Garlic salt is a famous seasoning used in many dishes, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s a time-saving combination of two popular ingredients: garlic and salt.
Its pungent aroma and taste are unbeatable, adding depth to any recipe. However, what happens when you fail garlic salt or cannot use it due to dietary restrictions?
The good news is that you can use alternatives that will give you an equally delicious outcome.
In this article, we will share 12 ideal garlic salt substitutes with ratios that any experienced home cook or chef can use.
In short, " What can I use instead of garlic salt?" Roasted Garlic Powder, Garlic Powder & Salt Mixture, Garlic Granules, Minced Garlic & Salt, Roasted Garlic & Salt, Onion Powder & Salt, Herb Salt, Garlic Oil and Salt, Garlic Paste and Salt, Powdered Mustard and Salt, Celery Salt, Salt and Fresh Garlic.
What is garlic salt, and what does garlic salt taste like?
Garlic salt is a seasoning blend made from garlic powder, table salt and sometimes other herbs or spices.
It has a strong, pungent flavour of garlic with a salty background taste. The overall flavour can vary depending on the ratio of garlic powder to salt used in production.
Garlic salt adds complexity to savoury dishes without requiring separate measuring of each ingredient, and its sharp flavour pairs wonderfully with meats, salads, vegetables and more.
Uses of garlic salt
Garlic salt can be used in a wide range of savoury recipes, from salads and marinades to meats and vegetables.
On its own, it provides an excellent seasoning for grilled meats like steak or chicken. It can also use as a rub for roasting vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers.
Additionally, garlic salt can be added to homemade salad dressings, marinade recipes, sauces or gravies to give them an extra boost of flavour.
Moreover, garlic salt also contains essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, which all help support healthy bone structure and improve immunity.
As it is easier to use than chopping fresh garlic cloves every time you want to season something, it makes it an ideal choice for those who want to get more nutrition in their diet without spending too much time preparing meals.
Where to buy garlic salt?
If you are searching for where to buygarlic salt, 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 flavours and types of garlic salt.
Ideal garlic salt substitutes with measurements
1. Roasted Garlic Powder
You can easily make roasted garlic powder if you have fresh garlic in your pantry and a little time.
Cut the top of a garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle a little bit of olive oil and salt, wrap in foil, and bake at 400F for a minimum of 30 minutes or till the garlic is soft and caramelized.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one tablespoon of roasted garlic powder for every one teaspoon of salt.
Once cooled, use a blender or a spice grinder to make a fine powder.
2. Garlic Powder & Salt Mixture
If you want a quick fix, combine garlic powder and salt in equal amounts. This mix will give you the same flavour profile as garlic salt.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one teaspoon of garlic powder to one teaspoon of salt.
3. Garlic Granules
As the name suggests, garlic granules are small pieces of dehydrated garlic. They are larger than garlic powder and add a mild crunch to dishes.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one tablespoon of garlic granules to every teaspoon of salt.
4. Minced Garlic & Salt
If you have refreshed garlic on hand, mince it finely and mix it with some salt. This mixture will mimic the texture of garlic salt.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one tablespoon of minced garlic to every teaspoon of salt.
5. Roasted Garlic & Salt
This is another option if you have fresh garlic at home. Cut the top of a garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle a little bit of olive oil and salt, wrap in foil, and bake at 400F for half an hour or until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
Once cooled, use a knife or a garlic press to mash the cloves and mix them with salt.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one tablespoon of roasted garlic to every teaspoon of salt.
6. Onion Powder & Salt
If you are out of garlic powder and salt, or you just don’t like the flavour of garlic, try using onion powder instead. Onion powder has a similar flavour profile to garlic salt.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one teaspoon of onion powder to one teaspoon of salt.
7. Herb Salt
If you want to test with different flavours, try making herb salt. Herb salt is a combination of salt and various herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
You can count minced garlic or garlic powder to this mixture.
Ratio or measurement: The ratio is one tablespoon of herbs to one teaspoon of salt.
8. Garlic Oil and Salt
Garlic oil is infused with the pungent garlic flavour that’s perfect for any dish that calls for garlic salt.
You can easily make garlic oil by infusing garlic cloves in oil for a few days and then straining them before storing them.
Ratio or measurement: Mix one teaspoon of garlic oil with one teaspoon of salt for every garlic salt tablespoon required for the recipe.
