Substitute For Onion Flakes

Updated on November 11th, 2022

Onion flakes and onion powder are both seasonings used in cooking to give meals an onion flavour. Onion flakes are prepared by mincing fresh onions and then dehydrating them; onion powder is made by dehydrating, air drying, or freezing the veggies before grinding them into a powder.

One common substitution for onion flakes is chopped celery or fresh onions. The substitution for onion flakes is just as effective, but you should use a similar amount of these vegetables to get the same result. Black garlic powder is another option that can be used in place of onion flakes.

There are a number of other natural onion powder substitutes, including onion flakes, which are also known as scallions. However, before choosing any one of these ingredients, make sure to read the label of your spice mix.

Here are the Top Substitutes for Onion Flakes

We know that there are numerous alternatives for onion flakes, and we are sure that our list will assist you in learning these onion substitutes. Let’s go for it!

1. Chopped Celery

In recent years, chopped celery has become a popular substitute for onion in many recipes. While it lacks the pungent flavour of fresh onion, celery can give your dishes a stronger flavour. This vegetable also contains more nutrients than onion, so you can feel confident about using it in your cooking. Before using celery as a substitute, make sure to check the expiration date on your celery. If you’re worried about its flavour, you can add a bit at a time.

If you’re looking for a natural onion substitute, try crushed fennel or celery. You can also use celery salt, which consists of three parts salt and one part celery seeds. The flakes are more like an onion than onion powder, but are less pungent and have a similar taste. Chives are another option for onion substitutes. Both celery and fennel have a mild onion flavour and can be substituted in the same amount.

When it comes to raw celery, green onions work well as a substitute. Green onions have a milder onion flavour but do not compare to the bitterness of celery. While green onions do not have the same pungent flavour as celery, they do add a little crunch to salads. Just be sure to use half as much green onion as celery because it will add more flavour.

2. Minced Onion

Dried minced onion is a better alternative to onion flakes since it is chopped again after being sliced into small bits. To put it another way, onion flakes are thin dried onion particles, and minced onion is coarsely minced dry onion seeds.

Because it contains no other ingredients, the flavour of this option is identical to onion flakes. However, because it is smaller, you will use less minced onion and more onion flakes.

3. Onion Granules

Onion granules are the most similar seasoning to onion powder. It is likewise dehydrated, although not as finely processed as onion powder.

Onion granules are larger and coarser than onion powder, but smaller than onion flakes in size and appearance. It will be extremely similar to minced onions if not carefully prepared. It also has a milder flavour than onion powder.

Their proportion to onion powder is 2:1. Simply twice the amount to have the same flavour as onion powder.

4. Onion Salt

The name “onion salt” tells you everything you need to know about the two key constituents of this alternative spice.

Because it contains more salt than onion powder, onion salt is used as the primary seasoning ingredient. The main ingredient in onion salt is salt, which accounts for 3/4 of the spice’s texture.

You can use the 1:1 ratio for your cuisine, but keep in mind that while using this spice, you should use minimal or no salt. As previously stated, onion salt contains a lot of salt, so be careful or you’ll toss away your lunch.

5. Fresh Onions

Onion flakes are a popular food additive that comes in powder form. Fresh onions have approximately 85 percent water, whereas dried onions contain only 4 percent water. As a result, dried onions require you to modify your recipes to account for the 4 percent water content. Fresh onions can be used in place of onion flakes by shredding a fresh onion and blending it into a moist paste. This approach yields a deep onion flavour that is far stronger than onion powder.

You can also use chives instead of raw green onions, but they won’t have the same crunch. For raw dishes, onions should be thinly sliced, but larger ones are preferable for a crunchier texture. One large onion, about the size of a pomegranate, yields about 12 ounces or one-and-a-half cups of chopped onion. To determine the equivalent amount of onion powder in dry form, follow the chart below.

Onion flakes can be made from white, red, or yellow onions and even exotic varieties. These onions can be ground with other spices and used in recipes. Alternatively, you can make your own flakes at home. This will save you money and time! Fresh onion is a great substitute for onion flakes, so don’t feel bad if you don’t like onion powder!

6. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder, like onion powder, is a popular condiment all around the world. It is also dehydrated and finely powdered into powder form after drying.

Isn’t garlic powder the same as granulated garlic? They are, after all, two distinct things. Despite the distinctions between granulated garlic and garlic powder, the two can be used interchangeably to replicate the flavour of onion powder.

Garlic powder and onion powder are kept on the same shelf in the kitchen, and they work well together in many dishes. They have similar flavours since they are both members of the “allium” family. If you’re cooking but run out of onion powder, using garlic powder as a spice substitute isn’t a bad idea.

