4 Unexpected Alternatives to Fresh Garlic

Garlic is a staple in savory cooking, as essential as salt and pepper. Open any recipe book, and you'll find garlic at the base of nearly every dish. This flavorful ingredient has been a cornerstone in cuisines worldwide and was even used by the ancient Egyptians for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Belonging to the allium family, garlic shares its space with other strong-flavored relatives like onions, shallots, leeks, and chives.

Top Garlic Alternatives

Garlic Scapes

In spring, fresh garlic scapes begin appearing at farmer's markets and farm stands. These curly, bright green shoots emerge from the garlic bulbs underground.

Despite their delicate appearance, these slender green stems pack a punch of garlic flavor. With their sharp, almost raw garlic taste, combined with a slight grassy note, they're perfect as a garnish or in any dish that calls for raw minced garlic, like a cool cucumber salad. Substitute garlic scapes for raw minced garlic in equal measure.

Shallots

Shallots are a cross between onions and garlic, making them an ideal substitute in recipes that also call for onions, as their flavors overlap significantly. Use the same quantity of shallots as you would onions in these dishes. This swap works wonderfully in dishes where the flavors meld, like in soups or sauces.

Discover the recipe: Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Garlic Powder

If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder is a solid alternative. Though it doesn't offer the same texture or crunch as fresh garlic, it provides that familiar garlic flavor. About ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic. For granulated garlic, which is milder, use roughly ¼ teaspoon per clove. This substitution works well in soups, sauces, meat rubs, pasta, and even garlic bread.

Asafoetida

Known as hing, asafoetida is a spice frequently used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, particularly in Iranian and Iraqi dishes. It’s not related to garlic and is a great option for those with garlic allergies. Derived from the resin of a root in the carrot family, its flavor is reminiscent of a milder onion and garlic mix, akin to cooked leeks.

The key to using asafoetida effectively is moderation; a little goes a long way, and using too much can overpower your dish. Start with a pinch when substituting for one to three cloves of garlic, and adjust to taste as needed.

Why Consider Garlic Alternatives?

Garlic is widely loved, but some find its robust flavor too strong. Others may seek a gentler taste for special occasions, like date night. There are also those who need to avoid garlic due to allergies, but still want a similar flavor profile from other ingredients.

You might think cooking without garlic is unthinkable. But before you reach for the takeout menu, consider a few alternatives that could already be in your kitchen to keep your dishes on track.

Tips for Using Garlic Alternatives Successfully

Garlic is often consumed for its health benefits, and if that’s your reason for using it, swapping it out means missing those advantages. Like fresh garlic, substitutes such as shallots or garlic scapes vary in flavor intensity, so it’s essential to taste as you go. Start with small amounts and adjust to achieve the perfect balance — your taste buds will thank you!