What Pairs Well With Garlic?

Category: Bulb

Garlic is a pungent and flavorful bulb that belongs to the onion family. It is commonly used as a seasoning in cooking due to its strong aroma and taste. Garlic can be used in both raw and cooked forms and is known for its numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. It is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world and is often used to add depth of flavor to dishes.

Flavor Profiles:

Savory
Slightly Sweet
Pungent

What goes with Garlic:

Chocolate – The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the strong flavor of garlic, while the sweetness of milk chocolate provides a nice contrast.
Sugar – Sugar helps to balance and tame the pungent, sharp flavor of garlic, creating a richer, more nuanced taste that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
Honey – The sweetness of honey balances the pungency of garlic, making it a great addition to dressings and marinades.
Cheese – Cheese, particularly strong, pungent varieties, pairs well with garlic due to their shared flavor profile of pungency and richness, which complement and balance each other when combined in dishes like garlic cheese bread or pasta.
Chicken – Chicken pairs well with garlic due to garlic’s ability to complement, not overpower, the chicken’s mild flavor while providing a savory and aromatic enhancement.
Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and mildly peppery flavor complements garlic’s pungent and savory taste, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the flavors of various dishes.
Dill – Dill’s bright, herbal flavor complements garlic’s pungency, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
Butter – Butter’s creamy richness balances garlic’s pungent and robust flavor, creating a harmonious and aromatic combination popular in various cuisines.
Pasta – Pasta pairs well with garlic due to the strong, pungent flavor of garlic which complements and enhances the taste of pasta dishes, particularly those with tomato-based or creamy sauces.
Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese and garlic pair well together because the nutty, umami flavor of the cheese complements the pungent, aromatic quality of garlic, creating a savory and robust combination that is frequently used in Italian cuisine.
Quinoa – Quinoa pairs well with garlic because garlic’s robust, pungent flavor complements quinoa’s mild, nutty taste, adding depth and savory richness to dishes.
Chicken Breasts – Chicken breasts pair well with garlic due to garlic’s ability to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken while providing a aromatic and savory depth.
Rosemary – Rosemary’s strong, aromatic piney flavor complements garlic’s pungent taste, making them a classic pairing in various savory dishes, particularly in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
Brown Sugar – Brown sugar’s sweetness and molasses undertones balance and complement garlic’s pungent and savory flavor in culinary applications.
Coconut Milk – Coconut milk’s creamy and mildly sweet flavor complements garlic’s pungent and robust strength, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in various dishes.
Lime Juice – Lime juice pairs well with garlic because its acidity and bright, citrusy flavor helps to balance and enhance the pungent, savory taste of garlic.
Rice – Rice, with its neutral flavor and subtle sweetness, complements garlic’s pungent and savory taste, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
Spinach – Garlic and spinach complement each other well due to garlic’s pungent flavor, which can help to balance the earthy taste of spinach.
Onions – Onions and garlic share similar flavors and aromatic properties, making them a classic and complementary combination in cooking due to their synergistic effect in enhancing each other’s flavors.
Tomatoes – Garlic and tomatoes are a classic combination that enhances the flavors of both ingredients.
Cumin – Cumin and garlic both have strong, warm, and pungent flavors that complement each other well in various dishes, adding depth and richness to the overall taste.
Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor balances garlic’s pungent strength, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
Herbs – Herbs and garlic complement each other flavor-wise due to garlic’s pungent and aromatic qualities, which can be balanced and enhanced by the earthy and sometimes sweet or bitter flavors of various herbs. This creates a harmonious and savory taste profile in dishes.
Lemon – Lemon’s acidity and brightness balance garlic’s pungent and savory flavor, creating a harmonious combination in various dishes.
Potatoes – Garlic and potatoes are a great pair because garlic can add a robust and savory flavor to the often bland taste of potatoes.
Bread – Garlic bread is a classic example of how garlic can transform a simple piece of bread into a delicious and flavorful dish.
Tomato Sauce – Tomato sauce and garlic pair well together because garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor that complements and enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
Chili – Chili and garlic both have strong, pungent flavors that complement and enhance each other in dishes, adding depth and complexity.
Beef – Beef and garlic pair well together because the robust, rich flavor of beef is complemented by garlic’s pungent, savory taste, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in many dishes.
Thyme – Thyme’s earthy and slightly minty flavor complements garlic’s pungent and robust qualities, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
Onion – Onions and garlic share similar flavors and aromatic properties, making them complementary when used together in cooking.
Eggs – Garlic and eggs are a great pair because garlic can add a savory and aromatic flavor to dishes like scrambled eggs or omelets.
Pine Nuts – Pine nuts have a mild, buttery flavor that complements the pungent and aromatic qualities of garlic, creating a balanced and savory taste experience when used together in dishes.
Vegetables – Vegetables pair well with garlic because garlic’s strong, pungent flavor enhances and balances the natural tastes of many vegetables, while its health benefits complement those of vegetable consumption.
