Garlic Salt

Garlic salt is a seasoned salt made from a mixture of dried, ground garlic and table salt with an anti-caking agent. It is not bound by seasonality due to its dried nature and is readily available throughout the year. Garlic salt is commonly used in a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, and Mexican, to season and enhance the flavor of dishes. It is particularly useful for adding a garlic flavor to foods where a dry seasoning is preferred or required, such as in rubs, marinades, or as a finishing salt.

Garlic Salt Synonyms

Garlic seasoning salt
garlic-flavored salt

Garlic Salt Substitutes

Different Forms/Types of Garlic Salt

Canned

Garlic stored in a can, typically minced or in paste form, providing long-term storage and ease of use.

Jarred

Garlic preserved in a jar, either whole, minced, or in paste form, offering convenience and a longer shelf life.

Minced

Garlic cloves finely chopped into small pieces, commonly used for even flavor distribution in dishes.

Pureed

Garlic cloves blended into a smooth paste, used to infuse a strong garlic flavor into various recipes.

Roasted

Garlic cloves or bulbs that have been cooked in an oven or on a stove, offering a sweeter, less intense flavor.

Powdered

Dehydrated and ground garlic, convenient for a quick and mild garlic flavor in seasoning blends and recipes.

Fresh bulbs

Whole, unprocessed garlic bulbs, ideal for extracting individual cloves or using whole in roasting.

Pre-peeled cloves

Garlic cloves with the skin removed, ready for immediate use in cooking or further processing.

How to Choose Garlic Salt

When purchasing fresh garlic, look for bulbs that are firm, plump, and have tight, intact skin. Avoid bulbs that are soft, shriveled, or have started to sprout, as these are signs of age and may have a less potent flavor. For jarred or canned garlic, check for any signs of discoloration, spoilage, or off odors. It's also important to check the expiration date and ensure the product is stored in a cool, dark place.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Garlic Salt

Garlic salt, a blend of garlic powder and salt, is a versatile seasoning that can simplify flavoring in the kitchen. For intermediate and expert home cooks, it's important to use garlic salt judiciously due to its salt content. Start with a light sprinkle and adjust to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness it adds to dishes. It's ideal for seasoning meats, vegetables, and starches where you'd like a hint of garlic without the moisture of fresh garlic. When substituting garlic salt for fresh garlic, use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt for every clove of garlic and reduce any additional salt in the recipe accordingly.

Shelf Life of Garlic Salt

Fresh garlic bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Avoid storing fresh garlic in plastic bags or sealed containers as this can promote mold growth. Instead, use a mesh bag or a basket. Individual cloves can be stored at room temperature for about 10 days, while whole bulbs can last up to eight weeks. Pre-peeled or minced garlic should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week, while jarred or canned garlic should be refrigerated once opened and used within two weeks for best quality. It's important to note that garlic's flavor can diminish over time, so using it fresh is always best for optimal flavor.

Recommended Brands for Garlic Salt

garlic powder: McCormick

jarred garlic: Spice World

minced garlic: Spice World

fresh garlic bulbs: Christopher Ranch

Cooking Techniques for Garlic Salt

Roasting: When roasting meats or vegetables, garlic salt can be sprinkled on before cooking to ensure an even distribution of garlic flavor and seasoning. It's particularly useful for creating a flavorful crust on meats.

Sautéing: Garlic salt can be used in sautéing to season the oil and create a base flavor. Since the garlic is already dried and mixed with salt, it won't burn as easily as fresh garlic, but you should still be mindful of the cooking time and temperature.

Marinating: Garlic salt is excellent in marinades, as it dissolves well and evenly seasons the food. It's particularly useful for quick marinades where fresh garlic's flavor might not have time to fully permeate the food.

Popular Garlic Salt Recipes

Garlic Salt Seasoned Steak
Roasted Garlic Salt Potatoes
Garlic Salt Rubbed Roast Chicken

Garlic Salt Nutritional Information (100g)

fat: 0 g
fiber: 0 g
sugar: 0 g
protein: 0 g
calories: 0 kcal
carbohydrates: 0 g

Flavor Combinations

Garlic salt pairs well with almost any ingredient that benefits from both salt and garlic. It's particularly effective with proteins like chicken, beef, and fish, as well as with vegetables like potatoes, green beans, and zucchini. Herbs such as parsley, dill, and oregano complement garlic salt's flavor profile. For a balanced taste, use it with acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar, which can cut through the saltiness and enhance the overall savoriness of the dish.

Allergen Information

Garlic salt is not a common allergen, but individuals with a garlic allergy should avoid it as it contains dried garlic. Garlic allergies can manifest with symptoms such as hives, itching, or gastrointestinal distress.