However, because garlic powder has a stronger and more pungent flavour than onion powder, you only need half a tablespoon for a tablespoon of onion powder (0.5:1). Then, according to your preference, add more.

7. Black Garlic Powder

If you’ve tried using onion flakes and still can’t find the right taste, you can substitute black garlic powder. Its stronger flavour and texture make it an excellent replacement. The difference is subtle, but you can use half a teaspoon instead of an entire teaspoon. It can be found at most grocery stores and is a quick and easy substitute. In addition, garlic powder is great for smoked turkey breast and lamb chops. It is also available in powder form, making it easy to use in a variety of recipes.

The commercial form of black garlic powder is more granular than onion flakes and contains a few other ingredients. The ratio is three parts garlic powder and one part salt. Black garlic powder has a stronger flavour than onion but is still good for most applications. Black garlic powder can be substituted for regular onion powder in many recipes. If you prefer a more subtle taste, you can add a dash of black garlic powder to a recipe instead of onion flakes.

If you’re looking for a vegan substitute for onion flakes, consider using black garlic powder instead. This product doesn’t contain any animal products and is often more concentrated in flavor. One teaspoon of onion powder will replace three tablespoons of fresh onion. It’s also important to remember that onion salt and onion powder are different things. While they both contain onion, the former is salty, while the latter is a pure dried onion.

8. Garlic Salt

Of course, if garlic powder can be used to replace onion powder as a condiment, garlic salt may be used to replace onion powder in your recipes as well!

However, the applications of garlic powder and garlic salt are not always the same. This is owing to the numerous differences between garlic powder and garlic salt. In other words, when juggling between garlic powder and garlic salt, you’ll need to modify the substitution ratio accordingly.

This condiment contains the same salt and garlic ratio as onion salt, namely 3 parts salt plus 1 part garlic powder. Nonetheless, garlic has a stronger flavour than onion; use half the amount of onion powder (1 tablespoon onion powder plus 12 tablespoons garlic salt).

What are Some Other Onion Flakes Substitutes for Refreshing your Foods?

Here are some other fresh condiments that can be used in place of onion powder. Let’s take a look!

Raw Grated Onion

Many meals benefit from the addition of grated raw onions. It will assist to enhance the flavour of your foods, making them more appealing and delicious, from soups, stews, roasting to sauces, and so on.

However, because it is a fresh spice, the fragrance of onions will be three times stronger than in powder form. The correct proportion for this alternative is 3 tablespoons of freshly shredded onion to 1 teaspoon of onion powder.

Because raw onions contain a lot of water, you should carefully examine the amount of liquid in your meals to get a better flavour.

Shallots

From the outside, this lovely purple replacement appears to be a miniature onion. It’s also a great spice for a variety of dishes. Shallots, in particular, are more widely utilized in Asian cuisine. They are similar to onions in the West, therefore you can find them in Asian shops or supermarkets in your area.

Shallots, like onions, are members of the “allium” family, making them an ideal contender for the replacement post. Furthermore, they have the same sweet, peppery, and powerful flavour as fresh onions.

Scallions

Scallions are white stalked spices with dark green tips. This is the only raw fresh onion powder replacement available.

To substitute for the onion powder, chop or mince the white stalks of scallions. Because its flavour is not as strong as onion powder, use three times as much as onion powder. In other words, instead of 1 tablespoon of onion powder, use 3 teaspoons of scallions.

Leeks

Leeks are a cousin of onions, so there’s nothing wrong with using them in place of onion powder. As long as you know how to keep leeks fresh, you’ll be able to keep its appealing flavour and use it as an onion powder substitute.

In addition, as compared to the original onion powder, the trademark flavour of the leek is relatively mild in my opinion. As a result, 1 cup of minced fresh leeks equals 1 teaspoon of onion powder (1:1).

Minced Fennel Bulbs

This spice can be difficult to find in many places. That’s why I put them last on this list of fresh replacements; but, if you can get them at your local grocery, congrats! Fennel bulbs, minced, can be used in place of onion powder.

All portions of the fennel bulb can be used in cooking. Chop the bulb and use it to replace your run-out onion powder at a 1:0.5 ratio (1 teaspoon minced fennel bulb = 1/2 teaspoon onion powder).

But… wait! Keep the leaves and cut them up before adding them to your soup. Your soup will shine brightly during your family meal!

Onion Sauce

In the place of onion powder, onion sauce (or onion paste) works extremely well. From the outside, this condiment appears to be a type of smoothie.

