Where to Find Garlic Paste in Grocery Store?

Originally posted on February 17, 2022 @ 3:34 pm

You would think with the popularity of garlic, it would be easy to know “where to find garlic paste in grocery store?. But if you’re like me and have spent hours wandering the aisles looking for it, only to come up empty-handed, you know that’s not always the case. So where can you find this elusive condiment? Check out this guide for some tips.

Table of Contents

What is garlic paste?

Garlic paste is a condiment made by crushing minced garlic in a mortar and pestle until it forms a sticky, thick paste. It’s an ingredient used in many cuisines around the world to add strong flavor to dishes. Garlic paste can be made at home or purchased pre-made from supermarkets, grocery stores, specialty food markets, online outlets, and other retail shops.

Garlic paste is easy to make at home with just three ingredients: garlic cloves (preferably peeled), olive oil, and salt. Simply combine all three ingredients in a bowl or mortar & pestle and mix thoroughly until they form a thick paste; no cooking required! Sprinkle some extra salt on top for taste if desired. Garlic paste can also be made with other ingredients such as lemon juice and parsley; consult a cookbook or online recipe source for more information. Keep garlic paste stored in the refrigerator to help prevent the strong flavor from dissipating.

Garlic paste is most commonly used as a condiment and ingredient in dishes, rather than an appetizer on bread, crackers, or vegetables by itself; however, some gourmet restaurants may serve garlic pastes as appetizers with cheese, nuts, olives, meats, etc.

Garlic paste is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed (not hot); it’s delicious mixed into pasta sauces and soups (such as French onion soup), egg dishes like omelettes and scrambled eggs, dips and spreads like hummus, cheese dishes such as macaroni & cheese, vegetables like roasted potatoes or steamed artichokes, meats such as grilled sausage or steak, rice dishes including risotto and paella, salads, sauces for meats and fish (such as a balsamic glaze), mayonnaise-based dips and salad dressings.

What is garlic paste used for?

Garlic is a pungent smelling spice that is used in the preparation of many varieties of dishes. It’s flavor and aroma make it an ideal ingredient for adding to food. Unfortunately, eating raw garlic can leave a strong odor on your breath that could last as long as three days. In order to avoid this, you may wish to use garlic paste instead of fresh cloves.

It occurs naturally in its fresh form without any processing required other than washing and peeling. This means that it has all of the nutritional value preserved from being picked, washed and peeled. Garlic paste typically contains a variety of additional ingredients including oil or water which dilute the potency of the garlic so much so that it still carries flavor but lacks many of its healthy properties.

If you are interested in using garlic paste to flavor your dishes, you may wish to mix it with salt. This will help the taste since garlic by itself is very pungent. You can also use it as an ingredient for marinades or salad dressings. Mixing it with other ingredients such as vinegar or olive oil will result in a sweeter tasting product if that is what you’re looking for.

If you want to be able to enjoy all of the health benefits associated with garlic without having to worry about strong breath afterwards, consider adding garlic paste into your diet on occasion rather than eating large quantities at once. If you do eat fresh raw garlic cloves occasionally, be sure to brush your teeth afterward so that the smell does not linger.

Garlic paste can be made at home by peeling and cutting up cloves of garlic, then grinding them with a mortar and pestle or using an electric grinder. Then mix the resulting product with oil to thin it out so that it is easier to use as a cooking ingredient. You could also just add some salt to the mixture if you do not want to go through this extra step of mixing it with oil.

Alternatively, you may purchase garlic pastes which are available in many stores throughout Asia. The most common type of paste used for food is typically made from pureed garlic that has been allowed to mold into different shapes such as noodles or pasta. This makes the texture more appealing simply having mashed up garlic cloves.

However, this type of garlic paste is not as common in the United States. This may be because many Americans are more familiar with garlic cloves that have been peeled and then minced or pressed into a paste. It also likely has to do with the fact that fresh garlic is readily available for purchase at grocers throughout the country making it easier to acquire without doing any processing.

In addition to being used in flavoring food, many people also add garlic paste to their diets on a regular basis as part of an overall health regimen. This is because it has been known to help increase good cholesterol (HDL), prevent blood clots and lower the risk of certain cancers. It can also reduce blood pressure levels or even act as a natural antibiotic if taken in very high doses for short periods of time.

