Do you add garlic to most of your dishes? Garlic can add a lovely aromatic flavor to any dish. The great thing about it is you can use garlic in many forms. Two of the most common versions of garlic are garlic salt and garlic powder.
We often need to learn the difference between these two and constantly switch between them. Although they are different versions of garlic, they are very distinct from each other.
Garlic powder is dehydrated garlic that is finely ground, and after the addition of salt, it becomes garlic salt. It sounds simple, but it has many other things that need to be explored.
Let’s directly dig into today’s discussion of garlic powder vs. garlic salt, uncover the hidden facts, and understand the flavor of both. Before jumping into it, have a look at the comparison table of garlic powder vs. garlic salt.
Garlic powder Vs. Garlic salt | Difference table
| Basis Of Difference | Garlic Powder | Garlic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Central Asia | Asia |
| Taste | Sweet and mild pungent flavor | Salty and less pungent as compared to garlic powder. |
| Texture | Fine texture | Mix of garlic powder and salt texture |
| Ingredients | Dried garlic | Garlic powder and salt |
| Storage | Cool dry and dark place, well packed | Cool dry and dark place, well packed |
| Usage | To add seasoning to dish | To add seasoning and salt to dish |
| Nutrients Content | High in fiber, sugar, protein and potassium | High in sodium |
What is garlic powder?
Garlic powder is nothing but dehydrated ground garlic powder. Originating from Central Asia, garlic powder adds aroma to any dish.
You can use it as a seasoning and sprinkle it on the plate. Garlic powder has similar nutrients and health benefits to fresh garlic.
In the process of making garlic powder, the garlic cloves are diced and stored in a dehydrator or oven until they are dried, and then they are well grinded to make a powder. Garlic powder is high in fiber, sugar, protein, and potassium.
What is garlic salt?
When salt is added to garlic powder, then we will have garlic salt. It originated in Asia and is widely used in many Asian cuisines to add salt and garlicky flavor to the dish. Garlic salt is high in sodium because of the salt.
To make garlic salt, garlic powder is added with salt with some extra seasoning as per the preference. The ratio of garlic powder and salt is 1:3.
Garlic salt has no benefits compared to garlic powder or fresh garlic. It only adds aroma, salt, and flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder Vs. Garlic salt | Difference Between The Two
Garlic adds flavor to any dish, and as well known, it is best to cure a cold. Garlic also comes in various forms, and today we will discuss the two significant kinds of garlic form: garlic powder and garlic salt.
Let’s take it further and dig into the considerable difference between them.
1. Origin
It is believed that garlic powder originated in central parts of Asia and then spread across other continents.
Garlic salt is nothing but garlic powder with salt, originating from Asia only. Belonging to the same place, both are widely used in every household.2.
2. Taste
Garlic powder and garlic salt have the same aroma and flavor, but garlic salt is saltier than garlic powder. Garlic powder is a little more pungent in taste than garlic salt.
You can add garlic powder to add some aromatic flavor to the dish. While adding garlic salt, remember that it is already high in sodium, so avoid any additional salting to the dish.
3. Texture
Garlic powder has a fine texture, like flour, and is very smooth. On the other hand, garlic salt has mixed sea or kosher salt, which can give a grainy or gritty texture.
4. Ingredients
As per our discussion, it is evident that garlic powder has dried garlic as the primary and only ingredient. Whereas garlic salt has garlic powder mixed with salt in a ratio of 1:3.
Due to the presence of salt, the garlicky flavor is diluted in garlic salt.
5. Storage
Both garlic powder and garlic salt are well grinded; therefore, they should be placed in a cool, dark, and dry place. The salt present in garlic salt can get moisture, so it should be kept in an airtight container.
6. Nutrients content
When we talk about garlic powder, it has the same nutrients as fresh garlic cloves. It is high in fiber, sugar, protein, calories, and potassium.
All the garlic nutrients are less in garlic salt than in garlic powder. Also, garlic salt is high in sodium and potassium.
7. Usage
Garlic powder is used to add aroma to the dish. It can be used as a seasoning or while cooking the dish. The garlic salt is also used for seasoning purposes and to add salt to the dish as well.
I have already mentioned earlier that while adding garlic salt, you must ensure that the salt quantity is delicate and not extra.
How to make garlic powder at home?
Below are the steps to make garlic powder at home:
- Take out the cloves of garlic, and peel off the skin.
