We all know the benefit of flavorful garlic salt in a kitchen pantry. It adds a savory kick to any dish, from salads and soups to stews and stir-fries. But what do you do when you run out or don’t have garlic salt? Don’t worry—many substitutes for garlic salt can help keep your meals just as tasty.
In this blog post, I will share some of my favorite replacements for garlic salt so you can quickly whip up delicious recipes, even if they are unavailable. So keep reading to learn more about these twelve incredible flavor-boosting ingredients.
Best garlic salt substitutes you should try
Garlic salt is a seasoning blend made of ground garlic and salt. It usually has a ratio of 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic, which can vary depending on the brand or recipe.
Garlic salt adds flavor to soups, salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables. Try those substitutes that can provide the garlic flavor to your dishes.
Here are a few best garlic salt substitutes that impart the same flavor as garlic salt to your recipes.
1. Garlic powder
Ratio to use: 1/3 teaspoon of garlic powder ( salt as per taste) = 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
If you are looking for a replacement for garlic salt, garlic powder can be a great alternative. Garlic powder is made from dehydrated garlic cloves pulverized to powder form, and when added to a dish, it will add the same robust taste as garlic salt.
Use less garlic powder than garlic salt in your dish, as garlic powder is all garlic and has a more robust flavor than garlic salt.
2. Minced Garlic
Ratio to use: 1/3 teaspoon of minced garlic = 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
When substituting with minced garlic, remember that it will have a more punchy flavor than garlic powder. You can use store-bought minced garlic, or you can make it at home. It is easy to make, and the dish will have a solid garlicky and spicy flavor.
To make your minced garlic, peel the garlic cloves and chop them into very fine pieces. Then mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
3. Granulated garlic
Granulated garlic is made from dehydrated garlic that has been crushed into granules, and it adds a milder taste than minced or powdered garlic.
As a result, granulated garlic can be used as a salt substitute in soups, sauces, stews, or other dishes requiring a milder flavor.
4. Onion powder and sea salt combination
Ratio to use: 1 teaspoon of onion salt = 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
If you’re looking for a flavorful substitution for garlic salt in your cooking, try the onion powder and sea salt combination. The two ingredients together can create a great alternative that is high in flavor.
The ratio of each seasoning can be adjusted to your tastes, depending on whether you are seeking more of an onion flavor or want some subtle hints of garlic-like taste.
A great thing about this combination is its effortless and straightforward use. So if you’re striving for better health through cooking, onion powder and sea salt are excellent options.
5. Garlic Oil
Ratio to use: Use 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
Garlic oil is an excellent substitute for garlic salt. It is made from roasted garlic cloves that have been pureed and mixed with olive or vegetable oil, resulting in a rich flavor that can give your dishes an extra kick of flavor without the added sodium of garlic salt.
Garlic oil is infused with garlic, not the supplements available in the market.
Garlic oil can be added to the oil to sauté vegetables, add to soups and stews, or be used as a salad dressing. It also adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor to dishes cooked with other seasonings.
Garlic salt doesn’t have salt, so garlic oil is an excellent alternative if you watch your sodium intake. The only catch is that you cannot add garlic oil to all recipes.
It can be used in baking or sauteeing, but if you have to garnish with garlic salt, you must use other options.
6. Garlic flakes are one of the best garlic salt substitutes
Garlic flakes, or flaked garlic, are an excellent garlic salt substitute in dishes requiring intense flavor. Garlic flakes can be added to soups, salads, or dressings for a spicy kick of flavor and aroma.
Garlic flakes are made from dehydrated garlic and can be bought at stores or easily made yourself.
To make your garlic flakes, peel the cloves and place them in an oven-safe dish, then bake for about 20 minutes at a low temperature until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool before adding them to your dishes.
7. Garlic juice
Garlic juice is a great substitute for garlic salt and adds a unique flavor to any dish. Garlic juice is made by squeezing freshly peeled garlic cloves, making it very flavorful and intense in taste.
For extra flavor, it can be used in marinades, dressings, soups, and stews. One of the best things about garlic juice is that you can adjust the amount of salt you want to add.
Garlic juice can also be stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. While this may not be the most common garlic salt substitute, it can add flavor to any dish you can’t get with other reserves.
8. Garlic puree
Garlic puree is an excellent alternative to garlic salt and can be made by blending cooked garlic cloves until smooth. This puree has a rich and intense flavor, making it great for adding to sauces, soups, or marinades.
