Garlic is a popular ingredient used in many savory dishes worldwide. Its pungent, onion-like flavor can transform simple recipes into aromatic culinary delights. When following a recipe, you may encounter instructions calling for a certain number of garlic cloves. But what if you only have garlic measured in a different way? How can you determine garlic equivalents and substitute accordingly?
Quick Answer
As a quick answer, 2 cloves of garlic are approximately equal to:
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt (to taste)
These measurements are based on averages and can vary slightly depending on the size of the garlic clove. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste. Below we’ll explore these garlic conversions in more detail.
Garlic Cloves, Minced Garlic, and Garlic Powder
When following a recipe, the first step is understanding the specifics of the garlic ingredient called for:
- Garlic cloves – The entire garlic bulb contains multiple cloves, which are the individual garlic segments wrapped in papery skin.
- Minced garlic – Garlic that has been finely chopped into very small pieces.
- Garlic powder – Dehydrated, ground garlic that comes as a powdery seasoning.
Knowing how these forms of garlic differ is helpful when converting between them.
Garlic Cloves to Minced Garlic
On average, 2 small-medium cloves of fresh garlic will yield about 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. However, garlic cloves can vary in size. Here are more precise guidelines:
- 2 very small garlic cloves = 1/2 teaspoon minced
- 2 small garlic cloves = 3/4 teaspoon minced
- 2 medium garlic cloves = 1 teaspoon minced
- 2 large garlic cloves = 1 1/4 teaspoons minced
- 2 extra large garlic cloves = 1 1/2 teaspoons minced
To substitute, first mince the cloves very finely. Then, measure out the amount needed based on clove size.
Garlic Cloves to Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is more concentrated than fresh garlic. On average:
- 2 small-medium garlic cloves = 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
But similar to fresh garlic, clove size can impact the conversion:
- 2 very small garlic cloves = 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 small garlic cloves = 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 medium garlic cloves = 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large garlic cloves = 2/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 extra large garlic cloves = 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Since garlic powder is concentrated, add it gradually and adjust to taste. Start with less garlic powder and add more as needed.
Minced Garlic to Garlic Powder
When converting minced garlic to garlic powder, reduce the amount to about half:
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic = 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
However, you may need to adjust this ratio depending on your taste preferences and the dish you are preparing. Use the converted amount of garlic powder as a starting point. Increase or decrease the amount as needed.
Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a popular seasoned salt that combines garlic powder with salt. It adds garlic flavor along with a salty boost.
Garlic Cloves to Garlic Salt
Substituting garlic cloves with garlic salt requires care, as garlic salt contains salt in addition to garlic. On average:
- 2 small-medium garlic cloves = 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
But the actual amount can vary based on clove size and taste:
- 2 very small garlic cloves = 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 small garlic cloves = 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 medium garlic cloves = 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 large garlic cloves = 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 extra large garlic cloves = 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Since garlic salt includes salt, err on the lower end of the range. You can always add more to taste.
Minced Garlic to Garlic Salt
When substituting minced garlic for garlic salt, you’ll need even less garlic salt. Try starting with:
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic = 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
Taste the dish and slowly increase the garlic salt as needed. Garlic salt can quickly overpower other flavors.
Garlic Powder to Garlic Salt
Garlic powder and garlic salt have concentrated, powdery textures. But garlic salt contains additional salt. Try these conservative substitutions:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder = 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder = 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
You can add more to taste, but use a light hand since garlic salt is very potent.
Tips for Converting Garlic Amounts
Here are some helpful tips when substituting garlic cloves with other forms of garlic:
- Start with less garlic. You can always add more to taste.
- Powdery forms of garlic are more concentrated. Use 25-50% less garlic powder or garlic salt.
- Account for clove size. Larger cloves may need more substituted garlic.
- Adjust to taste and be careful with garlic salt.
- Don’t worry about perfection. Cooking is subjective, so taste and tweak as you go.
Garlic Substitution Chart
For easy reference, here is a garlic substitution chart summarizing the conversions:
| 2 garlic cloves | Equal to |
|---|---|
| Very small | 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp garlic salt |
| Small | 3/4 tsp minced garlic 1/3 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp garlic salt |
| Medium | 1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp garlic salt |
| Large | 1 1/4 tsp minced garlic 2/3 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp garlic salt |
| Extra large | 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic 3/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4-1/2 tsp garlic salt |
Sample Recipes Using Garlic Substitutions
To see these garlic conversions in action, here are some recipe examples with garlic clove amounts substituted:
Pesto
Original: 2 garlic cloves
Substitution: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pesto often calls for garlic cloves, but garlic powder can substitute nicely. Use about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for 2 medium garlic cloves. Add it with the basil, pine nuts, olive oil and cheese.
Soup
Original: 3 garlic cloves
Substitution: 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
For a soup calling for 3 garlic cloves, use 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic instead. Add it to the onions and aromatics during the start of cooking to infuse the broth with flavor.
Pizza
Original: 4 garlic cloves through a press or minced
Substitution: 2 teaspoons minced garlic OR 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
On a homemade pizza with garlic in the crust or sauce, substitute 4 pressed garlic cloves with either 2 teaspoons minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Adjust to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do garlic conversions vary?
Garlic conversions vary mainly due to clove size, which can range from small to extra large. Larger cloves contain more garlic pulp and moisture, requiring greater substituted amounts. Powdery forms like garlic powder are also more concentrated.
Can I substitute garlic paste for fresh cloves?
Yes, garlic paste or puree can substitute for chopped fresh garlic. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic paste per clove.
What’s the difference between minced garlic and chopped garlic?
Minced garlic is cut into very fine pieces, smaller than chopped garlic. Minced garlic disperses nicely into dishes. Chopped garlic has slightly larger pieces for texture.
Can I use elephant garlic in place of regular garlic?
Elephant garlic has a milder flavor and larger cloves. For full flavor, use 50% more elephant garlic cloves in place of regular garlic.
Conclusion
Converting garlic amounts is a handy substitution skill. While minced garlic, garlic powder and garlic salt can all stand in for chopped garlic cloves, pay attention to clove size and adjust seasonings accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to start with less garlic and increase to taste. With these tips and conversions, you can seamlessly substitute garlic measurements in recipes.