Garlic oil is a staple in many kitchens worldwide and for good reason. It is versatile and can add flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes, including salads, soups, and pasta.
However, some of us may encounter a situation where we run out of garlic oil or simply don’t want to use it for various reasons, such as allergies or taste preferences.
Do not worry! In this blog post, we’ll share 20 quick substitutes for garlic oil with ratios and teach you how to use them effectively.
In short, " What can I use instead of garlic oil?" Fresh Garlic and Olive Oil, Garlic Powder and Olive Oil, Dried Garlic and Olive Oil, Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil, Lemon Infused Olive Oil, Peanut Oil and Garlic, Sunflower Oil and Garlic, Chili Flakes and Olive Oil, Green Onion Oil, Rosemary and Olive Oil, Fresh Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder, Garlic Salt, Roasted Garlic, and many more.
What is garlic oil, and what does garlic oil taste like?
Garlic oil is a culinary ingredient made by infusing garlic in some type of cooking oil, such as olive, sunflower or canola.
It has a strong and pungent taste similar to raw garlic but with a slightly oily texture. Garlic oil is most commonly used to flavor sauces, marinades, dressings and even stir-fry recipes.
It also adds a notable kick when added to roasted vegetables or added to soups for extra flavor.
Garlic oil can be used in place of fresh garlic for a milder flavor profile or combined with freshly minced garlic for an even more intense flavor.
When using garlic oil, the intensity of its flavor will naturally depend on how much you use and how long it sits in the oil.
It’s best to use garlic oil sparingly, as it can quickly overpower other ingredients in a dish.
As with most cooking oils, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage or if you want to extend its shelf life. Garlic oil can also be frozen for even longer periods of time.
Always check the label before using garlic oil, as some brands may contain additives or preservatives that will affect their flavor and freshness.
Overall, garlic oil is an incredibly versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes.
Its intense flavor makes it perfect for adding depth and complexity to sauces, marinades, dressings and more.
While it should be used sparingly, its addition can make any dish sing with rich garlic flavor. So the next time you’re looking for something to spice up a dish, reach for some garlic oil!
Uses of garlic oil
Garlic oil is a great ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen.
It can be used to flavor dishes, add depth of flavor to sauces and dressings, or even as a finishing oil for recipes like roasted vegetables.
Garlic oil pairs well with many types of cuisine and ingredients, so it’s a versatile addition to your pantry.
One of the best uses for garlic oil is for sautéing vegetables or meats.
Add some garlic oil when pan-frying vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or peppers. You can also use garlic oil when browning beef or pork before braising or stewing them.
The added garlic flavor will give your finished dish a flavorful complexity.
Garlic oil can also be used to infuse flavors into dressings and sauces. Add garlic oil to a classic vinaigrette recipe, or use it when making pesto sauce.
You can even add garlic oil to marinades for grilling meats or mix it with other seasonings to make a flavorful rub.
Finally, don’t forget that garlic oil is wonderful as a finishing touch on many dishes.
Drizzle some over-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli before serving, or use it in your mashed potatoes for added flavor and richness.
A little bit of garlic oil goes a long way! Garlic oil is an incredibly versatile ingredient that adds great flavor to any dish.
Start cooking with garlic oil today, and explore all of the delicious possibilities!
Where to buy garlic oil?
There are a few various places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of garlic oil.
20 Best substitutes for garlic oil with measurement
1. Fresh Garlic and Olive Oil
This is one of the most comfortable and most common substitutes for garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: Simply crush and chop a few cloves of garlic and mix with olive oil in a 1:3 ratio.
Let’s sit for at least half an hour to infuse the oil with garlic.
2. Garlic Powder and Olive Oil
If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a great option.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1 tablespoon of garlic powder with 1/4 cup of olive oil for a potent garlic oil substitute.
3. Dried Garlic and Olive Oil
Dried garlic works well as a substitute for the real thing in recipes, and it’s perfect for creating garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: Mix one tablespoon of dried garlic with 1/3 cup of olive oil for a potent oil.
4. Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil
Roasting garlic brings out a wonderfully sweet and mild flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Mash a roast garlic bulb and mix it with 1/4 cup of olive oil to make garlic oil.
5. Lemon Infused Olive Oil
Lemon garlic oil is perfect for marinades, dressings or adding a burst of flavor to pasta, seafood, and vegetables.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Ratio or measurement: Let it steep for an hour, then strain and use.
6. Peanut Oil and Garlic
You can try this one as well, and it is perfect for stir-fries.
Ratio or measurement: Mix peanut oil and minced garlic in a 1:3 ratio for a quick garlic oil substitute.
7. Sunflower Oil and Garlic
Light and neutral, sunflower oil is an excellent carrier oil for a quick garlic oil substitute.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1/4 cup of sunflower oil with two cloves of minced garlic.
8. Chili Flakes and Olive Oil
Add some heat to your dishes with this chili-flake-infused oil.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1/3 cup of olive oil and a tablespoon of chili flakes in a saucepan, then heat for two minutes to infuse the oil.
9. Green Onion Oil
Green onion oil adds a delicious garlicky flavor to stir-fries, soups and noodles.
Ratio or measurement: Finely chop 4-5 green onions and mix with 1/2 cup of oil.
Let sit for one hour, then strain and use.
10. Rosemary and Olive Oil
Create a flavorful and aromatic garlic oil substitute with a combination of olive oil and fresh rosemary.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1/4 of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary.
11. Fresh Garlic Cloves
Fresh garlic is a great substitute for garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use one clove of garlic minced or finely chopped.