To make onion sauce, just mince fresh onions and place them in a blender. It will have a flavour comparable to raw grated onions, but it will make your foods more watery and moist.

Chopped Chives

If you don’t have any of these fresh replacements on hand, you can use chopped chives instead.

Although this spice is not appropriate for dried or cold foods, if you really require onion taste in your meals, blanch them in boiling water before adding them to your dishes.

However, chopped chives are a nice addition to soups and other hot foods. For this spice, I propose combining 1 tablespoon of onion powder with 1 bunch of chopped chives.

Chopped Celery

Chopped celery, like minced fennel bulbs, is an acceptable substitute for onion powder. Because celery has a fragrant scent and flavour, it has been utilized to replace onion and any other form of onion in recent years.

When you add chopped celery to your recipes, you may definitely aid to increase the flavour without overpowering them. Furthermore, it provides greater health benefits than onions. Just make sure it hasn’t gone over the expected shelf life of celery before adding it to your recipe.

What are the Various Uses of Onion Flakes?

• The flakes are typically used in salad dressings, sauces, and other dishes.
• They can be baked, roasted, or fried until crisp and dry.
• Small amounts of the flakes can be used to add the crispiness and roasted flavour of onion to sandwiches, salads, sauces, and other dishes.
• They’re also strewn on top of the pizza.
• They are also used as a garnish to make the dish more appealing and as a finisher to lighter dishes.
• The aroma and health benefits of onions are due to a variety of compounds.
• They can also help to increase bone density and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• By soaking them in water, you can use them as fresh onions.
• It can be used to flavour a variety of dishes such as gravies, hamburgers, and omelets.
• You can also sprinkle the flakes on pork, lamb, or chicken before roasting.

Here we’ve Listed Some Recipes Where Onion Flakes are Used

• All-Star Pork Meatballs

You can use lean ground pork (typically an 85/15 mix). Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, reduce the amount you use or the meatballs will be too salty. Many spices are now used, including onion and garlic powders, sweet paprika, dried thyme, coriander, and cumin. The addition of onion flakes or powder to your dish will enhance its flavour.

• Creamy Ham & Noodle Bake

This Creamy Ham and Noodle Bake will make dinnertime a breeze. Combine the soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and onion flakes. Mix in the ham, minced onion, dill, tarragon, mustard, peas, and cheese. Use any of them, but don’t forget to add onions to make your food extra tasty.

• Italian Cupboard Soup

The incredible flavour of boneless pork chops cubed, chopped tomatoes undrained, chicken broth, dried minced onion, cannellini, or great northern beans drained and rinsed, fresh spinach leaves torn, and Parmesan cheese will light up your soup and pour an incredible taste into your stomach.

• Avocado Bean Salad

Tossed fresh avocados with sweet onion, green pepper, tomato, cilantro, and lime juice. This avocado salad is a quick and easy summer salad. The dish is vegan. The vegetables in this avocado salad—cucumber, onion, and whatever tomatoes are available in your garden or at the market—are vibrant and complement each other. The avocado is buttery and creamy.

• Cheeseburgers

The best burgers combine flavours and textures – sweet, sour, salt – with a hint of crunch. The patty should be juicy, the bun soft but sturdy, and the meat/bun/accompaniment ratio should be consistent from the first to the last bite. The tender beef patties are topped with melty cheddar, onion flakes, ripe tomato slices, and a special sauce that will leave you speechless.

Are Onion Flakes and Dried Onion the Same Thing?

Onion flakes are just finely chopped onions that have been allowed to dry. A dehydrator machine speeds up the drying process by removing moisture from the onions without frying them. Onion powder is made by prolonging the process of making onion flakes.

Can Onion Powder be Used in Place of Onion Flakes?

Onion flakes and onion powder can be used interchangeably; however, keep in mind that their potencies differ. 1 tablespoon onion flakes can be used in place of 1 teaspoon onion powder.

How are Onion Flakes Made?

Lay the fresh chopped onion over the dehydrator trays in a single layer, taking care not to overlap them too much, and then dehydrate at 66^oC/150^oF for 6-8 hours (if high humidity, about 80 percent) or 4-6 hours (if low humidity). When they snap when attempting to bend, they are ready.

Conclusion

So, as we have seen the different alternatives can use as a replacement for onion flakes. Each one of them has its own flavour, and texture, and also they release their own taste and spice which adds a beautiful aroma to our food.

We hope that you have found this article helpful. In this article, we’ve learned about these different substitutes for onion flakes that can be used to add more taste to your Meals. So, use these substitutes and make your food more delicious!