The Art of Cuisine

How to Cook Tip of the Week Garlic Substitutions

Fresh garlic is a staple in most kitchens, but if you don't have any on hand and need it for a recipe, is there an acceptable substitution? We compared garlic powder and dehydrated minced garlic to the real thing in our recipes for pasta with garlic and oil, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. The results revealed that neither substitute is ideal, but fortunately one is acceptable in some applications

Garlic Substitutes

What is the difference between dehydrated garlic and garlic powder? Are they ever an acceptable replacement for fresh garlic?

Dehydrated garlic is simply minced fresh garlic that is dehydrated before packaging. Garlic powder is made from dehydrated garlic that’s been pulverized and, unless you buy a high-quality brand, often in cludes a slew of artificial ingredients and flavorings meant to improve flavor and extend shelf life.

We compared garlic powder and dehydrated minced garlic to the real thing in our recipes for pasta with garlic and oil, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. In the Caesar dressing, flavor differences were minimal; the assertive flavors of lemon, anchovies, and Worcestershire sauce masked any processed garlic taste. In the pasta and garlic bread, however, tasters preferred the unmistakable bite of real garlic.

Our opinion? In most instances, nothing compares to fresh cloves, especially when garlic is the predominant flavor in the recipe. We don’t recommend dehydrated garlic, which takes a while to rehydrate and is quite mild. However, there are a few cases in which garlic powder makes sense. We like its mild roasted flavor in spice rubs for meat or in dishes such as roasted potatoes.(Unlike minced fresh garlic, garlic powder will not burn in the oven.) Substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.

Source: Published July 1, 2009. From Cook's Illustrated.