If you want a more potent garlic flavor, add another clove or two.
12. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a great option if you don’t have fresh garlic or garlic oil on hand.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
You can add more powder as per your preference.
13. Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a blend of garlic powder and salt and is another great option as a substitute for garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use 1/2 tsp of garlic salt.
Be cautious while adding salt to the recipe since garlic salt contains salt.
14. Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic gives a unique and smoky flavor that can replace garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil needed, use one roasted garlic clove.
For the best flavor, roast the garlic ahead of time and store it in an air-tight container until it’s ready to be used.
15. Onion Oil
Onion oil is a great substitute for garlic oil, and it’s easy to make at home.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use one teaspoon of onion oil.
To make onion oil, finely chop one onion and saute it in oil over low heat until the onion turns golden brown.
16. Ginger-Garlic Paste
If you’re looking for an alternative with a twist, try using Ginger-Garlic paste. For every teaspoon of garlic oil needed, use one teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste.
To make the paste, blend equal parts of minced ginger and garlic in a food processor and mix until smooth.
17. Shallots
Shallots have a mild onion-garlic flavor and can be a great substitute for garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use two minced shallots.
You can adjust the number of shallots according to your preference.
18. Scallions/Green Onion
Scallions, also known as green onions, bring a fresh and mild onion flavor with a touch of garlic.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use three minced scallions along with white bulbs.
You can also use the green part of the scallions for garnish.
19. Chives
Chives have a mild garlicky flavor and can be used as a substitute for garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use one tablespoon of minced chives.
You can sprinkle chives on top of your dish as a garnish.
20. Leeks
Leeks have a subtle onion-garlic flavor and work well as an alternative to garlic oil.
Ratio or measurement: For every teaspoon of garlic oil required, use one tablespoon of minced leeks.
You can use both the light green and white parts of the leeks.
Know Here- What ingredient is the best substitute for garlic?
Conclusion on substitute for garlic oil
In conclusion, there are plenty of quick and easy substitutes for garlic oil that can bring lots of flavor to your dishes.
Whether you prefer fresh garlic cloves or leeks, these alternatives can be used effectively in any recipe that calls for garlic oil.
Remember to use the ratios provided, and you’ll be able to create flavorful dishes without any worry about running out of garlic oil.
Keep experimenting with these substitutes to find your favorite combination and have fun cooking!
FAQs on substitute for garlic oil
Q1. What is similar to garlic oil?
Garlic oil has a few similar ingredients that can be used as replacements. These include garlic-infused olive oil, garlic-infused vegetable oil, and even plain olive or vegetable oil with the addition of minced garlic.
Garlic powder can also be used in place of garlic oil in many recipes. Additionally, there are numerous flavored oils that use garlic as one of the flavors, such as basil-garlic infused olive oil and chili-garlic infused olive oil.
Depending on the recipe you are making, these may provide an acceptable substitute for garlic oil.
When using any substitute for garlic oil, it is important to ensure that you adjust other seasonings accordingly so as not to overpower or under season your dish.
In general, garlic powder is more concentrated than garlic oil and should be used in much smaller amounts.
Additionally, when using a flavored oil as a substitute for regular garlic-infused oil, keep in mind that the flavor of the other ingredients will also come through in your dish and may alter the overall taste.
When substituting any type of garlic-infused ingredient for regular or roasted garlic oil, start with a small amount and adjust accordingly until the desired flavor is achieved.
Q2. Can I use garlic powder to make garlic oil?
Yes, you can use garlic powder to make garlic oil. To make your own garlic oil, simply combine a few teaspoons of garlic powder with a cup of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Stir the ingredients together till they are fully mixed, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes or so.
Once the oil is done infusing with the flavor of garlic, strain it out into an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator. You can use this garlic-infused oil as a topping for salads, soups, pasta dishes, and more! Enjoy!
Q3. How do you make garlic oil without cooking it?
Garlic oil can be made without cooking it. To do this, finely mince or press 4-5 cloves of garlic and combine them with 1 cup of your favorite cooking oil, such as olive or vegetable oil.
Cover the container tightly and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, strain out the garlic pieces using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Your garlic-infused oil is now ready to use!
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic you use depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. You can also add different kinds of herbs and spices for added flavors if desired. Enjoy adding garlic oil to salads, sauces, dressings, marinades and more!
Q4. Is it OK to use garlic powder instead of garlic?
Using garlic powder in place of fresh garlic can be a great option when it comes to cooking and baking. It often has a stronger flavor than fresh garlic, so you may want to adjust the amount used accordingly.
Garlic powder is especially convenient because it’s easy to measure, store and use whenever you need it. On the other hand, using fresh garlic can add more texture and nuance to dishes such as stir-fries, soups or sauces.
Depending on your recipe and preference, either option can work well. Just remember that one teaspoon of garlic powder is the equivalent of one clove of minced fresh garlic. When in doubt, start with less and taste as you go!
Q5. What is the closest spice to garlic powder?
The closest spice to garlic powder is granulated garlic. Granulated garlic looks and tastes similar to garlic powder, but it has a slightly coarser texture with larger granules.
Granulated garlic also has a stronger flavor than garlic powder, which makes it an ideal choice for dishes that require a more intense garlicky flavor.
Additionally, this form of garlic can be used as an easy substitute for chopped or minced fresh garlic in recipes that call for such. For those looking for the taste of fresh minced garlic without having to go through the process of mincing and chopping the cloves, granulated garlic is your best option.