The use of garlic paste may be focused around this main ingredient which is typically mixed with water, vinegar, oil or salt depending upon personal taste preferences. Some pastes use other ingredients such as chilies or mustard seed that could give it strong flavor but then dilute the garlic.

Garlic paste is also used in baking recipes when fresh garlic cloves would not deliver enough flavor. It has been made into breads or added into butter with herbs to create new flavors that are not normally associated with garlic by itself.

Where to buy garlic paste near me?

The question that’s been on everyone’s minds since they’ve heard the word. In the same way, it has been a topic of discussion for people who have heard of garlic paste and are interested in trying it but don’t know where to get started.

We are here to help you answer the question “Where can I buy garlic paste near me?”

Where to find garlic paste in grocery store?

Head to the international aisle.

If your local grocery store doesn’t carry garlic paste, this is typically where you’ll find it. If you can’t find any there or even in the international aisle of a specialty grocery store (like Whole Foods), try looking at an Asian market, which should have it near the produce section.

Garlic paste is in the produce area! If you still can’t find it, the last place to check is in the spice section. Sometimes it’s near the salt, but not always. Garlic paste is near salt! They are typically right next to each other on store shelves.

Garlic paste is in the condiment aisle! It’s sometimes in the canned vegetables/sauces section, so check there too.

What Grocery Store Sells Garlic Paste?

Amazon – There are plenty of garlic paste options on Amazon.
Walmart – Walmart is your best option for garlic paste, you can find it in their produce section.

Whole Foods – Whole Foods is the only store that sells garlic paste in its prepared foods section.
Safeway – You can find garlic paste in Safeway’s aisle with other Asian sauces and ingredients in the refrigerated area.
Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s does not carry this product in any of their stores.

Kroger – Garlic paste is sold at all Krogers, but they don’t have a specific location for it. It will be found with all of the rest of the sauces and ingredients near the back of each store.
Publix – Publix only has pre-made garlic paste available. If you want to make your own, go to Whole Foods.
Ethnic Markets – Most Asian grocery stores will sell pre-made garlic paste in their freezer section or by the cash register near the cashier.

Asian Markets – Garlic paste can be made at any store that sells fresh produce and meat/seafood by the pound. Most Asian markets carry it as well as some regular grocery stores that cater specifically to an Asian customer base (located mostly in California).

Common Types of garlic paste:

Laxmi Traditional Indian Garlic Cooking Pastese:

Garlic Paste, India’s oldest and best garlic brand.

2. Rani Garlic Cooking Paste:

Available in both Indian and International groceries, Rani is a good all-purpose cooking paste. It is emulsified so it won’t separate on you while cooking.

3. Polaner Chopped Garlic:

This product has the texture of dried minced garlic that you would cook with but also a lingering fresh flavor from the oil in which it was made. The texture can be off putting at first but some people really enjoy this paste especially on fresh breads or pastas.

4. Asian Kitchen Garlic Cooking Paste:

This paste contains vinegar which helps make things more interesting when adjusting for taste later after cooked (adjusting flavors as you cook is the biggest problem with pre-made pastes). This paste has a lingering garlicky flavor.

5. Amore Garlic Paste:

This paste has a very strong vinegar taste that complements food but can be overpowering or off putting to some. Amore contains no preservatives which means this paste will only last three days once opened, however it is also one of the least expensive brands available.

6. Dynasty Garlic Paste:

Besides containing salt, Dynasty makes no other claims about their product. Many people believe their garlic power tastes watered down because it is meant for cooking purposes only and designed to not have any sharp flavors after processing. They are priced well compared to other pastes on the market.

7. Shan Ginger Garlic Paste:

One of the most expensive brands available but it is also one of the best. They claim to use only “100%” peeled garlic and ginger that has been crushed to go through an additional process called distillation which results in a pure unadulterated product with no preservatives, salt or oil added.

8. Mccormick Garlic Powder:

Garlic powder as opposed to garlic paste is used as a seasoning agent rather than cooking ingredient. Of course it can be used for both purposes but you will loose much flavor if you cook with your garlic powder instead of adding at the end because all aromas would have escaped into the air already. Even worse cooking powder on hot foods over 300 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the garlic powder to burn which not only destroys flavor but also creates carcinogens.

9. Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce:

This sauce is most likely made from dehydrated minced garlic and is meant more as a seasoning agent than a cooking ingredient for this reason. It is low in moisture so it may be easier to transport and has an extremely long shelf life if unopened (up to two years). This product contains salt, sugar and wheat flour for preservation purposes.

10. Mekhala Organic Thai Basil Garlic Paste:

One of the few products that contain no preservatives at all besides salt, they use natural ingredients only; garlic, water, xanthan gum (thickening agent), citric acid (for acidity), basil, spices and natural flavors. It is an expensive product but if you are looking for a healthy alternative this paste may be what you are looking for.

11. Lee Kum Kee Chili Garlic Sauce:

The company who makes this claims to use only 100% garlic with no preservatives added. It tastes like dehydrated minced garlic which means it will burn easily if cooked too long so keep the heat low to avoid that problem. This sauce is probably meant as just a seasoning agent because of its low moisture content and long shelf life unopened (up to two years). Also contains salt, sugar and wheat flour for preservation purposes.

12. Lan Chi Chili Paste With Garlic:

This paste has many other ingredients besides garlic such as red chili, salt and water. Lowest price out of all the pastes on this list but also contains no preservatives besides salt. Contains a high concentration of salt per serving size which makes it a poor choice for cooking ingredients that require long term exposure to seasonings or if you have high blood pressure concerns.

Substitute for garlic paste:

Fresh minced garlic: Mince 1 medium clove of garlic. Mix it with a quarter teaspoon of salt and half a tablespoon of water. Use this as garlic paste.

Garlic powder: Grind one teaspoon of fresh garlic until it becomes like a paste. Mix it with two teaspoons each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, ground ginger powder and onion powder. Add one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Finally add four tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or mixed seasoning to the mix for a delicious taste.

Garlic flakes: Crush three cloves in a small bowl using a pestle and mortar until fine pieces but not so much as to turn them into a paste. Add five tablespoons of water and heat in a microwave oven for two minutes. Add half a teaspoon of salt and the garlic mixture is ready to use as garlic paste.

Green garlic: Destroy the head of green garlic by using a pestle and mortar, then put it into a small bowl with one teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, ground ginger powder and onion powder. Add one tablespoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Lastly add four tablespoons parmesan cheese or mixed seasoning for delicious taste.

Dried garlic: Grind three cloves until smooth, adding only as much water as needed to make it like dough.

Mixed seasoning: Crush three cloves into a small bowl using a pestle and mortar until it turns into fine pieces but not to turn them into a paste. Add half a tablespoon each of dried basil, oregano, thyme and ground ginger powder and one teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Mix well with five tablespoons water and heat in microwave oven for two minutes. Lastly add four tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or mixed seasoning for delicious taste.

Onion powder: Grind half a medium sized onion until smooth, adding only as much water as needed to make it like dough.

Mix this with one tablespoon each of dried basil, oregano, thyme and ground ginger powder and half a teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Add five tablespoons water to form garlic paste.

Garlic sauce: Crush six cloves, adding only as much water as needed to make it like dough. Mix well with one tablespoon each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, ground ginger powder and onion powder. Add two teaspoons each of cayenne pepper and black pepper. Lastly add four tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or mixed seasoning for delicious.

Garlic sprouts: Cut off about one inch from both chives before chopping them, then put them in a small bowl with two tablespoons each of dried basil, oregano, thyme and cayenne pepper. Add half a tablespoon ground ginger powder and one teaspoon black pepper.

How To Use Garlic Paste:

Make Garlic Bread.

– For garlic bread, heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Slice French or Italian bread into 1/2 inch wide slices. Mix together 3 tablespoons melted butter and 2 crushed cloves of garlic. Brush this mixture over the top of each slice of bread, then bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven. The finished product should be golden brown on the outside with a creamy center.

When you are finished baking it take it out sprinkle some cheese on top and put them back in for around 30 seconds so the cheese will melt onto your delicious garlic bread!

Make Garlic Dips and Spreads.

– To make garlic dips mix together one clove crushed garlic with lemon juice, salt and olive oil.

– To make garlic spreads mix together one clove crushed garlic with mayonnaise, salt and pepper.

