Buying Garlic: A Guide to Convenient Alternatives

Garlic is a foundational ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Its characteristic aroma enhances countless dishes, but the preparation—peeling, chopping, or pressing fresh cloves—can be time-consuming in a busy kitchen. For those who appreciate authentic flavour but need a more practical solution, a wide variety of processed garlic products are available. This article introduces different options that simplify cooking with garlic and help you find the right product for your needs.

What to Look for When Buying Processed Garlic

The selection of garlic products is vast. To make the right choice, a few criteria can be helpful.

1. The Right Form for Your Dish

Depending on the recipe and desired result, a different form of garlic may be suitable:

• Garlic Paste: Pastes, often available as Ginger Garlic Paste, are ideal as a base for curries, marinades, and sauces. They distribute evenly and release an intense, raw garlic aroma that develops during cooking.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: These sauces combine the heat of chilis with the savoury flavour of garlic. They are excellent as a dip, a seasoning for stir-fries, or for enhancing soups and stews.
• Fried Garlic: Garlic slices fried in oil offer a crispy texture and a mild, nutty, toasted flavour. Fried garlic is an excellent garnish for salads, pasta dishes, rice, or soups.
• Garlic Seasoning: Dried and granulated garlic, often in a grinder, is a versatile garlic seasoning for everyday cooking. It is easy to portion and has a long shelf life.

2. A Look at the Ingredient List

The composition provides insight into the product's quality and taste. Pay attention to the percentage of the main ingredient (garlic, chili) and check the content of salt, sugar, or added oils. Products without artificial colours or preservatives are often a great choice for an unadulterated taste.

3. Intended Use and Cooking Style

Consider the type of dishes you will primarily use the product for. A chili garlic sauce is a must-have for fans of Asian cuisine, while a pure garlic paste serves as a universal base for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes.

Our Garlic Buying Recommendations

Here is a selection of products that stand out for their specific characteristics and applications.

LEE KUM KEE Chili Garlic Sauce 368g

What sets it apart: This sauce combines salted chili peppers (59%) with dehydrated garlic (5%) for a spicy and aromatic flavour experience. The well-balanced blend of heat and garlic aroma makes it a versatile condiment.

Benefits:

• Ready to use as a dip, marinade, or for stir-fries
• Lends an authentic, Asian-inspired flavour to dishes
• Balanced ratio of heat and spice

Who is it for?: Ideal for home cooks who want to quickly and easily add a spicy and savoury note to their dishes, especially in wok cooking or as a table condiment.

Shan Foods Ginger Garlic Paste 700g

What sets it apart: This paste has a high percentage of fresh ginger (50%) and fresh garlic (45%). It delivers the authentic, robust aroma of freshly crushed ingredients and saves valuable prep time in the kitchen.

Benefits:

• High percentage of fresh main ingredients
• No added artificial colours
• A convenient, time-saving base for curries, marinades, and stir-fries

Who is it for?: An essential ingredient for anyone who regularly prepares South Asian dishes like curries or dals and doesn't want to compromise on the authentic taste of fresh ginger and garlic.

Sunlee Fried Garlic Jar 100g

What sets it apart: This fried garlic is fried to a golden brown in palm oil, giving it a crispy texture and an intense toasted flavour without any bitterness. The ingredient list is very simple, containing only garlic and palm oil.

Benefits:

• Ready to use as a crispy topping
• Adds extra texture and a mild toasted flavour to dishes
• Versatile for garnishing soups, salads, or pasta dishes

Who is it for?: Perfect for cooks who want to easily add a flavourful and textural component to their meals. It works especially well as a finishing touch for ramen, congee, or steamed vegetables.

KOT?NYI Garlic Grinder 48g

What sets it apart: This garlic seasoning in a convenient grinder delivers freshly ground, dried garlic. According to the manufacturer, this releases an aroma reminiscent of freshly pressed garlic. It offers a savoury, slightly sweet taste.

Benefits:

• Freshly ground aroma right at the moment of use
• Long shelf life and easy storage
• Ideal for seasoning Mediterranean and Asian dishes like risotto, lamb, or tzatziki

Who is it for?: For anyone looking for a dry spice alternative that still provides a fresh aroma. The grinder is practical for direct use at the table or during cooking.

Discover More Options

Haven't found the right product for your kitchen yet? If you're looking for more alternatives to buy garlic, you can find additional options in our wider selection.

Discover more garlic products here

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does garlic paste last after opening?

The shelf life after opening varies by product and composition. Many manufacturers recommend storing the paste in the refrigerator and consuming it within a specific period, often around 30 days. You will always find precise information on the product's packaging.

2. Can you substitute garlic paste for fresh garlic?

Yes, garlic paste is a good substitute for fresh garlic. As a general rule of thumb, one teaspoon of paste can replace about one to two fresh garlic cloves. Since the intensity varies by product, it is advisable to adjust the amount gradually and taste as you go.

3. What is fried garlic used for?

Fried garlic is extremely versatile. It primarily serves as a crispy garnish that adds texture and a mild toasted flavour to dishes. It pairs wonderfully with Asian noodle soups, stir-fries, salads, pizza, rice dishes, or simply as a topping on buttered bread.