Garlic Salt Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for garlic salt in cooking and seasoning. Learn about garlic powder, fresh garlic, and other alternatives with proper ratios and salt adjustments.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for garlic salt are garlic powder + salt (1 tsp garlic salt = 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt), fresh garlic + salt, or granulated garlic + salt. Always adjust the salt in your recipe when using these substitutes.
Best Substitutes
Garlic Powder + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp saltThe most accurate substitute for garlic salt is a combination of garlic powder and salt. This gives you the exact same flavor profile.
Best for:
This combination provides the exact same flavor as garlic salt. Reduce other salt in your recipe by 1/2 teaspoon for every teaspoon of garlic salt substituted.
Fresh Garlic + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1 clove minced garlic + 1/2 tsp saltFresh garlic with salt provides the most authentic garlic flavor. This is the best substitute when you want fresh garlic taste.
Best for:
Fresh garlic provides the most authentic flavor. Use 1 clove minced garlic plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Granulated Garlic + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1/2 tsp granulated garlic + 1/2 tsp saltGranulated garlic with salt provides similar convenience to garlic salt with slightly larger particles.
Best for:
Granulated garlic has slightly larger particles than garlic powder but the same flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic plus 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Minced Garlic + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1 tsp minced garlic + 1/2 tsp saltMinced garlic with salt provides fresh garlic flavor with some convenience. It's a good middle ground option.
Best for:
Minced garlic provides fresh flavor but requires refrigeration. Use 1 teaspoon minced garlic plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Garlic Paste + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1 tsp garlic paste + 1/2 tsp saltGarlic paste with salt offers convenience similar to garlic salt but with fresh garlic flavor.
Best for:
Garlic paste provides fresh garlic flavor with convenience. Use 1 teaspoon paste plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Dried Minced Garlic + Salt
1 tsp garlic salt = 1 tsp dried minced garlic + 1/2 tsp saltDried minced garlic with salt needs to be rehydrated but provides good garlic flavor with convenience.
Best for:
Dried minced garlic needs to be rehydrated in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt substituted.
Cooking Tips
- 💡When substituting for garlic salt, always reduce the salt in your recipe by 1/2 teaspoon per teaspoon of garlic salt used
- 💡Garlic salt is a combination of garlic powder and salt, so you need to account for both components
- 💡Fresh garlic + salt provides the most authentic flavor but requires more preparation
- 💡Garlic powder + salt is the most convenient substitute with identical flavor
- 💡Add garlic early in cooking to allow the flavor to develop
- 💡Garlic salt works well in dry rubs and spice blends
- 💡Store garlic salt in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for garlic salt?
The best substitute is garlic powder + salt (1/2 tsp each for every 1 tsp garlic salt). Fresh garlic + salt provides the most authentic flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
Yes, but you need to add salt. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt, and reduce other salt in your recipe.
How much salt is in garlic salt?
Garlic salt is typically 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic powder, so it contains about 3/4 teaspoon salt per teaspoon of garlic salt.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?
Yes, use 1 clove minced garlic plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt. This provides the most authentic flavor.
Do I need to adjust salt when using garlic salt substitutes?
Yes, always reduce the salt in your recipe by 1/2 teaspoon for every teaspoon of garlic salt you're substituting, since garlic salt contains salt.
What's the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?
Garlic salt is garlic powder mixed with salt, while garlic powder is pure ground garlic. Garlic salt provides both garlic flavor and salt in one ingredient.
Can I make my own garlic salt?
Yes, mix 3 parts salt with 1 part garlic powder. This gives you the same ratio as commercial garlic salt.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for garlic salt in cooking and seasoning. Learn about garlic powder, fresh garlic, and other alternatives with proper ratios and salt adjustments.