Garlic puree can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, giving you the same intense flavor as minced garlic without chopping it up every time.
9. Garlic paste
Garlic paste is an excellent alternative to garlic salt and adds richness and depth of flavor to any dish. It can be made using cooked garlic cloves that have been blended until smooth, or it can be bought pre-made at the store.
I love using garlic paste in the curries that have smooth gravies. It can also be added to stir-fries, marinades, or sauces for an extra layer of flavor. Since it already has a salty taste, you don’t have to worry about adding any additional salt when using garlic paste.
Garlic paste is versatile and can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen later. It is a great way to get garlic flavor without the added sodium of garlic salt.
10. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano give a herbal flavor
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are great options for finding garlic salt substitutes. Each herb provides its unique flavor and can enhance the overall taste of any dish you’re attempting to create.
For example, Rosemary combines an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with more robust dishes like roasted vegetables. Thyme adds depth to mild meals like fish or chicken, and oregano lends itself to lighter dishes like salads.
These herbs can also be mixed to create a completely customized blend of flavors that will give your meal just the right kick.
11. Garlic sauce as a substitute for garlic salt
Garlic sauce is an excellent substitute for garlic salt because it provides the same flavor intensity that most dishes need without adding additional sodium.
Garlic sauce can be made using cooked garlic cloves, olive oil, and other seasonings like parsley or oregano.
The flavors will blend to create an incredibly flavorful and aromatic condiment that can be used in various dishes.
Garlic sauce can easily be stored in an airtight container for up to one week and is a great way to get garlic flavor without adding extra sodium. Plus, it adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t get with other substitutes.
12. Chili powder, black pepper, and sea salt mix to add some spice
Use chili powder, black pepper, and sea salt as an alternative combination. The smoky, earthy chili powder flavor will add warmth to your dish, while the sharpness of black pepper complements it well.
Mix in some sea salt to bring out the flavor of both ingredients, and voila! You have a spicy and flavorful addition to enhance your culinary creations.
With this simple mix of components, you’ll get that great flavor without compromising the texture you desire from the traditional garlic salt ingredient.
Be cautious if you cannot handle the heat, as this spice mix will add some heat to the recipe. Use these spices sparingly to add flavor only.
What is 1 tsp garlic salt to garlic powder?
One teaspoon of garlic salt equals a one-third teaspoon of garlic powder. Therefore, for every 1 tsp of garlic salt, you would need to use 1/3 tsp of garlic powder.
Garlic powder is an excellent substitute for garlic salt, providing the same flavor intensity with fewer calories and sodium. Additionally, adding sea salt will give it an extra flavor kick.
Garlic powder can be used in various recipes to add a garlicky taste without too much sodium. It is also a great way to get garlic flavor without adding salt when using garlic paste.
It is a great way to get garlic flavor without adding salt when using garlic paste.
Garlic salt vs. Garlic powder
When comparing garlic salt vs. garlic powder, it is essential to consider the different flavors and uses. Garlic salt contains sodium and garlic flavor, making it an excellent seasoning for dishes that need an extra kick of flavor.
At the same time, garlic powder has a more pungent taste than garlic salt and provides a more robust aroma when cooking.
Additionally, garlic powder is an excellent substitute for garlic salt because it has less sodium than its counterpart.
Garlic powder can be used in soups, sauces, stews, casseroles, and baked goods. It adds a delicious garlicky flavor to any dish without additional salt. Garlic salt, on the other hand, is great for dishes like salads and grilled foods where you want an extra burst of flavor.
Which is a healthy substitute for Garlic salt?
An excellent healthy substitute for garlic salt is garlic powder. Garlic powder provides the same intense flavor as garlic salt but without all the added sodium and calories. It can also be easily used in cooking without adding extra salt or fat.
Garlic powder has various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It can help to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and even improve digestion. Additionally, garlic powder has been known to be a great source of vitamin C and potassium.
Conclusion
With so many garlic salt substitutes, you no longer have to worry about using large amounts of sodium in your recipes. Whether you are looking for something savory, spicy, or something with herbal flavor, you now have options that can fit whatever your taste preferences are.
Each replacement will surely boost the desired flavor without unwanted sodium levels, from freshly minced garlic to combining onion powder and sea salt to creating a unique paprika and cumin mix. So don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative with your next dish. The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to healthy garlic salt alternatives.