8 Ideal Garlic Powder Substitutes with Ratios for Home Cooks

Garlic powder is a staple spice that’s commonly used in different dishes, such as roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and sauces.

However, you may run out of this spice during cooking or have an allergic reaction to garlic.

Fear not, as there are several ideal garlic powder substitutes that you can use with specific measurements.

In this post, I will share 8 of these substitutes with ratio measurements to help you achieve the expected flavor and aroma in your dishes.

In short, " What can I use instead of garlic powder?"

Fresh Garlic, Roasted Garlic, Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Shallots, Chives, Garlic Puree, and Ginger.

What is garlic powder, and what does garlic powder taste like?

Garlic powder is a fine form of dried garlic cloves. The flavor is usually milder than fresh garlic and can be used as a flavorful alternative to salt in cooking.

It has a savory, earthy taste with notes of sweetness, making it useful for adding depth to sauces, dressings, and stews.

Garlic powder also pairs well with herbs like rosemary and thyme to enhance the savor of grilled meats or vegetables.

Uses of garlic powder

Garlic powder is commonly used to season meats like beef, chicken and pork. It can also use in marinades to give meats an added layer of flavor.

In addition, garlic powder can be used when baking bread or other pastries for an added dimension of flavor. Additionally, it’s a great way to add zest to vegetables like potatoes and greens.

When taken regularly in small doses, garlic can even help fight off serious diseases like cancer due to its high antioxidant content.

Another use for garlic powder is as a flavoring agent in sauces and dressings such as mayonnaise, ketchup or vinaigrette dressings.

Its mellow flavor makes it ideal for adding complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

Furthermore, garlic powder can be added to soups and stews for an additional punch of flavor that will carry the dish to the next level.

Where to buy garlic powder?

If you are searching for where to buy garlic powder, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of garlic powder.

Best garlic powder substitutes & their ratio

1. Fresh Garlic 

fresh garlic is most ideal garlic powder substitutes

One of the most ideal substitutes for garlic powder is fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has a more powerful flavor than garlic powder, so you will need to use less of it.

Ratio or measurements: The general rule for substituting fresh garlic for garlic powder is to use one clove of garlic for every 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

If your formula calls for one teaspoon of garlic powder, use eight cloves of garlic.

2. Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a delicious substitute for garlic powder as it has a sweet and nutty flavor.

Ratio or measurements: To substitute garlic powder with roasted garlic, use one clove of roasted garlic for every one-fourth teaspoon of garlic powder.

To prepare roasted garlic, cut the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.

3. Garlic Salt

garlic salt is popular garlic powder substitutes

Garlic salt is a popular substitute for garlic powder as it combines the flavor of garlic and salt.

Ratio or measurements: To substitute garlic powder with garlic salt, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt for every teaspoon of garlic powder.

Reduce the salt content in the recipe to adjust to the addition of garlic salt.

4. Onion Powder

Onion powder works as an excellent garlic powder substitute in recipes that do not require a strong garlic flavor.

Ratio or measurements: To substitute garlic powder with onion powder, use one and a half teaspoons of onion powder for every teaspoon of garlic powder.

5. Shallots

shallots are excellent garlic powder alternates

Shallots have a milder, sweet onion and garlic flavor, making them an excellent garlic powder substitute.

Ratio or measurements: To substitute garlic powder with shallots, use one tablespoon of finely chopped shallots for every teaspoon of garlic powder.

6. Chives

Chives have a delicate onion and garlic flavor that makes them an ideal substitute for garlic powder in recipes like dips and dressings.

Ratio or measurements: Use two tablespoons of chopped fresh chives for every teaspoon of garlic powder.

7. Garlic Puree

garlic puree is good garlic powder alternative

Garlic puree has a milder flavor compared to garlic powder.

Ratio or measurements: To substitute garlic powder with garlic puree, use one tablespoon of garlic puree for every teaspoon of garlic powder.

8. Ginger 

Though it has a distinct flavor, ginger powder can serve as a substitute for garlic powder in certain recipes like stir-fry dishes or Asian-inspired marinades.

Ratio or measurements: The recommended substitution ratio is 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Substitute garlic powder for fried chicken

Fried chicken is a famous dish that can be prepared in multiple ways, but one of the most classic recipes involves dredging chicken pieces in a mix of spices and flour before frying.

For a flavorful alternative to garlic powder, try using minced fresh garlic or garlic puree instead. 

The chopped garlic will add an intense flavor to the fried chicken without the harshness associated with garlic powder.

