Eggs are a versatile and nutritious food that can be prepared in many different ways. One popular way to season scrambled eggs or omelets is by adding garlic salt. But does garlic salt actually taste good on eggs? There are pros and cons to using garlic salt on eggs that are worth considering.
The case for garlic salt on eggs
Here are some of the benefits of using garlic salt on eggs:
- Adds flavor – Garlic salt enhances the flavor of eggs by adding the aromas and taste of garlic. This can make plain eggs much more interesting and appetizing.
- Boosts savoriness – Garlic contains umami compounds that increase the savory flavor of foods. Adding garlic salt to eggs increases their mouthwatering, savory taste.
- Easy way to season eggs – Keeping garlic salt on hand is an easy way to quickly add flavor to eggs without having to chop fresh garlic each time.
- Balances flavors – Garlic salt combines the rich flavor of garlic with the mineral taste of salt. This balanced flavor combination works well with eggs.
- Delicious on omelets – Omelets and scrambled egg dishes take well to garlic salt. It provides a tasty accent that doesn’t overpower the other fillings.
Overall, garlic salt is a quick and convenient way to give eggs more complexity and delicious savory garlic flavor. Just a pinch or a light sprinkle can make eggs more interesting.
The case against garlic salt on eggs
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to using garlic salt on eggs:
- May cause uneven seasoning – Since garlic salt includes salt, it can sometimes lead to eggs being over-salted. Getting an even distribution can be tricky.
- Risk of clumping – If the garlic salt is added on top, it may form clumps rather than blending smoothly into the eggs.
- Can overpower eggs – Garlic has a strong flavor. Too much garlic salt could make the egg flavor disappear.
- Health concerns – Garlic salt is very high in sodium, which may be unhealthy in high amounts, especially for those with medical conditions.
- Powdery texture – Garlic salt sprinkled on eggs creates a powdery, gritty texture contrast that some find unappealing.
Garlic salt should be used sparingly on eggs to avoid overwhelming the flavor or creating eggy grit. Subtler seasonings may suit some tastes better.
How much garlic salt should be used on eggs?
When adding garlic salt to eggs, moderation is key. Here are some tips for getting the best results:
- Use a light hand – Start with just a pinch or small sprinkle and increase gradually as needed.
- Mix it in – Blend garlic salt into scrambled eggs as they cook or beat it into egg mixtures rather than sprinkling on top.
- Balance with other seasonings – Combine garlic salt sparingly with black pepper, oregano, or onion powder rather than using alone.
- Taste and adjust – Before serving, quickly taste and add more garlic salt if needed for optimal flavor.
- Keep it minimal on omelets – Sprinkle just a pinch over omelet fillings so it doesn’t dominate.
Using a conservative amount allows the garlicky zing to complement eggs rather than overwhelm them. Let your personal taste preferences guide you on ideal garlic salt quantity.
What kinds of eggs work best with garlic salt?
The preparation method of the eggs makes a difference in how well garlic salt complements their flavor. Here is a look at what kinds of eggs pair best with garlic salt:
| Egg type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scrambled eggs | Work very well, as garlic salt blends into the scrambled eggs evenly |
| Fried eggs | Not ideal, as garlic salt can become patchy and unevenly distributed when fried |
| Poached eggs | Garlic salt complements nicely when a pinch is blended into the poaching liquid |
| Hard boiled eggs | Sprinkling on top works well to add flavor |
| Omelets and frittatas | Complemented nicely by garlic salt blended into the egg mixture or sprinkled minimally over the top |
| Egg salad and deviled eggs | Mix in small amounts to add savory garlic flavor without overpowering other ingredients |
As the table illustrates, Garlic salt works best when blended into scrambled eggs, poached eggs, omelets, and egg mixtures that will be cooked. Using it as a sparse finishing sprinkle on some cooked or pre-made egg dishes can also work well. Fried eggs are the least compatible with garlic salt.
What foods and seasonings pair well with garlic salted eggs?
Garlic saltiness can be balanced by pairing eggs seasoned with it with the right complementary foods and flavors. Here are some excellent matches:
- Cheese – Melting cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack into eggs alongside garlic salt boosts the savory umami flavor.
- Onions or scallions – Sauteeing onions or scallions with garlic salted scrambled eggs adds a perfect flavor pairing.
- Mushrooms – The earthiness of mushrooms beautifully balances the zing of garlic salt.
- Bell peppers – Red, yellow or green bell peppers add freshness and texture.
- Tomatoes – Fresh diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes pair well with garlicky eggs.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon and garlic salt is a tasty flavor match on omelets or breakfast plates.
- Herbs – Fresh chives, parsley, basil, cilantro all work well with garlic salted eggs.
- Black pepper – A light sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper beautifully offsets garlic salt’s punch.
Build a flavor profile around the garlic salt in eggs by including ingredients like these that have complementary or contrasting tastes and textures.
Should any ingredients be avoided with garlic salted eggs?
There are a few ingredients that don’t pair so well when eggs are seasoned with garlic salt. Here are some ingredients to use with caution or avoid:
- Heavy cream – The richness of heavy cream and garlic salt together can be overpowering.
- Strong cured meats like sausage or ham – Can make eggs taste too salty.
- Fish like salmon or tuna – The strong fish flavors compete too much with garlic salt.
- Spicy peppers like jalapeños – Can create a clashing flavor sensation.
- Sweet fruits like pineapple – The sweetness is odd with garlic salt.
Stick with lighter dairy, vegetables, herbs, and uncured meat choices that won’t conflict with the garlic salt seasoning for best results.
Conclusion
Using a light hand and thoughtful pairings, garlic salt can enhance the flavor of eggs in delicious ways. But eggs can also taste great using simpler seasonings or no salt at all. Ultimately it comes down to personal taste – if you enjoy the zing garlic salt gives to eggs, don’t be afraid to give it dash. But be careful not to overdo it, as eggs are often best when allowed to be the star of the show.