Whether you’re searching for a vegan, healthy, or fast onion powder substitution, there are lots of solutions available. This article will explain what onion powder is and what alternative options are available if you need a quick substitution.
Contents
- What is onion powder?
- How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
- What recipes are onion powder used in?
- Why do we need onion powder substitutes?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
- What can I use instead of 1 tsp onion powder?
- What can I use instead of garlic and onion powder?
- What is the equivalent of onion powder to an onion?
- Can I use cumin instead of onion powder?
- What is the closest thing to onion powder?
- What seasoning can replace onion powder?
- What seasoning tastes like onion and garlic?
- What does onion powder do in a recipe?
- What is the closest spice to garlic powder?
- Do chefs use onion powder?
What is onion powder?
How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
Since onion powder is made from dried onions, it contains certain nutrients, although in minute quantities. It has relatively few vitamins and minerals but will increase your carbohydrate and calorie intake. Take a look at the nutritional breakdown below to get a sense of what to anticipate from a 100 g shaker of onion powder.
Nutritional Breakdown:
|
The powdered onion |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
417 kcal |
20% |
|
Fat in total |
0 g |
0% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
83 g |
30% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Protein |
0 g |
0% |
|
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
What recipes are onion powder used in?
Onion powder is a versatile spice that may be used in a variety of cuisines. It’s a culinary essential that gives foods like stews and soups a lovely oniony taste. It may also be used to add flavor to sauces, dips, and salad dressings.
Onion powder is also often used in casseroles and may add flavor to veggies. This dried spice may be used with other ingredients to make marinades and rubs for your favorite foods.
Why do we need onion powder substitutes?
While onion powder is a common component in most kitchens, you may be questioning why a replacement is required in the first place. There are a number possible explanations for this, one of which is that you may encounter a circumstance in which it is not accessible.
If you run out or can’t locate it in a store, having another choice assures you can make the food you want without sacrificing taste. Also, while onion powder has little nutrients, certain replacements might contribute more to the creation of a nutritious meal.
Note:
= vegan
1. Dehydrated onion flakes
Salads, stir-fries, baked fish or chicken, and casseroles are ideal.
Overview
Since both are prepared from dried onions, dehydrated onion flakes are comparable to onion powder. In reality, these substances are practically equivalent and interchangeable. The primary distinction between the two is that flakes are bigger than powder. Nonetheless, the taste will be same, making it an excellent alternative.
Advantages
One distinction between onion flakes and powder is that onion flakes are drier, which means they won’t contribute extra moisture to your meal. Another benefit of using onion flakes is that they may be easily turned into onion powder. Crushing the flakes in a blender may provide a near match to onion powder.
Disadvantages
Onion flakes, like onion powder, include a modest quantity of calories and carbohydrates, which may be a concern if you’re on a diet. This should not be an issue when using modest quantities. Dehydrated onion flakes may also dry out a dish more than onion powder. For smooth and liquid recipes, it may be advisable to convert the flakes into powder or add a little additional liquid.
Nutritional breakdown
|
flakes of dehydrated onion |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
349 kcal |
17% |
|
Fat in total |
0.5 g |
0.8% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
83 g |
0% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
21 mg |
1% |
|
Protein |
9 g |
18% |
|
Calcium |
257 mg |
1% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
1622 mg |
40% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
2. Grated fresh onion
Soups, casseroles, salads, dips, burgers, and egg dishes are ideal.
Overview
Grated fresh onion is a better onion powder alternative than other powders and flakes. To make grated onion, just peel one onion, trim the edges, and grind it to the desired size using a grater. To grate garlic even faster and more effectively, use a food processor.
Advantages
Grated onion may be reduced to a wet paste, providing a fragrant onion taste without adding a lot of weight to the meal. Since drying onion loses part of its flavor, the flavor will be greater than when using powder. This may also be a benefit since you can typically get away with using considerably less fresh onion to get the same degree of taste.
Disadvantages
Fresh onions vary from onion powders and salts in that they contain more moisture. As a result, you may need to modify the quantity of water and other liquids in your dish. This might cause issues as you attempt to get the ideal ratio, but it is typically worth the additional effort.
Nutritional breakdown
|
fresh onion, grated |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
40 kcal |
2% |
|
Fat in total |
0.1 g |
0.2% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
9 g |
3% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
4 mg |
0.2% |
|
Protein |
1 g |
2% |
|
Calcium |
23 mg |
2% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
146 mg |
4% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
3. Onion salt
Egg dishes, soups, stews, tomato meals, and marinades are ideal.
Overview
Onion salt, which is exactly what it sounds like, is another replacement for onion powder. It is made out of onion powder with salt added to it. Since it includes onion powder, it may be used in place of regular onion powder. It doesn’t offer more moisture like raw onion, but it does add the exact onion powder flavor you’re searching for.
