Substitutes for garlic in cooking include onion, shallots, fennel, celery, garlic powder, garlic salt, garlic-infused oil, asafoetida, ginger, and garlic chives. Each offers a different quality to match garlic's role in soups, stews, sauces, roasts, and sautés.
Onions can provide a similar depth of flavor to garlic in soups and stews. Use 1 medium onion to replace a few cloves of garlic. Cooking longer will mellow the flavor. Brands like Vidalia and Walla Walla are well-known.
Shallots have a milder taste and can add a subtle garlic flavor to soups and stews. Finely dice the shallot; use one shallot to replace one clove of garlic. Shallots are usually available without branded packaging.
Fennel has a sweet flavor that can work in some dishes as a garlic alternative. Use the bulb chopped finely. Use roughly 1/2 cup chopped fennel to replace three cloves of garlic.
Celery can add a savory note to dishes where garlic is omitted. Dice celery finely and use in a 1:1 ratio with garlic for bulk, keeping in mind the flavor profile is different.
Garlic powder is a convenient substitute, providing a similar flavor without the texture of fresh garlic. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. McCormick and Spice Islands are popular brands.
Garlic salt combines salt with garlic powder and can be used in place of fresh garlic, especially in marinades and dressings. Reduce the additional salt in your recipe. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt to replace one clove of garlic. Lawry's and Morton are common brands.
Garlic-infused oil provides garlic flavor without the solid bits, perfect for basting roasts or grilling. Use 1 teaspoon of oil to substitute for one clove of garlic. Popular brands include Colavita and La Tourangelle.
Asafoetida is a pungent spice that, when cooked, offers a taste reminiscent of garlic. It's very strong, so use sparingly; a pinch can replace a clove of garlic. Brands like Vandevi and Laxmi are often used.
While ginger does not mimic garlic's flavor, it can contribute a complementary warmth and zing to stir-fries. Use a 1/2-inch piece of ginger to replace one clove of garlic, grated or minced. Common brands include Melissa's and Spice World.
Garlic chives offer a mild garlic flavor and are an excellent fresh substitute in stir-fries and sautéed dishes. Use a tablespoon of chopped garlic chives to replace one clove of garlic. They are usually sold fresh and without branding.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Soups and Stews | Onion, Shallots |
| Allium-Free Recipes | Fennel, Celery |
| Sauces and Marinades | Garlic Powder, Garlic Salt |
| Roasts and Grilled Foods | Garlic-Infused Oil, Asafoetida (Hing) |
| Stir-Fries and Sautéed Dishes | Ginger, Garlic Chives |
While garlic's unique flavor is hard to replicate, these substitutes can help fill its role in various dishes. Each alternative offers different qualities, so select the one that best suits the specific needs of your recipe and personal taste preferences.
