Our kitchen is incomplete if there are no spices in our cabinets. There is no better way to spice up and improve the taste of your next dish than to add spices.
Mostly, we mix up two or more spices together to create a nice combo, but sometimes on their own, spices can have a lead role in the cooking. A very interesting combination that will make your recipe unique is garlic pepper. Garlic, black pepper, and bell peppers are a combo that you can’t miss out on.
Garlic pepper is perfect for meals that require garlic, but you can give it a distinctive taste with the heat of the pepper.
You can use Garlic pepper with other seasoning, marinades, salad dressing, or in stews to spice up the flavor. However, if you feel like you want to replace the garlic pepper, or simply you have none at home, is there a way to replace it?
Can I substitute garlic pepper? Yes! You can replace garlic pepper with garlic flakes, fresh garlic, chives, Sambal Oelek, sriracha, shallot, ramson, cumin, or some of the alternatives below.
We have also included a recipe for homemade garlic pepper, so let’s dive right in.
Garlic Powder Substitute: 10 Best Alternatives
Just like any other ingredient, we can also find replacements for garlic powder. Even though it may be challenging due to the smell and taste, ingredients, and the whole powder itself, it isn’t impossible to find good substitutes.
Also, if you don’t feel like searching for a swap, check out the homemade recipe that will spice up your meal at any time.
1. Garlic Flakes
If you’re ever in search of Garlic pepper replacement, just add garlic flakes. This is minced garlic which is made into dehydrated pieces.
Use it in almost every recipe, whenever you feel like you want to omit it or you don’t have garlic pepper on hand. Add garlic flakes to curries, casseroles, and mostly to liquid dishes.
This is because you will add the pieces of garlic to soften them as they should and to cook properly. This way the smell and taste of garlic will be properly added to your cooking.
Keep in mind to use a teaspoon of garlic flakes for 1/2/ of garlic pepper. Or if the garlic flakes are ground, then use a ratio of 1:1.
2. Fresh Garlic
Fresh is always better, so for that reason, fresh garlic can easily replace garlic pepper in your cooking. An ingredient is full of moisture that will spice up your meal.
When you use fresh garlic in your cooking, you have to cook it very gently on low heat and keep the taste and smell under control.
All you have to do is use 1 medium garlic clove to replace ¼ teaspoon of garlic pepper. You can use it in all recipes that require garlic pepper.
3. Chives
A very decent replacement for garlic powder and your next best option is chives, a very characteristic herb with a growth that looks like an ornament and leaves that can be eaten fresh or dried, chives can be used in many recipes.
They’re small bulbs that can be found easily. The taste is somewhere between onion and garlic, but the smell is mostly garlicky.
It’s important to mention here that this replacement won’t work if you need dry powder. Use 1 tablespoon of minced chives for ¼ teaspoon of garlic pepper.
4. Sambal Oelek
A very interesting replacement for garlic pepper is to use Sambal Oelek.
It’s a chili paste that is made from hot pepper. Its pure taste has made this ingredient find itself in many recipes. Made from crushed raw chilies, vinegar, and salt, simply add it to anything you feel like.
Make sure to add the proper amount, since it can be spicy and you don’t want to make your dish overwhelmed.
5. Sriracha
A very similar ingredient to garlic pepper is sriracha. Thicker with a chunkier texture, it’s made from chilies and garlic.
Sriracha has a mildly sweet taste, which can imitate the taste of garlic pepper. By using this ingredient you’re adding sweetness, spiciness, and garlic notes to your dish.
6. Shallot
Vegetables that have a similar taste to garlic powder are shallots.
With an interesting edible bulb similar to garlic, you can add it to many recipes. It has a very delicate aroma and taste. The smell and taste come very close when added to cooking.
You can add 1 tablespoon of minced shallot for ¼ teaspoon of garlic pepper.
7. Ramson
Ramson is next on our list of substitutes for garlic powder. What makes this powder suitable is the taste that is in between chives and strong garlic.
You can easily add in salads, soups, dressing, or another seasoning.
8. Cumin
Garlic powder can be replaced by cumin in almost every recipe.
The earthy taste and aroma are just perfect for many meals. Even though they may not share the same smell or taste, cumin can mimic garlic powder.
You can add ⅛ teaspoon cumin for ¼ garlic powder.
9. Black Winter Truffle
One of your best bets to replace garlic pepper is to use black winter truffle.
The taste of garlic with traces of earthiness can mix up with the ingredients in your recipe and substitute with garlic pepper.
You will get similar results since the taste is very similar to the garlic itself.
10. Chili Pepper Seasoning
If you need to spice up the situation in your cooking, then chili pepper seasoning is what you need to replace garlic pepper.
A mixture of spices that involve chili peppers, cumin, and garlic powder. This makes it similar to garlic pepper but with a bit of a hotter taste.
Add it to every recipe if you feel like you need a more spicy taste.
Homemade Garlic Pepper Seasoning Recipe
It’s a no-brainer that garlic pepper can be made at home. Simple, easy with only a few ingredients to reach the perfect seasoning mixture.
So, get your mixture ready for your next meal.
Ingredients:
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2 teaspoons of Garlic Powder
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1 teaspoon of Brown Sugar
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1/2 teaspoon Cumin
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon Paprika
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2 teaspoons Black Pepper
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1/4 teaspoon dried Parsley
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1/2 teaspoon of onion Powder
Instructions:
Your next move is to add all of the above ingredients in an airtight bag. Mix them all and then store them in a jar or whatever you have in the kitchen to keep them safe and ready for your next recipe.
Related Questions
Is Garlic Pepper the Same as Garlic Powder?
They’re similar but not the same. Garlic pepper can be replaced by garlic powder. The difference is that garlic pepper is made from a few ingredients and has a bit spicier taste than garlic pepper.
Is Garlic Pepper Just Garlic and Pepper?
Garlic pepper is a mixture that has black pepper, bell peppers, and garlic. You can easily add it to most of the recipes that require garlic, but you can add traces of heat.
What is Garlic Pepper Seasoning?
A mixture of spices that can easily replace garlic powder in your cooking. Ideal to increase the taste and make your cooking more unique. Sprinkle during or after cooking for better taste and smell.
What is Garlic Pepper Used for?
Garlic pepper has many uses. You can add it to salads, sauces, and marinades to add richness and tastefulness. The texture and taste are so distinctive that your meal will be perfect. Add it to pasta, fish, meat, etc.








