
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)
Spice cookies
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Spice Cookies
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Spice Cookies I
Spice Cookies I from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Mango Pickle
Spiced Mango Pickle from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Pecans
I always triple the recipe, because this doesn't make enough. Cook Time: 30 min.
Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler
Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Rhubarb Bake
Spiced Rhubarb Bake from the Recidemia collection
Spicy, Anise-y Red-cooked Beef over Noodles
4 – 6 servings
Spicy Avocado-Shrimp Fried Rice
Spicy Avocado-Shrimp Fried Rice from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Beef Salad
A classic Thai dish. My idea of a perfect Thai meal: Chicken Satay, Pad Thai, Spicy Beef Salad and Thai Iced Tea. Prep time does not include 1 hour of chilling time for dressing. Nothing really substitutes for lemongrass.
Spicy Beef Stew
Vietnamese spicy beef stew is a meat recipe.
Spicy Carrot Bread
Spicy Carrot Bread
Spicy Chilli
Traditional Malay Condiments that goes well with almost anything especially deep fried item
Spicy Chocolate Sauce
Spicy Chocolate Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Curried Nuts
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L
Spicy Drops
Spicy Drops from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Fried Tofu with Basil
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Spicy Indian Soup
Spicy Indian Soup
Spicy Korean Chicken
300px| Spicy Korean Chicken Preparation: 35 minutes. This recipe is for 4 servings.
Spicy Korean Kimchi
300px| Spicy Korean Kimchi Serve this as a side dish-a garnish that will enhance the flavor of your meal. Preparation: 72 hours and 20 minutes. This recipe is for 2 pints.
Spicy Moong Dal Waffles
Spicy Moong Dal Waffles from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Pork with Peanuts
Submitted by TheLizard
Spicy Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro
Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Star Cookies
Spicy Star Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing
Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4
Sponge Cake
This is the traditional cake of Israel-and it is exceedingly popular. It has no Hebrew name but is called by the European designation, tort. This cake appears in many shades and shapes and is covered in a variety of ways.
Sponge Cake with Olive Oil
Makes 8 to 10 servings. At Jordan, slices of this light, golden sponge cake are accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served with a glass of late harvest dessert wine or port.
Spring Cupcakes
Makes: 16 cupcakes
Spring Rhubarb Fool with Pistachios
Spring Rhubarb Fool with Pistachios from the Recidemia collection
Spring Tonic Strawberry Rhubarb Mold
Makes 8 servings
Sprits
Sprits is one of those typically Dutch cookies that usually get served with a cup of coffee.
Spritskransar
Served at christmas time. This recipe has been handed down through my family and is made every Christmas. I can remember my Grandmother making these when I was a boy, as I waited for the beaters and so did my cat sebastian.
Spritzbaaken Cookies
Spritzbaaken Cookies
Squash Bisque
Squash Bisque from the Recidemia collection
Squash Rolls
Squash Rolls from the Recidemia collection
Squash Soufflé
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Squid and Mango Salad
Squid and Mango Salad from the Recidemia collection
Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion
Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion from the Recidemia collection
Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney
Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Standard Fat-free Bread
Makes a 1½ lb loaf
Standard Pie Crust with Margarine
Makes 1 double crust or 2 single crusts, or 12 tart shells.
Star of the East Fruit Bread
Star of the East Fruit Bread from the Recidemia collection
Stars and Stripes Rice Pudding
Makes 4 servings.
Stars and Stripe Torte
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Steak and Ale Hawaiian Chicken
Cover the floor with newspaper to catch the family drool when they smell this on the grill!
Steak Pizzaiola with Salad, Bread and Pasta
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings o
Steam Custard with Milk
Steam Custard with Milk from the Recidemia collection
Steamed Carrots with Apricots
Steamed Carrots with Apricots from the Recidemia collection
Steamed Pork Dumplings I
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is