Trying to decide on a substitution for seasoned salt can be tricky, especially if you don’t know how and where to use it.
Seasoned salt can add flavor to dishes like roasts, grilled veggies, fish, beef dishes and French fries.
It’s a combination of regular table salt mixed with herbs and other spices but when you’re in a pinch and need that same flavorful effect without the specialized seasoning, what are your options?
Here’s an overview of five common ingredients used as substitutes for seasoned salt in all kinds of recipes.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Seasoned Salt
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have seasoned salt on hand, here are five of the best alternatives that can lend the same flavor profile to your dish:
1 – Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a mixture of table salt and ground up garlic.
It is perfect as a replacement for seasoned salt, as it adds a mild garlic flavor along with some extra saltiness.
It is great to use in dishes that require the zesty flavor of garlic without the hassle of having to mince fresh garlic.
This is especially useful for dishes where you want to add a nice punch of flavor but don’t have time to chop fresh ingredients.
The key with using garlic salt is that it doesn’t really replace finely minced fresh garlic, as its texture will not be quite the same – so you may still want to supplement with some freshly minced cloves for texture where appropriate.
2 – Onion Powder
Onion powder is a great substitute for seasoned salt as it contains similar flavor compounds that also deliver a slightly sharp and acidic taste.
In addition, it is abundant in significant amounts of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Onion powder can be easily combined with other spices to make a replacement for seasoned salt.
To make your own seasoned salt substitute with onion powder, combine onion powder with garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, turmeric and celery seed to create a flavorful alternative.
Alternatively, you can mix equal parts onion and garlic powders for a simple substitution.
3 – Celery Salt
Celery salt is a perfect substitute for seasoning salt because it includes other ingredients like thyme, bay leaves, oregano, and parsley mixed with salt.
The combination of herbs blended with the flavor of celery creates an unforgettable flavor in your cooking.
Just remember to cut down on the amount of celery salt used, as it can give dishes an overly salty taste.
You can also try adding a pinch or two of garlic or onion powder to balance out the flavors and make your food even tastier.
4 – Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is an interesting mixture of herbs and spices, reminiscent of the flavors traditionally used in cooking in the Provence region of France.
It typically consists of savory, thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and lavender.
This fragrant combination can make an excellent substitute for seasoned salt.
Herbs de Provence is milder than some of the other substitutions mentioned here but still adds a floral depth to many dishes.
You might want to alter the combination depending on which flavor profile you are going for as some versions contain tarragon or fennel.
It takes only a pinch or two to enhance your dish’s flavor.
Try herbs de Provence in soups, sauces or fried foods for an excellent herby taste.
Be sure to adjust other seasonings when using this substitution — their flavors are much more intense than that of seasoned salt.
5 – Lemon Pepper
Lemon pepper is one of the best Seasoned Salt substitutes to have on hand because it’s readily available in the spice section or even pre-mixed in a store-bought blend.
This zesty seasoning offers a daring combination of freshly ground pepper, lemon zest, garlic, onion, and other herbs for an exceptional flavor.
Use this salt sparingly; too much will overpower the flavors you are trying to create.
The best way to enhance a recipe with lemon pepper is to add it right before serving so that the flavors stay bright and vibrant.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Seasoned Salt
Ingredients
- 1 – Garlic Salt
- 2 – Onion Powder
- 3 – Celery Salt
- 4 – Herbs de Provence
- 5 – Lemon Pepper
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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