Ah, the garlic. Tasty and aromatic, and definitely the star of the culinary world. There’s a reason why garlic is used in almost every dish. However, it’s not always convenient. Whether you’ve run out, don’t feel like chopping, or just want a longer-lasting option, knowing how to choose a good substitute for fresh garlic can keep your meals on track and full of flavor.

Let’s walk through the best alternatives to fresh garlic, when to use them, and how they stack up in terms of taste, ease, and shelf life.

Why You Might Need a Fresh Garlic Substitute

Fresh garlic brings sharpness, warmth, and complexity to everything from stir-fries to marinades. But there are times when it’s just not practical:

• You’re cooking in a hurry
  
• Your garlic sprouted or dried out
  
• You want pre-portioned ingredients
  
• You’re meal prepping or camping

Luckily, there are several garlic substitutes that still bring bold flavor to the table—without needing to peel or mince.

Top 5 Substitutes for Fresh Garlic

Here’s a breakdown of the most common garlic alternatives, including how they perform and when to use them.

1. Frozen Garlic Cubes

Frozen garlic cubes are a great option for anyone who wants the bold flavor of garlic without the prep work. These cubes are made by mincing fresh garlic and freezing it into small, pre-measured portions—usually one cube equals one clove.

They’re particularly useful for soups, sauces, stir-fries, and anything cooked over heat. Because they’re flash-frozen, they retain much of the pungency and aroma of fresh garlic.

You can find Dorot Gardens’ frozen garlic cubes in the freezer section of many grocery stores. Dorot Gardens offers a range of frozen herbs and aromatics, including garlic, ginger, and basil.

Pros:

• 1:1 substitute for fresh garlic
  
• No chopping or mess
  
• Long shelf life (up to a year in the freezer)
  
• Consistent flavor
  

2. Garlic Paste

Garlic paste is smooth, concentrated, and easy to stir into dressings or sauces. It often includes a bit of oil or acid, which helps preserve the paste but can slightly change the flavor.

It’s not a perfect match for fresh garlic’s texture or intensity, but it works well when you need garlic to blend in seamlessly—like in hummus, vinaigrettes, or garlic aioli.

Pros:

• Smooth and spreadable
  
• Convenient tube packaging
  
• No chopping required
  

Cons:

• Milder than fresh garlic
  
• May include additives like citric acid or salt

3. Jarred Minced Garlic

Found in small jars packed in water or oil, this version of garlic is shelf-stable and ready to use. It saves time, but often has a slightly muted or tangy flavor compared to fresh.

Still, it’s a dependable stand-in for everyday cooking—especially in casseroles, chili, or soups where garlic isn’t the star.

Pros:

• Easy to find and store
  
• Long-lasting once opened
  
• Saves prep time
  

Cons:

• Subtler flavor
  
• Not ideal for raw dishes
  

4. Garlic Powder or Granules

When you’re truly out of options, garlic powder or granules can get the job done. They’re more concentrated and dry, so you’ll need less—and they’re best used when sautéing isn’t part of the plan.

They don’t brown or caramelize like fresh garlic, but they blend easily into spice rubs, dry marinades, and creamy dips.

Conversion tip:
1 fresh garlic clove = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Pros:

• Very long shelf life
  
• Great for spice blends
  
• Strong flavor in small amounts
  

Cons:

• No texture
  
• Can overpower if overused
  

5. Shallots, Leeks, or Onions

In recipes where garlic isn’t the star but part of a flavorful base, chopped onions or shallots can fill in. They won’t give the exact same flavor, but they help build that familiar savory foundation.

This swap is best for soups, sauces, and braises where multiple aromatics are being cooked down together.

Pros:

• Common pantry items
  
• Adds body and sweetness
  
• Cooks down well with other ingredients
  

Cons:

• Not garlicky in flavor
  
• Changes dish profile
  

Which Substitute Is Best for You?

Here’s a quick comparison chart to help you choose the right garlic substitute depending on the dish:

Substitute	Best Use Cases	Notes
Frozen Garlic Cubes	Sauces, stir-fries, soups	Closest to fresh; minimal prep
Garlic Paste	Dips, marinades, dressings	Smooth texture; easy to blend
Jarred Minced Garlic	Quick meals, casseroles	Mild; convenient
Garlic Powder	Spice rubs, dry mixes, dips	Very concentrated; easy to store
Onions/Shallots	Soups, stocks, slow-cooked dishes	More savory than garlicky

Extra Tips for Swapping Garlic

• Add substitutes early or later, depending on the dish. Add early for mellow flavor; late for more bite.
  
• Start small and taste. Some garlic alternatives are more potent than others.
  
• Combine substitutes. Don’t be afraid to mix—frozen garlic with a touch of powder can round out flavor.