Basil – Basil’s mild sweetness and anise-like flavor complement garlic’s pungency, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
Coriander –
Ginger – Ginger pairs well with garlic due to their complementary flavors, with ginger providing a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet note, while garlic adds a pungent, savory, and slightly bitter taste, creating a balanced and aromatic combination in various dishes.
Soy Sauce – Soy sauce and garlic both have robust, savory flavors that complement and enhance each other in various dishes, such as stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
Protein Of Choice – Protein of choice, such as chicken or tofu, pairs well with garlic because garlic enhances the savory flavor of the protein, adding a depth of taste that is both aromatic and delicious.
Lemon Juice – Lemon juice’s acidity and bright flavor complement garlic’s pungency, creating a well-balanced and aromatic foundation for various dishes.
Green Onions – Green onions and garlic both have strong, pungent flavors that complement each other well in cooking, with the garlic adding depth and the green onions providing a milder, fresher counterpoint.
Beans – Garlic complements beans by adding a savory and aromatic flavor that can help to balance the earthy taste of beans.
Seafood – Seafood and garlic both have delicate flavors that complement each other well, and garlic’s strong aroma and taste can help mask any fishy smell or taste in seafood.
Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of garlic by bringing out its natural sweetness and nuttiness, while also helping to mellow its raw, pungent taste.
Pepper – Pepper and garlic both have robust, savory flavors that complement each other well in various dishes, with pepper adding a hint of spiciness and garlic providing a pungent aroma and taste.
Asparagus –
Melon – The cool and refreshing taste of melon helps to balance the strong flavor of garlic, creating an interesting and tasty combination.
Baguette – The subtle, buttery flavor of a baguette complements the pungent and robust taste of garlic, creating a delightful combination in various dishes such as garlic bread or bruschetta.
Mushrooms – Mushrooms and garlic pair well together because the earthy, savory flavor of mushrooms is enhanced by the pungent, aromatic qualities of garlic, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in various dishes.
Cream – Cream’s rich and mild flavor balances well with garlic’s pungent and strong taste, creating harmonious and aromatic dishes.
Red Wine – Red wine, particularly those with robust tannins and high acidity, complements garlic’s pungent flavor due to the chemical interaction that softens the tannins and enhances both the wine and garlic’s flavors.
Heavy Cream –
Eggplant – Eggplant and garlic pair well together because the bold, pungent flavor of garlic complements the mild, slightly sweet taste of eggplant, while also helping to enhance its earthy notes.
Zucchini – Zucchini and garlic pair well together because the mild, slightly sweet flavor of zucchini is enhanced by the pungent, robust taste of garlic, creating a delicious and aromatic combination in dishes.
Salt And Pepper – Salt, pepper, and garlic all have properties that enhance and balance the flavors in savory dishes, with salt and pepper bringing out the natural taste of garlic.
Tomato – Tomatoes and garlic share similar cooking properties as they both release more flavor when cooked and are often used together in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, enhancing each other’s taste.
Blue Cheese – The strong and tangy flavor of blue cheese stands up well to garlic, making it a great addition to dips, spreads, and dressings.
Noodles – Noodles pair well with garlic because the bold and pungent flavor of garlic complements the neutral and subtle taste of noodles, adding depth and savoriness to the dish.
Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds and garlic pair well together because the nutty and earthy flavor of the seeds complements the pungent and savory taste of garlic, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in various dishes.
Strawberries – The sweetness of strawberries complements the pungency of garlic, especially when used in savory dishes like salads and sauces.
Curry Powder – Curry Powder and Garlic pair well together because the warm, aromatic spices in curry powder complement the pungent, savory flavor of garlic, creating a harmonious and flavorful base for various dishes.
Spices – Spices, including ones like cumin, coriander, and paprika, often have warm, complex flavors that complement and are enhanced by the pungent, savory taste of garlic, creating well-rounded and aromatic dishes.
Bell Pepper – Bell peppers and garlic both have subtle, sweet flavors that complement each other well, with garlic adding a pungency that enhances the overall taste of dishes.
Beef Broth – Beef broth and garlic pair well together because the rich and savory flavor of the beef broth is enhanced by the pungent and aromatic qualities of garlic, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
Lime – Lime’s acidity and bright, citrusy notes provide a refreshing contrast to garlic’s pungent and robust flavor, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in various dishes.
Chili Powder – Chili powder and garlic pair well together because the spiciness of the chili powder is complemented by the strong, pungent flavor of the garlic, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
Carrots – Carrots and garlic pair well together because the sweetness of the carrots complements the pungent flavor of the garlic, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in dishes.
Chili Peppers – Chili peppers and garlic both have strong flavors that complement and enhance each other, with the heat of the peppers balanced by the pungency of the garlic.
Chicken Broth – Chicken broth and garlic pair well together because the savory, comforting flavor of the broth is enhanced by garlic’s pungent, aromatic qualities, creating a harmonious and delicious combination.
