Best Substitute for Garlic Pepper
If you are a fan of grilling meat over the weekend or during cookouts, chances are you have used garlic pepper quite often. But what to do if you run out of it? Luckily, you can use a substitute for garlic pepper in your recipes and get the same flavor.
Garlic pepper does not have a direct substitute as it’s a mix of herbs and spices. However, you can replicate it at home by mixing black pepper and garlic powder. This blend is a perfect substitute for garlic pepper in case you run out of it.
The best part about making this blend at home is that you can elevate the flavor by adding extra seasonings like paprika, salt, cayenne, parsley, and a little bit of sugar to bring all the spices together.
What is Garlic Pepper?
Garlic pepper is a seasoning mixture that combines the flavors of garlic and black pepper. It is typically created by blending dried and ground garlic powder with coarsely ground black pepper.
It delivers a well-rounded and savory flavor that combines the pungency of garlic and the spiciness of black pepper. The precise taste of garlic pepper can vary depending on the specific blend and the ratio of garlic to black pepper.
The garlic component contributes a savory and slightly sweet undertone, while the black pepper adds a zesty and mildly spicy element. When combined, they form a versatile seasoning that enhances the flavor of various dishes.
You can adjust the intensity of the garlic and black pepper according to personal preference, making garlic pepper a flexible choice for adding flavor to your favorite dishes.
Common Uses of Garlic Pepper
Garlic pepper is a popular seasoning in various dishes. It is added to enhance flavor and taste. Some common uses of garlic pepper are:
1. Seasoning Meat
Garlic pepper is mostly used for seasoning meats for grilling and roasting purposes. It goes great with chicken, pork, beef, or even seafood.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Sprinkle a little garlic-pepper mixture on vegetables before roasting them to boost flavor and taste. It makes the vegetables more aromatic and rich in flavor.
3. Sauces and Dressings
Garlic pepper is added to sauces and marinades to enhance their flavor. It can be used in salad dressings for kale salad, pasta sauces, or dips.
4. Bread
A pinch of garlic pepper blend adds rich flavor to baked goods, especially bread. You can use it in rosemary bread, bagels, and muffins.
Best Substitutes for Garlic Pepper
If you are out of garlic pepper, here are some of the best alternatives for it that you can use in your recipes.
1. Garlic and Black Pepper
Garlic powder and black pepper are the main ingredients of the blend. For a quick substitute, you can combine an equal amount of both garlic powder and black pepper powder to achieve a similar taste.
2. Cajun Seasoning
If you are looking for a robust flavor, you can use cajun seasoning as an alternative to garlic pepper. It is a blend of different spices including garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and other spices.
3. Lemon Pepper
If you like a bit of zesty flavor in your dishes, you can use lemon pepper as a substitute for garlic powder. This blend of spices usually contains salt, lemon zest, black pepper, and sometimes a bit of garlic or ginger powder.
4. Italian Seasoning
Another great substitute you can use is the Italian seasoning blend. It is a mixture of various aromatic herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano, with a little bit of black pepper and garlic powder.
5. Herbes De Provence
Herbes De Provence is a blend of spices and herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, with a touch of garlic powder, black pepper, and ginger powder. It does not have a bold flavor, so you will need to use it in a 2:1 ratio.
6. Homemade Garlic Pepper
Perhaps the best alternative is to make garlic pepper at home with the stuff you have probably got around in the kitchen.
Here is what you are going to need:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Mix all these ingredients in a spice canister and keep it for whenever you need to add some to recipes. You can also make it in a large batch as it won’t go bad for months.
I love this homemade seasoning because it’s neither too peppery nor too garlicky. The additional spices add more aroma and flavor to the blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garlic pepper just garlic and pepper?
Garlic pepper is a popular seasoning blend that contains garlic powder and ground black pepper. In addition, it also contains a mix of other seasonings, spices, and herbs.
Does Mccormick make garlic pepper?
Yes, Mccormick does make garlic pepper, and it’s a blend of everyone’s favorite – garlic and pepper. It is an ideal addition to chicken, steak, pasta, eggs, burgers, and potatoes.
Is garlic pepper the same as garlic?
No, garlic pepper is a blend of garlic and ground black pepper which adds bold and savory flavor to recipes like soups, marinades, meats, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Garlic pepper adds more flavor and aroma to various dishes. The spice mix is popular across the world and is used in most meat, soups, vegetables, and soups.
However, if you run out of the spice mix, you can use a substitute for garlic pepper. Perhaps one of the best options is to make homemade garlic pepper seasoning with your favorite herbs.
