Garlic powder is a flavorful seasoning used in many dishes like pizza, pasta, and grilled chicken as well as ranch dressing. It is a dehydrated, ground form of garlic, which has a shelf life of more than six months if stored properly. Though it is durable, there will be times you might just run out of it. At such times, you can continue cooking with any available garlic powder substitute mentioned below and not let the absence of powdered garlic take over the charm of your preparation.
Best Garlic Powder Substitute
The best garlic powder substitutes are granulated garlic, fresh or minced garlic, garlic salt, garlic juice, and garlic flakes. Other healthy substitutes are onions and shallots. [1]
Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic is the closest garlic powder substitute, which can effortlessly blend in your pasta and give a mouth-watering aroma. Use 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic in place of 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for best flavor.
Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic, when crushed or chopped, is a great substitute for garlic powder in sauteeing. Use 1 clove of garlic for every 1/8th teaspoon garlic powder. [2]
Garlic powder has a long shelf life and can be added to many dishes like soups and stir-fries. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Minced Garlic
Minced garlic is generally used in a recipe where sauteeing is required. It is finely chopped garlic that can easily resemble the flavor of garlic powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic for 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Garlic Puree
Garlic puree is a potent substitute which can be used in place of garlic powder while preparing dishes like pasta or mayonnaise sandwiches. It blends well with sauces and creams and gives the exact flavor as garlic powder. Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic puree for 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is simply a mixture of garlic powder and salt. The ratio of garlic powder and salt in garlic salt is 1:3 respectively, so use 4 teaspoon garlic salt in place of 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Of course, you will have to reduce the salt content as garlic salt will give your preparation a salty flavor too.
Garlic Juice
Garlic juice is a great substitute for garlic powder as it is more pungent and can enrich the aroma of your recipe. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice in place of 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Garlic juice can be applied topically to the skin. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Garlic Flakes
Dried garlic flakes are a good option when you are unable to find garlic powder for your palate. Using 1 teaspoon garlic flakes in place fo 1/4th teaspoon garlic powder will give you a fairly similar taste.
Other Substitutes
If there is no trace of garlic or any item related to the spice, these food items will prove to be a blessing in disguise and save your dish from becoming unappetizing.
- Onions
- Shallots
- Chives
- Asafetida powder