- Slice the cloves into thin pieces.
- Place the sliced garlic cloves on the dehydrator screens.
- Let it dry completely.
- Now, grind the dried garlic cloves into fine powder.
- Strain the garlic pieces to avoid any moisture in the powder.
- Store in an airtight container.
How to make garlic salt at home?
Making garlic salt is straightforward and similar to the process of making garlic powder.
- Prepare garlic powder by dehydrating the cloves and grinding them into thin powder.
- Add sea salt or kosher salt with the powder.
- You can add onion powder as well to enhance the flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Top dishes with garlic powder
1. Garlic bread
Garlic bread is one of the easy and tasty snacks or side dishes. Toast your choice of bread in the toast.
Melt some butter and add garlic powder & salt if the butter is unsalted. Spread the mix over the toasted bread. Sprinkle some parmesan, and enjoy!
2. Silly salt seasoning
Silly salt seasoning is another kind of seasoning that is very flavorful. Mix garlic powder with kosher salt, onion powder, black & white pepper, turmeric powder, and celery salt. Mix them well and store them in a jar.
3. Crispy Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Crispy parmesan baked potatoes are a very simple potato recipe. Just cut and dip the potatoes in the butter. Combine cheese and garlic powder.
Mix the cheese and garlic powder with butter-dipped potatoes and bake them well. Sprinkle it with parmesan and serve it hot.
4. Easy parmesan-garlic chicken
Easy parmesan garlic chicken is similar to crispy parmesan baked potato—mix cheese with garlic powder and Italian dressing. Spread parmesan over the chicken and bake it until cooked.
5. Herb and garlic broiled cod
Herb and garlic broiled cod is a yummy treat for your stomach. Just mix the dressings and seasoning of garlic powder and other spices well.
Put the fish on the boiler and brush with the same. Broil it for 6-8 mins. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Top dishes with garlic salt
Garlic salt is garlic powder mixed with salt, which can be used to season different dishes. Let’s have a look at the list.
1. To season popcorn and fries
Make some popcorn or potato fries and sprinkle the garlic salt.
2. For the salad dressing
Make salad dressing as usual, and instead of salt, sprinkle some garlic salt. It will enhance the flavor for sure.
3. Marination for chicken
When making any chicken, it must be marinated with spices and seasonings. Add garlic salt while marinating. It will give a salty, garlicky flavor to the final dish.
4. Bread toast
Bread toast is a quick snack to make. Toast your bread with butter. Sprinkle some garlic salt. Enjoy it with other main dishes.
5. Eggs
Eggs are easy and most convenient food items, and if you wish to add some flavor, garlic salt can be one of the options. Cook your eggs as usual, and then sprinkle them with garlic salt.
Garlic salt Vs. Garlic Powder | Which is healthier?
It is very evident that garlic has many health benefits. When it comes to garlic powder has the same nutrients as fresh garlic, but garlic salt is less healthy than garlic powder.
The added salt increases the sodium content, and the nutrients of garlic get absorbed.
Garlic salt Vs. Garlic Powder | Which is tastier?
Garlic powder is a little pungent and has an aromatic flavor. Garlic salt is high in sodium, and if it is all about taste, garlic salt is the winner. It will give the garlic flavor, which may be a little less pungent, and good saltiness.
Garlic salt Vs. Garlic Powder | Which is more versatile?
Without a doubt, I can say garlic powder is more versatile. It can be added to many dishes during marination, cooking, or seasoning.
The garlic salt is mainly used for only seasoning. We can easily say that garlic powder is more versatile.
Garlic salt Vs. Garlic Powder | Which is better?
After comparing garlic powder and garlic salt, garlic powder is much better as it is more flavorful, healthy, and versatile.
One should always choose garlic powder over garlic salt. Garlic salt has no significant health benefits and is high in sodium which could not be a good option for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we switch between garlic powder with garlic salt?
If switching garlic salt with garlic powder, take care of the salt content in the dish.
Is garlic powder healthy like fresh garlic?
Yes, garlic powder has the same nutrients as fresh garlic.
Can garlic powder be used in place of garlic cloves?
Yes, it can be used in place of garlic cloves.
Conclusion
So far, we have learned many things about garlic powder and salt separately and their comparison. Now you know garlic powder is a better option, and it is possible to make it home.
If you find the above information useful, let us know in the comments. Until then, sprinkle some garlic powder and enjoy!