9. Garlic Paste and Salt
If you’re looking for a substitute that assures your garlic flavour, you can opt for garlic paste.
Ratio or measurement: Crush garlic cloves into a paste and mix it with salt at a one-to-one ratio.
You can use this garlic paste and salt mix just like garlic salt.
10. Powdered Mustard and Salt
The mustard powder may not seem like a popular garlic salt alternative, but it works wonders as a substitute, adding that tangy flavour to the recipe.
Ratio or measurement: Mix one teaspoon of powdered mustard with one teaspoon of salt for every garlic salt teaspoon required.
11. Celery Salt
Celery salt has a mild flavour, but if you’re out of other substitutes, it makes a decent garlic salt replacement.
Ratio or measurement: Combine one teaspoon of celery salt with half a teaspoon of garlic powder for every tablespoon of garlic salt required.
12. Salt and Fresh Garlic
If you’re going for pure garlic flavour, using fresh garlic with salt is the way to go. Crumble 4 to 5 cloves of garlic and mix with half a teaspoon of salt.
Ratio or measurement: Use this together, making sure to adjust the garlic-to-salt ratio to your taste preference.
how to make garlic parsley salt
Garlic Parsley Salt is an easy and flavorful condiment to make.
To make it, you will need garlic, fresh parsley and coarsely ground sea salt.
First, peel and mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the parsley. Then mix together two tablespoons of minced garlic and one tablespoon of finely chopped parsley with 1/4 cup of coarsely ground sea salt.
Grind the mix in a mortar and pestle until everything is combined. Alternatively, you can pulse it in a food processor or spice grinder until all ingredients are well blended.
Store your homemade Garlic Parsley Salt in an airtight container or jar, away from light and moisture.
The herbs and spices will last up to four months if stored properly – so you can enjoy this delicious condiment all year long!
And even better: because it’s free from added preservatives and flavours, you can be sure that your Garlic Parsley Salt has only natural goodness!
Use it to add flavour to salads, pasta, meats or vegetables for a tasty meal any time!
no garlic salt substitute
Garlic salt is a popular seasoning blend that combines the flavours of garlic and salt. It adds a savoury, garlicky flavour to foods like meats, fish, vegetables, and more.
Typically, garlic salt is made with sea salt and dried garlic flakes which are ground into a powdery consistency.
The main advantage of using garlic salt is convenience; it provides a simple way to add flavour without having to mince or crush garlic cloves each time.
However, the downside of this comfort is that it tends to be high in sodium because of the combination of salt and garlic powder.
For those looking for a lower-sodium alternative, there are several other options available.
Herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, or parsley can be used to replace some of the flavours that would have come from garlic salt.
These herbs provide an intense flavour without adding as much sodium as seasoned salts like garlic salt do.
Additionally, minced fresh or roasted garlic can offer a more flavorful and less salty option for those who prefer not to use processed seasonings in their cooking.
Roasted garlic has a milder taste than raw and adds sweetness when cooked in dishes like stir-fries and soups.
If you want a more garlicky flavour but still want to keep your dish low on sodium levels, then consider using aged balsamic vinegar, which offers a slight umami element similar to that of garlic but with little added sodium content.
1/4 tsp garlic salt substitute
Garlic salt is a popular and versatile pantry staple, often used to season dishes or add extra flavour.
It is a combination of garlic powder and salt, making it an easy and convenient way to get the flavour of both ingredients in one convenient package.
Compared to using just salt or garlic powder separately, garlic salt has a more mellow flavour that is slightly less intense than either component alone.
For this reason, it’s great for adding subtle seasoning to many dishes like roasted vegetables and soup without overwhelming the other flavours.
To create an even more flavorful substitute for garlic salt, try combining 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and table salt for a tasty blend that can be sprinkled over dishes for added flavour.
garlic parsley salt substitute
If you’re looking for substitutes for garlic parsley salt, here are five options you can try:
1. Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a common alternative for garlic parsley salt as it combines the flavours of garlic and salt. It may not have the exact flavour profile of garlic parsley salt, but it can provide a similar savoury taste.
2. Garlic Powder and Parsley Flakes
You can create your own substitute by combining garlic powder and dried parsley flakes. Use equal parts of both ingredients to achieve a balanced flavour.
This option permits you to control the amount of garlic and parsley according to your taste preferences.