Advantages
The fact that onion salt incorporates onion powder is a big benefit since the alternative provides the same texture and taste. Garlic is also an item that is widely accessible at your local grocery, making it ideal for when you need a garlic taste in a hurry. It has no fat, cholesterol, or calories, making it quite healthful for most people.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of using onion salt as an onion powder alternative is that it includes much more salt. You’ll need to compensate for this by adding less salt in the remainder of the recipe, or you’ll end up with an extremely salty meal. In most instances, the powder contains at least as much salt as onion, so if you want a strong garlic flavor, you’ll also be adding a large quantity of additional salt to your meal.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Onion seasoning |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
0 kcal |
0% |
|
Fat in total |
0 g |
0% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
0 g |
0% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
35455 mg |
1866% |
|
Protein |
0 g |
0% |
|
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
4. Fennel bulbs
Soaps, stews, salads, roasted chicken and other meats, and vegetable meals work well.
Overview
If you don’t have access to garlic components, another onion powder option is fennel bulbs. Although other parts of the fennel plant may be eaten, the bulb is the most often used in cooking. Its leaves, essential oils, seeds, and fruit may also be employed in a variety of international recipes. While raw, the bulb has the texture of celery, but when roasted, it becomes silkier.
Advantages
Fennel bulb contains a variety of nutrients and provides more than 25% of your daily fiber requirements. It also includes potassium, which aids in the maintenance of good blood pressure. This onion powder alternative also contains vitamins A, C, and B6, among others, which help control free radicals, which may cause premature aging.
Disadvantage
A fennel bulb, like any other entire item, must be processed before use. This entails breaking it down and slicing it up before adding it to your dish. It will not have the same taste as replacements that include onion, so if you choose it as an option, you will be missing out on that layer. Instead, adding fennel will give the dish a new taste and improve the texture.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Celery seedlings |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
16 kcal |
0.8% |
|
Fat in total |
0.2 g |
0.3% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
3 g |
1% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 g |
0% |
|
Salt |
80 mg |
4% |
|
Protein |
0.7 g |
1% |
|
Calcium |
40 mg |
4% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
260 mg |
6% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
5. Scallions
Soups, pizza, dips, pork, spaghetti, and shellfish are all excellent choices.
Overview
Scallions are a form of onion that is harvested while it is young. Spring onions and green onions are other names for them. This vegetable has a white base and a tall green stem that resembles a chive. Scallions are members of the Allium family, along with leeks, garlic, onions, and shallots. These veggies have dark green leaves that resemble hollow tubes.
Advantages
One feature that distinguishes scallions is that both the green and white sections may be utilized in dishes. Moreover, scallions may be eaten both raw and cooked. They taste sweeter than regular onions and are more powerful than chives. This is why scallions’ tops may be used in place of chives. As a result, a scallion may be used in place of onion powder and chive.
Disadvantages
Although scallions are a form of onion, they do not have the same taste and are better utilized in sweeter foods. Since they are fresh veggies, they cannot be stored for as long before becoming bad. On average, scallions will keep in your refrigerator for around three days.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Scallions |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
32 kcal |
2% |
|
Fat in total |
0.2 g |
0.3% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
7 g |
3% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
16 mg |
0.8% |
|
Protein |
2 g |
4% |
|
Calcium |
72 mg |
7% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
276 mg |
7% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
6. Garlic salt
Pasta, soup, casseroles, stock, and dips work well.
Overview
We have discussed garlic salt, but another alternative in the same vein is garlic salt. This component, instead of mixing onion powder and salt, combines the salt with garlic powder. In most situations, it has two to three times the amount of salt as garlic powder. This is an ideal onion powder alternative for recipes that need more salt but do not mind the taste profile of garlic.
Advantages
This is one of the more handy options and is probably already in your kitchen. Since it is a powder, it will have the same texture as onion powder. It has a savory flavor and may be used in any cuisine that requires a touch of salt. It may also be used with other spices such as black pepper, thyme, cumin, brown sugar, and marjoram to make dry rubs.
Disadvantages
This powder contains a lot of salt, so it may not be the ideal option for somebody on a low-sodium diet. Although you may only be consuming a modest quantity, the nutrition statistics below show that it may rapidly add up. Garlic salt does not have the same taste as onion powder, thus it may not provide the desired flavor in some foods.
Nutritional breakdown
|
seasoned with garlic |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
0 kcal |
0% |
|
Fat in total |
0 g |
0% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
0 g |
0% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
35000 mg |
1842% |
|
Protein |
0 g |
0% |
|
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
7. Shallots
Casseroles, stir-fries, soups, salads, and sauces work well.
Overview
Shallots are a kind of onion that has many characteristics to garlic. Its colors may vary from brilliant red to golden brown, but they have a white inside with green undertones. Shallots are an unusual item that may be used fresh or pickled to provide a new taste and texture to dishes. They have a flavor that is comparable to onion but a little milder.
Advantages
One benefit of using shallots instead of onion powder is that they may be utilized in a variety of cuisines. Many individuals like their particular taste and the ease with which they may be obtained. Shallots are high in nutrients and may be even healthier than onions. They are high in fiber, protein, potassium, manganese, and numerous vitamins that help keep the body healthy.
