Looking for the best substitutes for onion powder? In this post we share the best ideas + a recipe for making homemade onion powder!
Onion powder is a staple in many kitchens, but what do you do if you’re out or run out?
There are plenty of substitutes for onion powder that can be used in its place. Here are a few of our favorites.
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Fresh onion
Fresh onion is a great substitute for onion powder. Whether you chop, mince or grate the onion, it will work just as well as onion powder would for seasoning your dishes.
Just keep in mind onion powder is more concentrated than fresh onion.
You will need to use more fresh onion than you would if you were using onion powder for your recipe.
Actually you’ll need 3 times more onion to recreate the same flavor that onion powder gives.
Onion flakes
Onion flakes is an incredible substitute for onion powder.
They are just dried pieces of onion that look like small pieces of herb or spice. You can find onion flakes at most grocery stores and they will taste just as good as the onion powder would in your recipe.
This is the most similar substitute in terms of flavor and amount to onion powder.
Onion paste
Onion paste is made by chopping or pureeing onion.
You can find this at most grocery stores and it works great as an alternative to onion powder. You can also make it at home and refrigerate it for up to a week.
Just like fresh onion, you’ll need more onion paste to recreate the pungent flavor of onion powder.
Onion salt
Onion salt is made by blending salt with dehydrated onion.
This is great for people who do not want to use fresh onions in their recipes.
This has the same flavor to onion powder but with the addition of salt.
If you are going to be using this alternative keep in mind you’ll need to add less salt to your recipe.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for onion powder.
Keep in mind, garlic powder contains about 3 times more flavor than onion powder and might overwhelm the taste of your dish if you use too much.
It also has a different flavor than onion powder but the profile it’s kind of similar and will work in a pinch.
Chopped chives
Chives have a mild onion flavor that can be used to season your dishes instead of having to use fresh onions. They are great for adding on top of any dish or in sauces, soups and stews.
They don’t shine when cooked as an ingredient in the dish, but as a garnish they provide a delicate onion taste.
As well as being used as a substitute for onion powder, chives are great for seasoning dishes instead of using garlic.
Chives have a milder taste so you’ll need to add around 4 times more to make up for the flavor.
Scallions
Scallions are also known as green onions.
They have a light onion flavor that works great as an alternative to onion powder.
You’ll need to use more scallions than you would if you were using onion powder in your recipe, about 4 times.
Scallions can be cooked and served raw so they work for a lot of different recipes.
Shallots
Shallots have a milder onion taste than garlic or scallions.
They can be used as an alternative to onion powder and you will need to use about double of the amount of onion powder your recipe calls for. So if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon onion powder you’ll probably need around 2 tablespoons shallots.
Shallots have a very similar flavor profile to onion powder so they are also a great alternative if you want to keep a somewhat similar flavor in your recipe.
Garlic salt
Garlic salt is probably one of the least similar onion powder alternatives but it works if you are out of options.
Just like onion salt, garlic salt is a mix of onion powder and sea salt.
So you’ll need to use it carefully and salt a little bit less your preparation.
Leeks
This herb and vegetable is also from the alliums family, which is the onion family so they have a similar flavor profile to onions!
Leeks have a more subtle flavor than onion and they are also somewhat less pungent and sweeter which means you’ll need more to recreate the flavor of onion powder.
Usually you’ll need around 4 times more leeks than onion powder.
How to make your own onion powder at home
Making onion powder at home is incredibly easy! You just need to have a little bit of time on your hands to dehydrate the onions.
You’ll just need 4 onions thinly sliced. Then you’ll want to place the slices in a dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 150 degrees for around 5 hours.
You can also use an oven but you’ll need to be constantly checking how they look to make sure they don’t burn.
Once they are dehydrated let them cool down completely and transfer to a food processor. Pulse until you get a fine powder
Recipe for Onion Powder
Ingredients
- 4 Onions
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onions.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and to a dehydrator. Set at 150 degrees.
- Cook for 6 hours or until fully dry. They should snap when you bend them.
- Take to the food processor and pulse until you get a thin powder.
Frequently asked questions about onion powder substitutes
Can I substitute onion powder for dried minced onion?
Yes! You can sub it for dried minced onion! Just swap dried onion of r the same amount of onion powder the recipe calls for.
How much onion powder equals one onion?
1 Tablespoon onion powder equals 1 medium chopped onion. So if you are using fresh onion and your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon onion powder you’ll need to use around 1 medium chopped onion.
