Yuki Tanaka
Garlic salt is a combination of two spices, garlic powder, and salt, which are supposed to be equal shares of the two. One can easily make garlic salt, which is the most advisable since one can make the texture they want and get a suitable flavor. In short, this salt is a seasoning salt. This salt, however, because of the garlic components in it, has a lot of health benefits, and some of them include; reducing high blood pressure, helping fight inflammation, treating diseases like scurvy since it contains a reasonable amount of vitamin C and finally, it is helpful indigestion for the dietary fiber it contains. Many people who cook prefer using it for seasoning because they like its garlic flavor and because it adds a flavor of garlic and salt in any dish it’s used to prepare. If mixed with salt, the following forms of garlic are suitable as a substitute: minced garlic, granulated garlic, garlic juice, garlic flakes, and garlic powder.
1. Garlic powder and kosher salt
This is the best substitute for garlic salt since it’s very easy to make when you have the two components that are garlic powder and kosher salt. The two can supplement garlic salt only if mixed in the ratio of garlic powder to salt, 1:3. The combination is very efficient when added to vegetables, meat, and grilled fish. It is important to note that using this mixture, one should bite by bit and then do a taste test to ensure the taste if the one that is desired. The two that are garlic powder and garlic salt, have similar flavors but with a slight difference where the garlic powder is diluted with salt and garlic salt is not.
Summary
The best and suitable garlic salt is the garlic powder with salt, but to ensure the taste and the flavor are okay, one needs to remember the ratio of mixing the powder and the salt.
2. Garlic juice and salt
Garlic juice is in liquid form, has the same provisions as the garlic powder provided, and is mixed with salt. The same provisions include the same flavors; the only difference is its liquid form, which means it can be used in some food and not others. It can be used in dishes such as; soup, hummus, salad dressings, and marinades. The ratio of this juice with the salt is different from that of the garlic powder and salt as it has less garlic. In addition to getting the same flavor as that of the garlic salt or one similar, one has to make the mixture of the juice to salt to be two teaspoonsful to 2/3 teaspoon, respectively.
Summary
The garlic juice needs to be more than salt because the more the juice, the more the garlic flavor. The health benefits are the same because of the garlic element. The texture and flavor are the ones changing.
3. Garlic oil and salt
This is a much similar substitute for the garlic juice, but the difference comes in where the mixture won’t absorb the salt particles. This difference, though, does not affect most of the recipes that this will be used. This substitute is made by marinating some crushed garlic cloves into hot oil and leaving it for a night. This is a very good substitute for the garlic salt, especially if you’re using it for marinades and dressing salads.
Summary
Garlic oil and salt, just like the above mentioned, are used for the same purpose, similar flavor, and same health benefits, so substituting one for the other is a matter of preference or availability.
4. Fresh garlic and salt paste
Mixing mashed garlic with salt serves as a great substitute to garlic salt. Unlike mincing or slicing garlic, the preparation process takes more time, which makes the results produced at the end of the process noticeable. The garlic flavor added is strong, while there is no risk of running into large garlic pieces in the dish. When preparing, salt crystals smoothens the garlic pieces into a paste and later dissolves. The paste contains garlic flavor that is stronger as compared to that produced by garlic salt. The reason for this is because the garlic used in making the paste is fresh and not dried. The amount to be used can be less than when using garlic salt. The sharp bite of garlic is softened thus can be used when the dish is almost ready as it cooks faster.
Summary
Garlic paste, unlike the garlic salt, is made of fresh garlic while the latter is made from dried garlic. The garlic flavor from the paste is much stronger as compared to that of the salt; thus, it can be used in lesser amounts. Both flavors can be used in preparing different dishes including, mashed, sautéed and roasted potatoes, smoked salmon, beef, tomato, and bacon. The health benefits of both varieties include; prevent common illnesses like the common cold, can reduce blood pressure, and managing detoxification.
5. Garlic flakes and salt
Like the rest of the garlic components, garlic flakes are no different, and mixing it with salt brings out a similar taste and flavor to that of garlic salt, making it a very good substitute. This is possible in dishes like pizza, taco filling, and hamburgers. Similar to the above mentioned, the ratios of the mixture with salt matter and for that the two that are garlic flakes and salt are mixed with the ratio of one teaspoon and ¾ teaspoon, respectively.
Summary
The taste of garlic flakes and salt quite similar to that of garlic salt, especially when used in the above-mentioned foods, therefore, making it the best substitute as those foods are concerned.
6. Granulated garlic and salt
This is a very smart choice as a substitute when one is preparing mushrooms or tomato soups. The reason is quite simple: the garlic tastes quite similar and unique, and again, the secret of the similarity is brought in by the choice of ratios. In this case, one is supposed to use ¾ teaspoon of salt mixed with ½ teaspoon of coarse salt,
Summary
With the correct ratio combination, your taste can never go wrong, and if you have the granulated garlic and salt, you’re sorted out.
Facts Summary Table
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Used In | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Powder and Kosher Salt | Garlicky, savory | Ground powder and coarse | Seasoning, rubs | Ground dried garlic and coarse salt |
| Garlic Juice and Salt | Garlicky, tangy | Liquid | Marinades, dressings | Extracted juice of fresh garlic and salt |
| Garlic Oil and Salt | Garlicky, aromatic | Liquid | Drizzling, marinades | Infused garlic oil and salt |
| Fresh Garlic and Salt Paste | Garlicky, pungent | Smooth paste | Cooking, marinades | Crushed fresh garlic and salt paste |
| Garlic Flakes and Salt | Garlicky, textured | Flakes and coarse | Seasoning, rubs | Dried garlic flakes and coarse salt |
| Granulated Garlic and Salt | Garlicky, uniform | Granules and coarse | Seasoning, rubs | Dried granulated garlic and coarse salt |
FAQs
How much garlic powder equals a teaspoon of garlic salt?
Generally, you can replace 1 teaspoon of garlic salt with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Remember that garlic salt contains added salt, so adjust the overall salt content in your recipe accordingly.
What is the same as garlic salt?
Garlic powder mixed with salt is similar to garlic salt. You can make garlic salt by blending garlic powder with regular table salt.
Can I use onion powder instead of garlic powder?
While onion and garlic powder have similar uses, they have distinct flavors. Onion powder has a sweeter and milder flavor than garlic powder’s strong and intense taste. You can use them interchangeably, but keep in mind the flavor difference.
What can I substitute garlic powder with?
You can substitute fresh minced garlic for garlic powder, remembering that fresh garlic has a stronger flavor. Alternatively, you can use onion powder or other savory herbs and spices like shallot powder or chives for a similar flavor profile.