Disadvantages
In this case, the onion taste is there but not as strong as it would be in onion powder. Those who want a stronger onion flavor may opt to add extra shallots or use another replacement. Moreover, although uncommon, some individuals are allergic to shallots and other onions, ruling them out as a possibility.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Shallots |
Amount (per 100 g) (per 100 g) |
% Daily intake recommendation |
|
Calories |
72 kcal |
3% |
|
Fat in total |
0.1 g |
0.2% |
|
Saturated fatty acid |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
17 g |
6% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
12 mg |
0.6% |
|
Protein |
3 g |
6% |
|
Calcium |
37 mg |
4% |
|
B-12 vitamin |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
334 mg |
8% |
(This is based on USDA nutritional data.)
The Bottom Line
If you run out of onion powder or want an item with additional health advantages, there are many of choices. Although none of the substitutes will have the exact same flavor or feel as onion powder, several will come very close. Others have distinguishing characteristics that may allow them to shine in recipes where onion powder would not.
Top vegan picks
The good news for vegans is that all of the items on this list are cruelty-free and absolutely safe to ingest. Our first choice for the best vegan replacement is dried onion flakes, which are quite similar to onion powder. Fresh onion, on the other hand, is a fantastic alternative, particularly when you want to add more fresh veggies to a meal.
Top healthy picks
The truth is that most powdered, flaked, and dried replacements lack the nutritious content of fresh food. As a result, we suggest selecting fennel bulbs for the highest health advantages. Shallots and scallions are also fantastic choices since they contain more vitamins and minerals than garlic or onion powders and salts.
Top convenient picks
If convenience is your main goal, you have a few alternatives to choose from. The most handy are dehydrated onion flakes, onion or garlic salt, and garlic powder. There is absolutely no preparation required. Just take the jar, sprinkle some into your dish, and continue cooking. All of the vegetable substitutes need extra work to include into a dish.
Top convincing picks
Onion flakes are the most convincing onion powder alternative on our list. They have the same taste as onion powder but are in flake form rather than powder. If the texture of the flakes bothers you, onion salt will do the trick, but it will add an additional dosage of sodium to your dish. Although other ingredients may be used in place of onion powder, these two are the most convincing when you want the meal to taste precisely like onion powder.
Sources:
what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideasarticleswww.masterclass.comhttps:
what-are-scallions-1807053www.thespruceeats.comhttps:
flavor-story-garlic-saltmccormickarticleswww.mccormick.comhttps:
shallots.htmlvegetablehealth-benefitswww.organicfacts.nethttps:
FAQs
What can I use instead of 1 tsp onion powder?
The powdered garlic.
In recipes, the two are often combined. Garlic powder, of course, gives a garlicky taste, but it also has some of the savory qualities of onion powder. Again, replace 1 teaspoon onion powder with 12 teaspoon garlic powder.
What can I use instead of garlic and onion powder?
To add character, flavor, and health benefits to your foods, use asafoetida in little amounts. Any recipe where adding garlic and onions would be too bulky or gritty, asafoetida powder would be an excellent substitute.
What is the equivalent of onion powder to an onion?
3 cup of chopped onion. Use 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes as a replacement. A medium onion yields about 1 cup of chopped onion. As a replacement, use 1 tablespoon onion powder or 3 tablespoons dried onion flakes. Using Onion Flakes or Powder
Tiny Onion: yields around 1
Can I use cumin instead of onion powder?
Depending on the recipe, you may also experiment with additional herbs or spices. In Mexican cuisine, for example, cumin is often used as an onion replacement. Instead of garlic powder, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper might be added for heat.
What is the closest thing to onion powder?
What can you substitute for onion powder? You may use grated fresh onion, shallots, fennel bulbs, scallions, garlic powder, onion salt, or celery for the onion powder.
What seasoning can replace onion powder?
Therefore, instead of settling for a bland dinner, consider one of these alternatives.
Onions, freshly chopped. If you don’t have onion powder on hand, you may always use fresh onions. Onion Salt. Onion Flakes. Onion Paste. Garlic Powder. Garlic Salt. Green Onions (Scallions)… Chives.
More to come…
What seasoning tastes like onion and garlic?
Asafoetida is an Indian spice with a strong aroma that, when mixed with heating oil, tastes similar to garlic and onions.
What does onion powder do in a recipe?
Onion powder adds an extra benefit that makes it quite handy in the cooking. It distributes evenly throughout the meal, imparting a deep, all-over onion taste. It may be used to soups and stews, creamy dips and salad dressings, casseroles and vegetables, or used as a basis for rubs and marinades.
What is the closest spice to garlic powder?
Cumin (in a pinch) (in a pinch).
Only use this in an emergency. The following is the correct ratio: 18 teaspoon cumin may be substituted with 14 teaspoon garlic powder.
Do chefs use onion powder?
Although many home cooks continue to use it, chefs, food writers, and other tastemakers see it as old school—not in an exciting or genuine sense, but in a snickering, “Can you believe people used to cook with condensed mushroom soup?” way.