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Choosing between garlic powder vs minced garlic can be a tough call. Manufacturers claim that garlic powder won’t lose its flavor, but are these claims really valid?
Well, most pro chefs and avid cooks prefer minced garlic because it is tastier than garlic powder by a long shot! You can use both garlic powder and minced garlic interchangeably; however, if you’re looking to cook something delicious with garlic, minced garlic is the way.
Before you take me out of context: I’m not saying that garlic powder doesn’t stand a chance, but for some reasons explained below, I’d always go for minced garlic.
Below, I’m going to tell you why!
What Is Garlic Powder?
Garlic powder is made from fresh garlic that has been sliced, dehydrated, and then ground into a fine powder. It’s used as a seasoning in place of fresh garlic. Garlic powder also has a strong and intense flavor, but it’s not as sharp as fresh garlic.
The fine particles of garlic powder mix easily with the other ingredients in a recipe; this makes it useful for dry rubs on meat or poultry. You can also mix it with oil and vinegar to make your salad dressing.
Garlic powder is helpful in marinades because it dissolves easily when mixed with other liquids, giving you a more even distribution of flavor throughout your food.
It also has a longer shelf life than fresh garlic and can be stored in the pantry for months.
See Also: Does Garlic Go With Salmon?
What Is Minced Garlic?
Minced garlic is flavorful seasoning garlic that’s been finely chopped into tiny bits that can be used in nearly any dish.
It has a robust and vibrant flavor with a hint of sweetness. Minced garlic is available fresh or dried and can be found easily in the spice aisle at most grocers.
Garlic powder doesn’t have the same kick as minced garlic, but it does have a “garlicky” taste and aroma. If you’re looking for the intense flavor of fresh garlic, try using minced garlic instead of powder.
It can be used in your favorite recipes like soups, stews, chicken, salads, etc.
Garlic Powder Vs Minced Garlic: Key Differences
There are few ingredients as tried-and-true as garlic when it comes to cooking.
One of the most commonly used spices, garlic is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for a good reason — it has a beautiful flavor and aroma.
However, one of the questions that often comes up when cooking with garlic is whether to use garlic powder or fresh minced garlic.
The table below will give you a glimpse:
| Garlic Powder | Minced Garlic | |
| Make | from fresh garlic sliced, dehydrated, and grounded into powder. | peeled garlic cloves, then chopped into little bits |
| Flavor | more concentrated | Has that potent garlicky flavor |
| Texture | Fine powder | adds a chunky texture to recipes |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Substitute Garlic Powder For Minced Garlic?
Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for minced garlic. Garlic powder is dehydrated and powdered garlic, so it has a similar flavor profile to fresh minced garlic.
However, the flavor profile of garlic powder is much more potent than that of fresh minced garlic, so you’ll want to use less of it. You’ll also need to add some liquid when cooking with garlic powder, as the dehydrated nature will absorb liquid from your dish.
Generally speaking, you should expect a substitution ratio of 1:3 between garlic powder and minced garlic (e.g., one teaspoon of garlic powder = 3 teaspoons of minced garlic).
If you’re making a sauce or soup, add up to 1/2 cup of water or broth for every two teaspoons of minced garlic you’d be using — that’s how much liquid your dish will need to compensate for the porous nature of the garlic powder.
Does Minced Garlic Taste Different From Fresh Garlic?
Yes, minced garlic tastes different than fresh garlic because of the way it’s processed. Fresh garlic is much spicier, and it has a more complex flavor profile. Minced garlic is processed, losing some of its flavor and aroma.
Minced garlic is ideal for adding a subtle flavor to your food, whereas whole cloves are best for dishes where you want a robust garlicky kick.
Are Crushed And Minced Garlic The Same?
No! Crushed and minced garlic are not the same. Crushed garlic is just that—whole cloves of garlic have been crushed. Minced garlic, however, is entire cloves of garlic that have been cut into tiny pieces.
The results are pretty similar, but they are not the same thing. Crushed garlic adds more of a chunky texture to recipes — so if you’re adding it to hot oil, cook before you add other ingredients (like when you’re sautéing), your sauce or dish will end up with more body.
Then there’s the flavor difference: minced is more intense in flavor than crushed garlic.
What Are The Best Substitutes For Garlic Powder?
If you are looking for a substitute for garlic powder, you can use granulated garlic, fresh garlic, minced garlic, garlic puree, and garlic salt. Please check out our post on the best garlic powder substitutes for more options. You will get a wide variety of options with detailed descriptions for each.
Conclusion
In summary, it all depends on your garlic use amount and purpose. Both are economical in price, with garlic powder being more economical than minced garlic.
Minced garlic will cost us more than garlic powder considering the same quantity. Though both are good in taste and even better for health, my choice will always be garlic powder.
If you love to cook and need to use a lot of garlic for a recipe, I would advise you to go for minced garlic as a better choice. But garlic powder is the best option if you are like most of us here, who only use it occasionally.