Ginger is a versatile and widely used spice in Asian cuisine, providing both warmth and a unique flavor. (It's 1 of the 3 "holy trinity" ingredients of Chinese stir-frying.) Other spices with similar characteristics include galangal, which is often used in Thai and Indonesian dishes, and turmeric, which brings a rich, earthy taste to Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Both of these spices share ginger's signature warmth and can be used as alternatives in various recipes.