3. Herb Seasoning Blend
Look for a pre-made herb seasoning blend that contains garlic and parsley. Many commercial seasoning blends combine various herbs and spices, including garlic and parsley, to provide a versatile flavour profile.
4. Fresh Garlic and Fresh Parsley
If you have fresh garlic and parsley on hand, you can finely mince or chop the garlic and parsley leaves together.
This mixture can be an alternative to garlic parsley salt, providing a fresh and vibrant flavour.
5. Lemon Zest and Salt
For a different flavour profile, you can combine lemon zest and salt as a substitute. Lemon zest adds a citrusy and refreshing taste, while salt provides a savoury element.
This substitute works well in recipes that would benefit from a bright and tangy flavour.
Conclusion on garlic salt substitute
In conclusion, garlic salt is a convenient seasoning when you need a quick flavour boost, but it’s not the only option.
We hope these seven garlic salt substitutes with ratios help you make your dish as flavorful as possible.
Experiment with various ratios and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Happy cooking!
FAQs on garlic salt substitute
Q1. What is similar to garlic salt?
Garlic powder is a similar seasoning to garlic salt, as it contains both garlic and salt. Garlic powder is often used interchangeably with garlic salt in some recipes, although it does not have the same potency as garlic salt since the ratio of ingredients is different.
Other seasonings that are similar to garlic salt include onion powder, celery seed, and smoked paprika.
Q2. What is an alternative to one teaspoon of garlic salt?
One teaspoon of garlic salt can be substituted with 1/4 teaspoon of regular table salt plus 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. This substitution will give you the same flavour and seasoning as a full teaspoon of garlic salt, but it may not have the same texture.
If you need a substitute for the texture, try using onion powder in place of some or all of the garlic powder. That will help to create a more granular consistency that better mimics that of traditional garlic salt.
Q3. What can I use instead of onion or garlic salt?
Instead of onion or garlic salt, you can use herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, or dill. These herbs will provide a flavorful and savoury note to your dishes without the strong flavour of the onion or garlic.
Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. For a sweeter taste, you can also opt for sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices will provide a subtle sweetness to your dish while still adding layers of flavour.
Q4. Can I substitute garlic for garlic salt?
It is possible to substitute garlic for garlic salt, but it is important to take into consideration a few factors. Garlic salt typically contains some form of salt and dehydrated garlic, so it can be a good alternative if you want the flavour of garlic without having to finely mince the cloves.
However, because garlic salt already contains salt, you may need to adjust the amount used when replacing it with fresh garlic.
Additionally, fresh garlic has a stronger flavour than garlic salt, so adding too much can make a dish overly pungent. To substitute fresh garlic for garlic salt, start by using about one-third as much as the recipe calls for in garlic salt and then adjust according to taste.
Q5. Is garlic salt the same as cloves?
No, garlic salt and cloves are not the same. Cloves are dried flower buds from a tree from Southeast Asia. They have an intense flavor and aroma, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes. Garlic salt, on the other hand, is a combination of ground garlic and table salt.
It is generally used as a seasoning for food and has a milder taste than cloves due to the presence of salt. Garlic salt can also provide a distinctive garlicky flavour to dishes due to its blend of garlic powder with regular or sea salt.
Q6. Can you replace garlic powder with garlic salt in a recipe?
Yes, you can replace garlic powder with garlic salt in a recipe, but it’s important to consider the differences in flavour and adjust the amount of salt accordingly. Here’s what you can do:
1. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is made by dehydrating and grinding garlic cloves into fine powder. It provides a concentrated garlic flavour without the saltiness found in garlic salt. If your recipe calls for garlic salt, you can substitute an equal amount of garlic powder, but you’ll need to add additional salt separately to compensate for the missing salt in garlic salt.
2. Adjusting Salt: Since garlic salt contains salt, if you’re using garlic powder as a substitute, you must modify the salt in your recipe accordingly. Start by adding a little salt, then taste the dish as you go. Adjust the salt levels gradually until you achieve the desired flavour.
For example, if a recipe wants one teaspoon of garlic salt, you can use one teaspoon of garlic powder and then add an additional three-forth to 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) to make up for the salt that would have been in the garlic salt.
Remember to keep in mind the sodium content of your dish and any dietary restrictions or preferences related to salt intake. It is always the best idea to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook to ensure the flavours are balanced to your liking.
