6 Black Garlic Powder Uses

Black garlic has become a trendy ingredient in North America and Europe. It consists of dried black garlic that has been ground into a fine powder.

The traditional way to make black garlic is to heat heads of garlic over low heat for several weeks.

Cooked low and slow for a long time, the garlic caramelizes and darkens to a brown that is so dark that it is almost black.

Black garlic powder retains much of that caramelization flavor. So, how do you best use black garlic powder?

As a salad dressing spice

Like regular garlic powder, black garlic powder is well suited to salad dressings. Black garlic powder will work fine in creamy dressings like ranch, but you will get the best results by adding it to a vinaigrette where its pungent garlic notes.

To make a simple vinaigrette:

• Combine 1 tablespoon black garlic powder with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar.
• Whisk together well until combined.
• Pour over mixed greens or chopped veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots etc.
• The sweet, garlicky, and tangy flavors will complement the vegetables beautifully.

You can also experiment by adding herbs like oregano, basil or thyme to the vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless when you use black garlic powder in salad dressings!

Key Takeaway: Black garlic powder adds sweet garlicky notes to vinaigrettes and salad dressings.

As a garlic butter spice

Black garlic powder enables you to make an extra flavorful — and colorful — version of garlic butter. Just mix a teaspoon of your black garlic powder into a quarter cup of softened butter, along with a tablespoon of shredded Parmesan, and you can have yourself a savory spread. You can use this black garlic butter as a sandwich spread on its own or as a condiment, and you can use it to baste grilled poultry or steak.

Here is a simple black garlic butter recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons black garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, black garlic powder, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well blended.
2. Form into a log and wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Slice off pieces to use on steaks, chicken, fish, sandwiches, bread and more!

This powerfully garlicky butter adds tons of flavor to anything it touches. Slather it over a juicy steak as it finishes cooking on the grill, or use it on baked potatoes instead of regular butter. Get creative!

Key Takeaway: Black garlic butter makes an excellent condiment for grilled or baked meats, fish, sandwiches and breads.

As a popcorn spice

Black garlic powder is great as a popcorn topping. Combine the powder with butter and salt, or use olive oil as a healthy, flavorful butter alternative.

Here is an easy black garlic popcorn recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons black garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the popcorn kernels in an even layer and cover the pot.
2. Shake the pot occasionally as the popcorn pops. Once popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, remove from heat.
3. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Sprinkle with the black garlic powder and salt and toss to coat evenly.

For a dairy-free option, this olive oil popcorn lets the black garlic flavor shine through. For a more indulgent snack, swap the olive oil for melted butter. Either way you can’t go wrong when you use black garlic powder on your popcorn!

Key Takeaway: Black garlic powder adds sweet garlicky flavor when used as a popcorn topping.

As a dry rub spice

Black garlic provides two of the main flavor notes that are essential for any dry rub: pungent garlic and umami. Black garlic powder turns up the standard garlic powder flavor and pairs well with other typical dry rub ingredients like onion powder and paprika. The caramelized taste that you get from black garlic powder can give your dry rub an extra twist that sets it apart from the standard blend of dried herbs and spices. Black garlic powder will complement most proteins that you would grill or smoke, including poultry, beef, and pork.

Here is an easy black garlic dry rub recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons black garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
2. Pat meat dry and sprinkle liberally with the rub on all sides.
3. Allow to sit for 10-30 minutes before grilling or smoking to allow flavors to penetrate.
4. Cook using your preferred method, basting with extra rub during cooking if desired.

The sweet and garlicky notes from the black garlic powder balance beautifully with the smoky flavors from the grill or smoker. This rub works well on beef, pork, chicken or lamb.

Key Takeaway: Black garlic powder boosts the flavor of any meat dry rub when grilling or smoking.

As a garlic bread spice

Like regular garlic powder, black garlic powder is an excellent tool for giving garlic bread its garlic flavor, but it’s an even more aggressive form of it. Black garlic powder will boost the garlic bread’s umami note that you would otherwise get only from the Parmesan cheese in the topping. Using black garlic powder allows you to get umami from two sources instead of just the Parmesan, or you can make your garlic bread vegan by omitting the cheese.

Here is an easy black garlic garlic bread recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 cloves black garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoon black garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup shredded Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, black garlic, black garlic powder and parsley until well blended.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the loaf. Top with Parmesan if desired.
3. Put the loaf back together and wrap tightly in foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
4. Remove foil and bake another 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the top.
5. Slice and serve immediately while hot.

The double dose of black garlic gives unbelievable garlicky flavor to this easy bread. Enjoy it as a starter for pasta night or soup night, or snack on it anytime!

Key Takeaway: Black garlic powder boosts flavor and umami in any garlic bread recipe.

As a pasta spice

With black garlic powder, you get the benefits of regular garlic powder and Parmesan cheese, and both of those ingredients are perfect complements for pasta. You get the earthy sulfurous qualities of garlic that has been caramelized to make it slightly sweet. The caramelization process gives the garlic a similar umami funk to that of Parmesan cheese. Add a little olive oil to your black garlic powder and pasta mix, and you have the foundation of a rich and flavorful vegan meal.

Here is an easy black garlic pasta recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves black garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup pasta cooking water
• 2 teaspoons black garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1⁄4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced black garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the cooked pasta, pasta water, black garlic powder and salt and pepper. Toss for 2-3 minutes until pasta is well coated.
4. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

The natural sweetness of the black garlic complements the starchiness of the pasta beautifully. This easy weeknight pasta dish will be a new family favorite!

For a creamy version, stir in a couple tablespoons of heavy cream when you add the pasta back to the skillet. Grate Pecorino or Parmesan over the top for extra richness.

Key Takeaway: Black garlic powder mimics the umami flavor of Parmesan cheese in pasta dishes.

FAQs

What is black garlic powder?

Black garlic powder is made from black garlic, which is garlic that has been aged under controlled heat and humidity for several weeks. This process causes the garlic to caramelize and take on a dark blackish hue. The garlic is then dried and ground into a fine powder that has a sweet, molasses-like flavor and just a hint of garlic bite.

How is black garlic powder different from regular garlic powder?

Regular garlic powder has an intensely pungent, garlicky flavor. Black garlic powder is much sweeter and more subtle. It has notes of balsamic vinegar, raisins, and molasses. The flavor is more complex, while still retaining a bit of garlic in the background.

What dishes can you use black garlic powder in?

Black garlic powder is extremely versatile in both savory and sweet dishes. In savory cooking, it works well in salad dressings, sprinkled over pizza, mixed into burger patties, as a rub on meats, or stirred into pasta sauces and risottos. For sweet dishes, you can add black garlic powder to ice cream, chocolate truffles, cookies, or marinades for meat that you'll use in a sweet application, like teriyaki chicken.

Does black garlic powder go well with cheese?

Yes! The sweet umami flavor of black garlic powder pairs fabulously with all types of cheese. Sprinkle it over cheese pizza, mix it into dips, add it to grilled cheese sandwiches, or stir it into cheesy pasta bakes. Cheese and black garlic are a match made in heaven.

What is the best way to store black garlic powder?

Like other dried spices and herbs, black garlic powder should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Keep it away from light, heat, and moisture to preserve maximum flavor and prevent clumping. Stored properly, it will keep for up to 3 years.

Conclusion

With its sweet, molasses and balsamic-like flavor and subtle garlic punch, black garlic powder is an excellent addition to any spice cabinet.

It can be used in endless savory and sweet recipes, adding flavor complexity and umami richness.