Cook With It.

– If you chop a head of garlic finely it will have a milder flavor so that you can add it to any dish without taking away from the other flavors.

When cooking your dish be sure to use olive oil because it has a higher smoke point than butter or margarine making it perfect for cooking at high temperatures which is needed for most dishes . You can also use butter but then limit your temperature to medium heat as opposed to high heat that is needed when using olive oil. Also if you cook your food too long at too high of a temperature you could end up burning the garlic and ruining your dish.

– If you need to add a little garlic flavor without adding an overpowering taste then use garlic powder or ground dried crushed garlic which can be easily added to your food. You just have to remember that it has a very powerful taste so you shouldn’t use as much as fresh minced garlic.

– Fresh Minced Garlic is best for dishes where the main flavors are subtle, such as egg or cheese dishes.

– In marinades or dressings, finely chopped garlic will give more flavor than pressed or chopped dried garlic, but either works well. It might seem easier to throw in a couple cloves from a jar, but freshly minced is much more potent and flavorful, so you’ll need less garlic than what the recipe calls for.

– For a nice light sauce combine 1/4 cup white wine or vermouth with 2 teaspoons minced garlic and bring to gentle simmer over medium heat. Add two tablespoons heavy cream and cook just until thickened. Remove from heat and add one teaspoon fresh lemon juice and salt to taste.

When cooking with any kind of garlic be sure not to burn it because doing so will give it a very bitter taste which makes your dish inedible! Also remember that overcooking will also give it a strong bitter flavor instead of a milder garlicky flavor that most people prefer when eating anything.

Garlic paste FAQS:

Q: HOW SHOULD I STORE GARLIC PASTE?

A: Garlic paste can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It must be placed in an airtight container away from fruits and vegetables to avoid other strong odors contaminating it.

Q: ARE THERE ANY OTHER USES FOR GARLIC PASTE?

A: Yes, you can also use garlic paste instead of fresh garlic when cooking your favorite dishes. You can even spread it on bread or toast. However, if using garlic paste as a spread, keep in mind that the taste will not be as intense as with chopped fresh garlic.

Q: WHY DOES GARLIC PASTE NOT LOOK LIKE THE ONES IN THE SUPERMARKET?

A: In supermarkets, garlic paste is usually made from dehydrated garlic, while at the grocery store you can find fresh garlic in many varieties. The taste of both products will vary depending on different factors like how old it is or what type of dehydration process was used.

Q: IS IT OK TO FREEZE GARLIC PASTE?

A: No, it is not advisable to freeze garlic paste because when defrosted water might get inside the container and cause bacteria to grow inside.

Q: CAN I MIX FRESH AND DRIED GARLIC WHEN MAKING GARLIC PASTE?

A: No, it is not necessary to mix fresh and dried garlic when making garlic paste since you will be adding water anyway. If you do mix the two, the dry garlic will absorb all of your preparation time leaving very little room for any other flavors or aromas to develop.

Q: WHEN I OPENED THE CONTAINER OF GARLIC PASTE THERE WAS WHITE MOLD ON TOP. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: White mold can indicate that there are still sugars inside which are causing fermentation. Simply wash the mold off with cold water before using it in your recipes.

Q: WHY DOES MY GARLIC PASTE HAVE LITTLE CRYSTALS IN IT?

A: Those crystals are actually a natural by-product of the dehydration process. This is a very normal phenomenon and you can use your garlic paste as usual.

Q: WHY DOES GARLIC PASTE HAVE LITTLE SEEDS ON TOP?

A: Little seeds on top of garlic paste are called ascorbic acid crystals , which indicates that the product has been properly dehydrated. This ascorbic acid helps preserve food as well as give it a nice texture and rich flavor.

Q: WHEN I OPEN THE CONTAINER OF GARLIC PASTE, IT IS TOO HARD TO USE. WHY?

A: If you find your garlic paste too hard to use, simply warm up the container slightly in hot water for a few minutes before using it. This will help soften the garlic paste and make it easier to spread or press into your recipes.

Conclusion

Garlic paste can be found in the Asian foods section of your grocery store. For those who don’t want to use garlic powder, this is a great option and it’s also cheaper than buying fresh garlic at the produce department!

Thank you read “where to find garlic paste in grocery store?”