Sesame Oil – Sesame oil’s nutty and savory flavor complements garlic’s pungent and aromatic properties, creating a harmonious combination in various culinary applications.
Vegetable Broth – Vegetable broth and garlic pair well together because garlic adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the broth, enhancing its savory taste.
Shrimp – Shrimp and garlic pair well together because the bold, pungent flavor of garlic complements the mild, sweet taste of shrimp, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
White Wine – White wine’s acidity and fruit flavors can balance garlic’s pungency, while its lightness complements delicately cooked garlic dishes.
Crusty Bread – The robust, tangy flavors of crusty bread and garlic complement each other perfectly, creating a delicious and savory combination.
Red Pepper Flakes – Red pepper flakes and garlic both have strong flavors that complement each other, with the heat of the pepper flakes balancing the pungency of the garlic.
Celery – Celery and garlic pair well together because the crisp, refreshing quality of celery complements the pungent and robust flavor of garlic, creating a balanced and flavorful combination in dishes.
Tomato Paste – Tomato paste and garlic naturally pair well together because their strong, savory flavors complement and enhance each other in dishes, with the garlic adding pungency and depth to the tomato paste’s rich, slightly sweet taste.
Turmeric –
Parsley – Parsley’s bright, fresh flavor and slight hint of pepper complement garlic’s pungent strength, creating a balanced and aromatic combination in various dishes.
Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs and garlic pair well together because the garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor that complements and enhances the bland, starchy taste of the breadcrumbs.
Paprika – Paprika and garlic both have complex, warm, and slightly sweet flavors that complement each other well in various dishes, adding depth and richness to the overall taste.
Oregano –
Ground Beef – Ground beef and garlic pair well together because the pungent and savory flavors of garlic enhance the rich and mild flavor of ground beef, adding depth and aroma to various dishes such as meat sauces, tacos, and meatloaf.
Peanuts – Peanuts and garlic both have strong, distinct flavors that complement each other well in dishes like stir-fries, pad thai, and peanut sauces.
Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar’s mild acidity and slight sweetness balance and enhance garlic’s pungent flavor, creating a harmonious and aromatic combination.
Chili Flakes – Chili flakes and garlic pair well together because the heat of the chili flakes is balanced by the sweetness of cooked garlic, and the flavors complement each other, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
Fish Sauce – Fish sauce and garlic both add savory, umami-rich flavors to dishes, making them a classic and complementary pairing in many cuisines.
Oyster Sauce – Oyster sauce and garlic pair well together because the savory, slightly sweet flavor of the oyster sauce is enhanced by the pungent, aromatic qualities of garlic, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
Seafood – Garlic complements seafood by adding a savory depth of flavor that doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the seafood.
Red Chili Flakes – Red chili flakes and garlic share similar intense flavors and mild spiciness, making them a complementary pairing that adds depth and heat to dishes.
Red Meat – Garlic complements red meat by adding a bold and savory flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of red meat.
Shallots – Shallots and garlic pair well together because shallots have a milder, slightly sweet flavor, while garlic has a strong, pungent flavor, creating a balanced and flavorful combination when used in cooking.
Cornstarch – Cornstarch is a common thickening agent that can help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency in garlic-based sauces, without imparting its own flavor, allowing the garlic taste to shine.
Apple Cider Vinegar –
Water – Water is often used to cook garlic, helping to soften its texture and mellow its flavor, making it a classic and versatile pairing in cooking.
Italian Seasoning – Italian seasoning typically includes herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary, which complement the pungent and savory flavors of garlic, enhancing the overall taste of many dishes.
Bread Slices – The aromatic and savory qualities of garlic complement the mild, slightly sweet flavor of bread slices, enhancing their appeal when used together in dishes.
Vegetables Of Choice – Vegetables of Choice pair well with garlic because garlic’s strong, pungent flavor enhances and balances the natural taste of many vegetables, adding depth and richness to their flavor profile.
Mixed Vegetables – Mixed vegetables and garlic pair well together because the pungent and aromatic flavor of garlic enhances and complements the various tastes and textures of the vegetables, adding depth and richness to the dish.
Bay Leaves – Bay leaves and garlic share a affinity for enhancing each other’s flavors, with the aromatic and slightly sweet bay leaves complementing the pungent and robust garlic, creating a balanced and savory taste in dishes.
Nutritional Yeast – Nutritional yeast has a savory, umami flavor that complements garlic’s pungent, aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall taste of dishes.
Kidney Beans – Kidney beans and garlic pair well together because the robust and earthy flavor of kidney beans is enhanced by garlic’s pungent and savory taste, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
Bay Leaf – Bay leaf and garlic share similar warm, aromatic qualities that complement and enhance each other in savory dishes.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers – Scotch Bonnet Peppers and Garlic both have strong, pungent flavors that complement and balance each other, with the garlic helping to round out the heat of the peppers.
White Pepper – White pepper’s milder heat and subtle flavor complement garlic’s pungency, creating a harmonious blend that enhances various dishes without overpowering them.
Seafood Broth –