Garlic powder is one of the most versatile and widely used ingredients in cooking.
It adds a unique flavor to dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades.
But what happens when you run out of garlic powder or can’t find it in your local store?
Don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives that can be used as substitutes for garlic powder.
In this article, I will share with you 12 of the best garlic powder substitutes so that you never have to go without this important ingredient again!
What is Garlic Powder?
Garlic powder is a seasoning made from dehydrated, ground garlic.
It has a strong and pungent flavor that is slightly sweet and nutty.
Garlic powder can be used as an alternative to fresh garlic in recipes where the taste of raw garlic may be too overpowering or when you don’t have access to fresh garlic.
Garlic powder is made by drying out freshly peeled cloves of garlic until they are brittle, then grinding them into a fine powder.
The resulting product has a shelf life of up to two years if stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Garlic powder can be used in many different dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, marinades, dressings, rubs for meats and vegetables, casseroles, stir-fries, and more.
It adds depth of flavor without adding any additional liquid like fresh garlic would do so it’s great for thickening sauces or gravies without making them watery.
Additionally, it’s much easier to measure out than fresh minced garlic since one teaspoon of powdered equals one clove of minced garlic.
12 Best Garlic Powder Substitutes
Garlic powder is a great way to add flavor to dishes, but it can be hard to find in some places.
If you’re looking for an alternative, here are twelve substitutes that will still give you the same garlicky taste and aroma:
1. Granulated garlic
Granulated garlic is a coarsely ground form of garlic that has been dried and then ground into small granules.
It is often used as an alternative to fresh garlic, as it has a more intense flavor than the powder form.
Granulated garlic can be used in place of fresh or powdered garlic in many recipes, such as soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings.
Granulated garlic adds a strong garlicky flavor to dishes without the hassle of peeling and chopping cloves.
It also retains its flavor better than other forms of garlic when cooked over high heat or for long periods of time.
Try adding some granulated garlic to your next stir-fry or soup for an extra kick!
2. Fresh garlic
Fresh garlic is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from Italian pasta sauces to Asian stir-fries.
It has a strong and pungent flavor that adds depth and complexity to any dish.
Fresh garlic can be used raw or cooked, depending on the recipe.
When using fresh garlic, it’s important to remember that it will have a much stronger flavor than garlic powder.
To reduce the intensity of the flavor, you can mince or press the cloves before adding them to your dish.
This will help spread out the flavors more evenly throughout your meal.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an even milder taste, try roasting your garlic first! Roasting mellows out its sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness.
3. Minced garlic
Minced garlic is a great substitute for garlic powder.
It has a more intense flavor than garlic powder, and it’s easier to control the amount of flavor you get in your dish.
Minced garlic can be used in any recipe that calls for garlic powder, but it should be added at the beginning of cooking so that its flavor can develop over time.
Minced garlic is also an excellent addition to marinades, dressings, sauces, and soups. Its strong flavor will add depth and complexity to any dish. Plus, it’s easy to find in most grocery stores or online!
4. Garlic puree
Garlic puree is a convenient and flavorful alternative to garlic powder.
It is made from fresh garlic cloves that have been peeled, chopped, and cooked in oil until they are soft and creamy.
Garlic puree has a milder flavor than garlic powder but still packs a punch of garlicky goodness.
Garlic puree can be used as an ingredient in sauces, marinades, dressings, soups, stews, curries and more.
It adds depth of flavor to dishes without the hassle of chopping or mincing fresh garlic cloves.
Plus it’s shelf-stable so you can keep it on hand for whenever you need it!
5. Garlic salt
Garlic salt is a mixture of ground garlic and table salt with an anti-caking agent.
It can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, or as an additional seasoning to enhance the flavor of dishes.
Garlic salt has a strong garlicky flavor that can be used in place of regular salt in many recipes.
Garlic salt is great for adding flavor to meats, vegetables, soups, stews, sauces and more
It’s also perfect for sprinkling on popcorn or French fries!
The combination of garlic and salt enhances the flavors of food without overpowering them.
Plus, it’s easy to use—just sprinkle it on your dish before cooking or serving!
6. Garlic juice
Garlic juice is a liquid made from garlic cloves that has a strong, pungent flavor.
It can be used as an ingredient in cooking or as a condiment.
Garlic juice is often used to add flavor to dishes such as soups, sauces, marinades and dressings.
Garlic juice has many of the same health benefits as fresh garlic, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It also contains allicin, which is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Pro Tip: To make garlic juice at home, simply blend peeled garlic cloves with water until smooth and strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve.
The resulting liquid can then be added directly to recipes or stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
7. Garlic flakes
Garlic flakes are a great substitute for garlic powder.
They are made from dried, minced garlic and have a more intense flavor than garlic powder.
Garlic flakes can be used in place of fresh or powdered garlic in recipes that call for it, such as soups, stews, sauces, marinades and dressings.
Garlic flakes have a stronger flavor than garlic powder because they contain the entire clove of garlic rather than just the ground-up parts.
This means that you don’t need to use as much when cooking with them.
They also add texture to dishes since they remain intact during cooking instead of dissolving into the dish like powder does.
Pro Tip: Toasting the flakes before adding them to your dish will bring out their flavor even more!
8. Onion powder
Onion powder is a seasoning made from ground, dehydrated onions.
It has a strong onion flavor and aroma, and can be used as an alternative to fresh onions in many recipes.
Onion powder is often used to add flavor to soups, stews, sauces, salads, dressings and other dishes.
Onion powder has a milder taste than garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves.
It’s also less pungent than raw onions so it won’t overpower the flavors of your dish.
