Apart from its medicinal properties, garlic is widely used as a flavoring agent in a variety of recipes. It can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, sauces, and spices. It goes well with braised, roasted, or sautéed dishes.
It is a popular ingredient in a wide range of dishes that come to mind. It has a strong flavor that softens when cooked, and the flavor and texture vary according to how it is cooked.
But what if you don’t have any garlic powder? Here are some alternatives you can use immediately
- Fresh Garlic
- Garlic Flakes
- Garlic Salt
- Garlic Puree
- Garlic Juice
- Granulated Garlic
- Minced Garlic
- Onion Powder
- Shallots
Quick Fact
Garlic powder is a flavor enhancer made from dried, dehydrated garlic cloves ground into fine particles and can be stored for up to 6 months or more.
If for whatever reasons you are still unable to find the alternatives above, read on to find out the full comprehensive list of the best garlic powder substitutes.
12 Best Substitute For Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds flavor to a wide range of dishes, from serving as a condiment to marinating seafood and meat and baking with it. This is used in place of fresh garlic to avoid the pungent odor, and it also has a much milder flavor.
When using fresh garlic in cooking, it is difficult to spread the flavor evenly, but garlic powder makes this much easier. Because it dissolves easily in water, it is ideal for making sauces and soups.
This also helps in the removal of food odors, particularly in fish and meat dishes. Some of the best garlic powder substitutes are fresh garlic, garlic flakes and minced garlic which share a similar taste to garlic powder.
If you are unable to find them, here are the 12 best substitutes for garlic powder so that you can continue to prepare your delectable dishes.
Fresh Garlic
When you run out of garlic powder, fresh garlic is the go-to substitute because it is usually readily available in your kitchen.
This is best used in sautéing because it has the most flavor of any alternative. A garlic clove is equivalent to 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Garlic Flakes
Garlic flakes, also known as instant garlic, are a dehydrated or dried form of garlic that has been minced or sliced into flakes to flavor sauces, soups, and stews. A teaspoon of garlic flakes tastes about the same as a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.
There are two ways to use garlic flakes: one is to use it right away, and the other is to soak it in water for an extended period to soften its texture and make it smaller and more absorbent.
Garlic Salt
Garlic salt, a mixture of ground garlic and salt in a 1:3 ratio, is another alternative to garlic powder (1 part garlic powder and 3 parts salt). Use 4 teaspoons of garlic salt to make the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Keep in mind, however, that this contains salt, and too much of it may cause your dish to become salty, so add it slowly and taste.
Garlic salt is also beneficial to your health. It increases antioxidant levels and helps prevent the development of cancer cells. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it also aids digestion.
Garlic Puree
Garlic puree is a popular alternative to garlic powder. It is made from fresh or roasted garlic that has been pureed into a paste.
It mixes well with creams and sauces, which makes it popular in pasta dishes and mayonnaise-based sandwiches. A teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to 1/4 teaspoon of garlic puree.
Garlic Juice
Garlic juice can be prepared in several ways. You can make it by juicing, pressing, or blending garlic cloves into a liquid form.
A teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to a half teaspoon of garlic juice in this case, and it can improve the smell of the dish.
Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic is the best substitute because it tastes the most like garlic powder. This is made by grinding or crushing dried garlic cloves into fine sand-like granules.
Remember to crush the cloves until they are fine if you want a more absorbent and richer flavor in your dish.
Use 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic to get the same flavor as a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Minced Garlic
Minced garlic also works well as a substitute. It’s made with fresh garlic cloves that have been peeled and minced into small pieces.
Because it is fresh, its flavor is much more intense than that of garlic powder, so a teaspoon of minced garlic is already equivalent to two teaspoons of garlic powder.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is made from dehydrated ground onion and is used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes to add flavor and an addictive aroma.
This is frequently used to marinate fish or meat to remove stingy odors. This is the best way to add full flavors to your dishes because it dissolves and penetrates other cooking ingredients.
Use twice the amount of onion powder to replace a portion of garlic powder.
Shallots
Shallots are related to garlic and onions, so it’s natural that they have a strong and pungent flavor, but they’re much sweeter and milder, and they improve even more when cooked.