To ensure even coating, mix the minced or pureed garlic with the flour and other spices before dredging.

For an extra punch of flavor, consider stirring some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme into the flour mixture as well. 

When frying, be sure to watch the temperature carefully to prevent burning and make sure to cook through completely for food safety reasons.

Enjoy your homemade fried chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a delicious meal!

Substitute garlic powder in baking

When baking, garlic powder can be substituted with freshly minced garlic. The flavor will be more pungent and intense since fresh garlic contains more natural oil.

Additionally, the texture of the dish may be slightly different due to the addition of a wet ingredient.

For each teaspoon of garlic powder called for in a recipe, substitute four cloves of minced garlic. If you are using larger cloves, such as elephant garlic, adjust your measurements accordingly.

To make sure that the flavors blend evenly into the dish, the minced garlic early on in the preparation process so it has time to cook down and combine with other ingredients.

Explore more: Substitute garlic powder for minced garlic

granulated garlic vs. garlic powder substitute

Garlic is a beloved seasoning that can add flavor to a variety of dishes. While many people use fresh, granulated garlic and garlic powder when cooking, there are some good substitutes for both.

Granulated garlic is made from dehydrated cloves of garlic that have been ground into tiny pieces.

It has a sharp, intense flavor and can be used as is or as an ingredient in spice mixes.

Garlic powder is also made from dehydrated garlic cloves, but it has been ground even finer than granulated garlic and has a more mellow flavor.

For substituting granulated garlic, one option is to use onion flakes or onion powder instead.

Onion flakes are made from dehydrated onions that have been cut into very small pieces, while onion powder is just the ground form of these same onions.

Both offer a milder version of the sharp taste found in granulated garlic, so they won’t overpower your dish like the real thing would.

Another substitute for granulated garlic is fresh minced or chopped garlic.

This will give you the flavors you’re looking for without making them too strong or overwhelming.

If you don’t have refreshed garlic on hand, try using jarred minced or chopped garlic instead; then adjust the amounts accordingly to get the desired taste and strength you need in your meals.

As for substituting garlic powder, one option is to use smoked paprika as an alternative seasoning.

Smoked paprika offers a unique smoky flavor that isn’t as intense as plain paprika, and it can provide you with a nice balance between sweet and savory tastes without being too overpowering.

You can also try using other herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, or rosemary to give your dishes an herbal note without adding too much heat from the actual spices themselves.

Conclusion on garlic powder substitute

As you can see, there are several ideal garlic powder substitutes to choose from, each offering a unique flavor profile to your dish. 

The trick is choosing the right one that complements your recipe. Substituting garlic powder with fresh garlic, shallots, or roasted garlic can offer a more pronounced and pungent garlic flavor. 

On the other hand, onion powder, ginger powder, and chives can add a subtle, savory essence to your dishes. 

As a chef and experienced home cook, it’s essential to have these substitutes in your kitchen to boost your dishes and impress your guests with diverse flavors.

FAQs on garlic powder substitute

Q1. What is similar to garlic powder?

Garlic powder is most similar to granulated garlic, which is made from dried and ground-up garlic cloves. Granulated garlic is a bit more coarse than garlic powder, but it has the same flavor profile.

Other alternatives to garlic powder include fresh minced or chopped garlic, dehydrated minced garlic, and even roasted or grilled garlic. All of these will provide the same flavor as garlic powder, just in different forms.

Q2. What is an alternative to one teaspoon of garlic powder?

A substitute for one teaspoon of garlic powder is 1/8 teaspoon of garlic salt or one clove of fresh garlic, finely minced. Depending on the recipe, you are also able to use other herbs and spices as substitutes, such as onion powder, rosemary, thyme or cayenne pepper. However, these substitutions may not give the same flavor as using garlic powder.

Q3. Can you substitute garlic for garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute garlic for garlic powder in some recipes. When substituting, use about one-half teaspoon of minced fresh garlic for every 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder called for in the recipe. This ratio will help ensure that your dish has a similar flavor profile and texture as intended in the recipe.

However, keep in mind that using fresh ingredients may affect other aspects of the recipe, such as cooking time and liquid requirements. It is best to test with different amounts to ensure you get desired results before making a full batch.

Q4. Can I replace garlic powder with onion powder?

Yes, you can replace garlic powder with onion powder. Onion powder is milder than garlic powder, so when substituting it for garlic in a recipe, start by adding a smaller amount and increasing it as desired. Keep in mind that onion powder has an earthy taste while garlic powder has more of a pungent flavor, so the flavors of your dish may vary slightly.

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