When using onion powder in place of fresh onions, use about half the amount called for in the recipe since it is more concentrated in flavor.
9. Asafoetida powder
Asafoetida powder, also known as hing, is a spice made from the dried sap of a giant fennel plant.
It has an intense flavor and aroma that can be described as pungent and onion-like.
Asafoetida powder is used in Indian cuisine to add depth and complexity to dishes.
Asafoetida powder has a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with any other ingredient.
It adds an earthy, garlicky taste to dishes without the strong smell or sharpness of garlic or onions.
Asafoetida powder is often used in combination with other spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, ginger, and chili peppers for added flavor.
10. Shallots or onions
Shallots and onions are both members of the Allium family, which also includes garlic, leeks, and chives.
Shallots have a milder flavor than onions and can be used as a substitute for garlic powder in many recipes.
Shallots have a sweet onion-like flavor with subtle hints of garlic.
They are often used to add depth to sauces or dressings, but they can also be cooked on their own as an aromatic side dish.
Onions, on the other hand, have a sharper taste than shallots and can be used raw or cooked in dishes such as soups or stews.
Pro Tip: If you’re out of garlic powder but still want that garlicky flavor without the sharpness of raw onions or shallots, try roasting them first!
Roasting brings out the sweetness in alliums while mellowing out their pungent flavors.
11. Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild, onion-like flavor.
They are often used as an herb to add flavor to dishes such as salads, soups, sauces, and omelets.
Chives can also be used in place of garlic powder in many recipes.
Chives have a delicate flavor that is slightly sweet and grassy with hints of garlic and onion.
The leaves are thin and hollow with a bright green color that adds visual appeal to any dish.
Chives can be snipped fresh from the garden or purchased dried at most grocery stores.
Pro Tip: To get the most out of your chive purchase, try freezing them!
Simply chop up the chives into small pieces before freezing them in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
12. Cumin
Cumin is a spice made from the dried seed of a plant known as Cuminum cyminum, which is a member of the parsley family.
It has been used in cooking for thousands of years and is popular in many cuisines around the world.
Cumin has an earthy, nutty flavor with hints of citrus and pepper.
It’s often used to add depth to dishes like chili, tacos, curries, and stews.
It can also be used to season vegetables or added to marinades for meats or fish.
Pro Tip: Toasting cumin seeds before grinding them will bring out their flavor even more!
Simply heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add the cumin seeds until they become fragrant (about 1 minute).
Then grind them up in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for maximum flavor!
FAQ
Can you substitute garlic powder for whole garlic?
Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for whole garlic.
Generally, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder can replace 1 fresh garlic clove, while ½ teaspoon of garlic flakes is equivalent to 1 fresh garlic clove.
However, it is important to note that garlic powder does not have the same flavor and texture as fresh garlic, so it is best to use it as a substitute in recipes when no fresh garlic is available.
Additionally, garlic powder is more potent than fresh garlic, so it is important to use it sparingly and adjust the quantity to your own taste.
Can you replace garlic powder with minced garlic?
Yes, you can replace garlic powder with minced garlic.
Depending on your recipe, you can use an equal amount of freshly minced garlic, one medium-sized fresh garlic clove for every 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder needed, an equal amount of granulated garlic, or chopped shallots or onion.
However, if you’re looking for a substitute that will give a similar flavor to garlic powder, then minced garlic is the best option.
Freshly minced garlic is more potent than garlic powder, so use a lesser amount to achieve the same flavor. For instance, use about one-third of the amount of minced garlic for the same flavor intensity as garlic powder.
What spice can replace garlic powder?
Cumin is a great alternative to garlic powder and can be used as a substitute. It has a slightly different flavor, but when used in the right proportions, it can offer a comparable taste.
To substitute garlic powder with cumin, use ⅛ teaspoon of cumin for every ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Keep in mind that cumin should only be used in a pinch as its flavor is more intense than garlic powder.
Can garlic salt be a substitute for garlic powder?
Garlic salt and garlic powder are not interchangeable due to the presence of salt in the former. Garlic salt is a mixture of garlic powder, salt, and usually contains anti-caking agents.
Therefore, if you substitute garlic salt for garlic powder, the dish will be significantly more salty, and the garlic flavor will be muted.
The best option is to use garlic powder if you want a dish with a strong garlic flavor, or to use a combination of garlic salt and garlic powder to get a balance of garlic flavor and saltiness.
Can you substitute onion powder for garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute onion powder for garlic powder in recipes, although the flavors will be slightly different.
Since garlic powder is usually more pungent than onion powder, you should use about half the amount of garlic powder as you would onion powder. This will ensure that your dish has the desired flavor without overpowering it.
Additionally, if you’re trying to add a bit of sweetness, you might want to increase the amount of onion powder. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the other seasonings based on the substitution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garlic powder is a common ingredient in many recipes and adds a great flavor to dishes.
However, if you don’t have garlic powder on hand, there are several other ingredients that can be used as a good substitute.
The best substitutes for garlic powder are granulated garlic, fresh garlic, minced garlic, garlic puree, garlic salt, garlic juice, garlic flakes, onion powder, asafoetida powder, shallots or onions, chives, and cumin.
Each of these ingredients has a unique flavor and can be used in different recipes depending on the flavor profile you are looking for.
Using any of these garlic powder substitutes is a great way to add flavor and aroma to your dish without having to use garlic powder.
12 Best Garlic Powder Substitutes
Ingredients
- Granulated garlic
- Fresh garlic
- Minced garlic
- Garlic puree
- Garlic salt
- Garlic juice
- Garlic flakes
- Onion powder
- Asafoetida powder
- Shallots or onions
- Chives
- Cumin
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.