However, if you need a fine powder to dissolve and penetrate your food, this may not be a good choice due to its coarseness.
Shallots are well-known for their high antioxidant content, which aids in blood pressure control. Because it contains a natural antihistamine, it also alleviates seasonal allergy symptoms. It also has antimicrobial properties and is beneficial to heart health.
Use 4 to 5 parts minced shallots as a substitute for garlic powder.
Chives
Chives are commonly used in a wide range of dishes. It’s quick and easy to make, and it adds flavor. It is an herb that is frequently used as a garnish.
It is an aromatic grass that is commonly used in the preparation of eggs, soups, and salads. This should only be cooked briefly and served immediately to preserve the flavor.
Chives provide a variety of health benefits. One of these benefits is that it lowers the risk of developing cancer. This improves the quality of your sleep as well as your mood. Chives contain Vitamin K, which aids in bone health and blood clotting.
Remember that chives aren’t ideal for dishes that call for powdered flavoring. You can replace the garlic powder with 5 parts chives.
Cumin
Cumin is another alternative to garlic powder, but it may not be as flavorful. Cumin is a spice made from the dried seeds of a parsley-related plant. It has a distinct odor that is similar to garlic powder. When cumin is added to a dish, it reduces the sweetness.
Cumin contains antioxidants that aid in the maintenance of healthy cells, making you feel more energized. It also aids in the control of blood sugar levels, and traditional medicine recommends it as a treatment for those suffering from diarrhea.
These are only a few of its health benefits; it has many other applications – from improving digestion to stimulating your nervous system that improves memory.
Because cumin has a strong flavor, a quarter teaspoon is enough to replace a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Asafoetida Powder
Asafoetida powder is frequently combined with vegetables and dried beans. Asafoetida powder is a traditional spice derived from the gum-resin extracted from the roots of the herb plant ferula. It is widely used as a substitute for garlic and onion in India, and it is extremely beneficial to your health.
Asafoetida is high in antioxidants that protect your cells from potential damage and promote digestive health. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
It has a strong pungent smell that, when cooked, becomes pleasant and adds a mellow flavor to your dishes. It is recommended to add hot oil or other fat-containing oils to it to reduce its flavor and smell.
This is frequently combined with turmeric and cumin in Indian dishes.
A half teaspoon of asafoetida powder can be substituted for 2 minced garlic cloves. Because of its stronger flavor, it is frequently used in small amounts in salads, eggs, and fish.
Garlic Powder Substitute Related FAQ
What Are the Health Benefits of Garlic Powder?
Garlic powder is a simple way to add garlic flavor to a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and sauces. And because it is dehydrated, it has a much longer shelf life, and can last for years. This not only adds flavor to your dishes, but also has several health benefits.
The most common and well-known health benefit of garlic powder is its ability to regulate blood pressure. Another advantage is that it lowers bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol.[Source]
It also strengthens the immune system due to its mineral and antioxidant properties. Because it contains iron and dietary fiber, it also aids digestion and relieves stomach disorders such as constipation.
Lastly, studies indicate that consuming garlic powder may help lower the risk of developing cancer.
Keep in mind that this is a processed product, therefore it is less nutritious than fresh garlic, but it has fewer calories than fresh ones.
How Do You Make Homemade Garlic Powder?
To make garlic powder at home, you only need one ingredient: garlic.
- Remove the skin from each clove, and use as many as you like, cutting them into smaller pieces.
- Put them in a dehydrator or an oven to dry.
- Allow it to cool after it has dried.
- Grind the dehydrated garlic in a coffee grinder, mortar, and pestle, or any available grinder until it reaches the desired consistency.
- It should be kept in a dry and clean container or jar.
Also, after the first 14 days, shake the container to ensure that the moisture in the jar is evenly distributed on the garlic powder. This will also keep mold from growing inside the container.
How Is Garlic Powder Stored?
Although it is well known that garlic powder has a much longer storage life than fresh garlic, you can take the following precautions to ensure that it lasts as long as possible:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place.
- No water should be allowed to seep into the garlic powder.
- When not in use, store leftover powder in an airtight, lidded jar.