Ever find yourself peering into the depths of your spice cabinet for granulated garlic, only to come up empty-handed? We’re here to help.
With our list of seven easy substitutes, you’ll never get caught in a garlic-less pinch again.
Remember the time we thought using raw onions in place of garlic was a brilliant idea? Spoiler: it was not.
Now, we stick to these tried and true alternatives. Sure, they might not be identical twins to granulated garlic, but in a showdown, they hold their own.
7 Easy Substitutes for Granulated Garlic
If you’re out of granulated garlic, here are some easy substitutes to consider:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
Garlic Powder | Concentrated garlic flavor | Fine, powdery | Soups, sauces, marinades, roasted vegetables |
Fresh Garlic | Pungent, slightly sweet | Minced or crushed | Stir-fries, pasta dishes, roasted meats |
Onion Powder | Savory, slightly sweet | Fine, powdery | Stews, gravies, dips, seasoning blends |
Shallot Powder | Mild, sweet, slightly nutty | Fine, powdery | Salad dressings, marinades, roasted vegetables |
Garlic Salt | Salty, garlicky | Granular | Popcorn, fries, roasted potatoes |
Garlic Flakes | Concentrated garlic flavor | Flaky, crunchy | Soups, stews, roasted meats and vegetables |
Garlic Paste | Pungent, fresh garlic flavor | Smooth, spreadable | Sauces, dips, marinades, roasted meats |
1 – Garlic Powder
Garlic powder does the trick. It’s finer than granulated garlic. You’ll find it blends smoother into sauces and dressings. A little goes a long way.
We learned the hard way. Once, we doubled the amount. Our stew tasted like it was trying to ward off vampires. Use half the quantity you’d normally use for granulated garlic.
Got a recipe calling for a teaspoon of granulated garlic? Go with half a teaspoon of garlic powder instead. It keeps the flavor without overwhelming.
Interested in more tips on swapping in garlic powder? Check out this article on how to use garlic powder as a substitute.
2 – Fresh Garlic
Ah, fresh garlic. Back to basics. Chop or mince it; it adds zing. It’s more pungent than granulated garlic, so adjust the amount. Usually, one clove equals a teaspoon of granulated garlic.
We’ve used it in sauces and rubs. The freshness stands out. Peeling and chopping take extra time, but it’s worth it for the flavor boost.
For a quick fix, one clove per teaspoon does the trick, keeping dishes vibrant without being too strong. We’ve added it to pasta and marinades, earning compliments all around.
3 – Onion Powder
Onion powder is a great substitute for granulated garlic. It’s just as powdery and blends in easily, though it lacks garlic’s strong flavor. It’s perfect for adding a subtle taste without overpowering dishes.
Use it in equal parts – a teaspoon for a teaspoon. It adds a quiet background flavor that’s irresistible. Our spaghetti sauce was transformed, and according to our taste testers, it’s a winner.
Want more tips on smart substitutes? Check out this guide on using onion powder.
4 – Shallot Powder
Shallot powder slides in as a stealthy swap. It’s milder than garlic, yet brings its own little zing. Mix it in like you would granulated garlic.
We tossed it into a soup and the vibe was just right. For every teaspoon of granulated garlic, a teaspoon of shallot powder works. It keeps meals light and enjoyable.
Shallot powder made our veggie dip sing without stealing the show. In recipes, we stick to a 1:1 ratio. It adds that subtle kick we all love.
5 – Garlic Salt
Garlic salt? Oh, it works wonders. It’s a blend of garlic powder and salt.
Use it carefully though, it’s saltier. We cut down on additional salt in the recipe. A mix of flavors and uses, it brings more than just garlic taste. For every teaspoon of granulated garlic, consider using three-quarters teaspoon of garlic salt.
We adjusted our dishes to balance. The results? Satisfying. This substitute keeps meals flavorful and well-seasoned. For recipes that need a bit more flair, check out this guide on using garlic salt as a substitute.
6 – Garlic Flakes
Garlic flakes step in as a solid sub. They’re bigger bits of garlic, dried. Use them when you want a milder garlic hit. We sprinkle them into soups.
For each teaspoon of granulated garlic, one can use three-quarters teaspoon of flakes. This swap made our chili less intense, yet still flavorful. They soften and spread their essence throughout dishes, making them ideal for longer cook times.
We found garlic flakes particularly good in slow-cooked meals. Their size allows them to meld into the dish, subtly enhancing flavor without overwhelming.
7 – Garlic Paste
Garlic paste slides in smoothly as our go-to substitution. It’s potent and easy to mix into any dish. We often opt for it in stews and marinades.
Its concentrated flavor means a bit less does more. For each teaspoon of granulated garlic, half a teaspoon of paste works best. We adjust recipes easily with it.
Garlic paste has saved our dinners more than once. It blends well, offering a deep, rich garlic flavor without any chunkiness.
Curious about other ways to switch it up in cooking? Find helpful tips in this article on using garlic paste in place of granulated garlic.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.