collection
Simple Rhubarb Cake
Yield: 12 – 16 servings.
Simpler Thai Iced Tea
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Simply A-maize-ing Corn Ice Cream
This recipe yields about 5 quarts
Sim-Sim Cookies
These cookies are really good and very simple. They are good if you need something for a school project. They are very tasty and simple. Everyone loves them!! :) They are awesome. Just one bite, and boom, you'll be in love!!!!
Sindhi Curry
right|Sindhi Curry
Sirniki
are Russian curd fritters. Syrniki is a Russian dessert that is generally eaten after the main course at dinner, but sometimes at breakfast.
Si Roo Ddeok
Si roo ddeok