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Substitutes are life savers at the last minute when you run out of herbs, and some guests are coming over for a satisfying dinner. The best thing about herbs in the culinary world is that there are a lot of other options available for each one of them that impart a similar flavor. From rosemary substitutes to oregano and dill substitutes, chefs have come a long way with their culinary practices. Talking about herbs and ingredients, onion powder is the heart of almost every cuisine, from Asian to Indian and from Mediterranean to Chinese; it is valued for its enhanced taste. Now, if you are ready to wow your guests with your secret recipe, but you run out of onion powder? In that case, you will need a great onion powder substitute, which we are going to discuss in the article guide below.
1. Fresh Onions
There is no other great substitute for onion powder than the fresh onion itself.
- Why it works: Since fresh onions and onion powder have similar flavor profiles, using fresh onions is the most simple way to replace the powder.
- How to use: Half a cup of freshly chopped onions can be used in place of one tablespoon of onion powder. When using fresh onions, keep in mind their water content. To cut down on extra liquid, you might need to sauté the onions or modify the moisture content of the dish. This substitute for onion powder works; I wonder if it was added the right way.
- Tip: Caramelize the onions before adding them to your dish for a stronger taste.
2. Onion Flakes for Onion Powder Substitute
I must say that onion flakes belong to the family of powder and are deemed an amazing substitution for onion powder.
- Why it works: Dried and chopped onions are known as onion flakes or dehydrated onions. Their flavor resembles that of onion powder.
- How to use: Use one tablespoon of onion flakes in place of one tablespoon of onion powder. Before using the flakes in your meal, rehydrate them by soaking them in a small amount of water.
- Tips: Grind the rehydrated flakes in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for a smoother texture.
3. Onion Salt as Onion Powder Substitute
This great ingredient infused with the flavors of onion makes a great substitute for onion powder.
- Why it works: Onion salt is a convenient stand-in if you’re looking for a comparable flavor because it’s a blend of onion powder and salt.
- How to use: Two teaspoons of onion salt can be used in recipes in place of one tablespoon of onion powder; just watch how much extra salt you add to prevent oversalting.
- Tips: Consider combining onion salt with a little amount of granulated onion or garlic powder if you’d like a less sodium option.
4. Granulated Onion
A little bit different from onion salt, granulated onion can also be used as one of the substitutes for onion powder.
- Why it works: Another dried onion kind that is coarser than onion powder but nevertheless has a comparable flavor is granulated onion.
- How to use: You can replace onion powder one-to-one with granulated onion. Because of its little coarseness, it could take longer to dissolve in liquids.
- Tip: To achieve a finer texture closer to onion powder, pulse granulated onion in a food processor.
5. Garlic Powder as Onion Powder Substitute
If you are looking for what I can substitute for onion powder, garlic powder is what you should consider.
- Why it works: You can use garlic powder in place of onion powder in many recipes because it shares a similar savory profile.
- How to use: Mix equal portions of garlic powder and onion powder. Remember that garlic powder has a distinct and stronger flavor, so feel free to change the quantity to suit your palate.
- Tip: To balance the flavor, mix garlic powder with other herbs, such as thyme or parsley.
6. Shallots as Onion powder Substitute
A great ingredient with a subtle allium flavor and sweeter flavor notes of onion, shallots are a great substitute for onion powder.
- Why it works: Shallots are a fantastic alternative to onion powder in more delicate dishes. They have a hint of garlic and a gentler onion flavor.
- How to use: For every tablespoon of onion powder, substitute half a cup of finely chopped shallots. Depending on your meal’s requirements, you can use onions, either raw or sautéed.
- Tip: Shallots are especially good in salad dressings, sauces, vinaigrettes, and soups and stews.
7. Scallions (Green onions)
As much as they look fresh. The unique taste also makes a great substitute for onion powder.
- Why it works: Scallions (green onions) offer the flavor of fresh onions, mild enough to substitute onion powder when needed
- How to use: Replace one cup of chopped green onions with one tablespoon of onion powder. The white portions offer more intensity, and the green portions add color and a light flavor.
- Tip: Use green onions as a garnish or in salsas or other recipes where you want a vibrant, fresh flavor.
8. Leeks
Last but not least, leeks, somewhat similar to green onions, are you should try as a substitution pick for onion powder.
- Why it works: Leeks have a mild sweetness and onion flavor that complement a variety of foods.
- How to use: To replace one tablespoon of onion powder, cut half a cup of leeks coarsely. Leeks are rough when raw. Therefore, it’s preferable to use them cooked.
- Tip: Before adding Leeks to your dish, sauté them in butter or oil to bring out their natural sweetness.
You can also check other amazing alternatives to onion powder in this article for detailed information.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered details on onion powder substitutes. If onion powder is not available and you are stuck on a recipe, pick out any of the alternatives mentioned above. So, let’s complete your recipes with these amazing taste enhancers.
