Trader Joe’s citrusy garlic seasoning blend is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this unique seasoning:
What is Trader Joe’s citrusy garlic?
Trader Joe’s citrusy garlic is a blend of garlic, lemon peel, orange peel, onion, and spices like parsley and black pepper. It comes in a glass jar and has a coarse texture from the garlic and citrus peels.
The dominant flavors are garlic, lemon, and orange. When cooked, the citrus peels soften and release their oils, infusing food with bright, fresh citrus flavor. The garlic adds pungency, onion adds depth, and the spices round out the flavor.
Best uses for citrusy garlic:
Marinades and dressings
Citrusy garlic can be whisked into oil and vinegar for a quick salad dressing or marinade. The citrus oils will give it a bright, fresh flavor. It’s especially good in salad dressings paired with hearty greens like kale or romaine.
For marinades, try using it when grilling meat, fish, or tofu. The citrus oils help tenderize and infuse flavor. It pairs well with chicken, steak, salmon, and pork.
Roasting vegetables
Roasting is a simple way to boost the flavor of vegetables. Toss chopped veggies with a drizzle of oil and a few pinches of the citrusy garlic. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until tender and browned. It pairs well with cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and squash.
Sauteeing greens
Sauteeing tougher greens like kale, collards, or chard? Add a pinch of the citrusy garlic to the pan for a flavor boost. The garlic and citrus cut through the bitterness of the greens.
Grains and beans
Sprinkle the seasoning into grains or bean dishes for extra dimension. It can be stirred into rice, quinoa, farro, lentils, chickpeas, etc. The onions and spices will add warmth and flavor.
Soups and stews
Use citrusy garlic to layer flavor in hearty soups and stews. Try adding it to tomato soup, minestrone, beef stew, lentil soup, and more. It can be stirred in toward the end to preserve the freshness.
Homemade hummus
Adding a pinch of citrusy garlic to homemade hummus recipes gives it a nice flavor boost. The lemon complements the chickpeas beautifully.
Pasta dishes
Toss some of the seasoning into pasta dishes like spaghetti with marinara sauce, pasta primavera, or pesto pasta. It will give an extra punch of flavor.
Meat rubs
Use citrusy garlic as part of a homemade dry rub for meats. The citrus oils help tenderize and add moisture for juicy, flavorful results. It pairs especially well with pork and chicken.
How much to use
Citrusy garlic has a pretty strong flavor, so a little goes a long way. Here are some tips on amounts:
- Salad dressings: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per 1-2 servings
- Marinades: 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon per pound of protein
- Roasting vegetables: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per pound
- Sauteeing greens: 1⁄4 teaspoon for a large batch
- Grains/beans: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per 3-4 servings
- Soups/stews: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon for a batch that serves 4-6
- Hummus: 1⁄4 teaspoon for a standard recipe
- Pasta: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon per serving
- Meat rubs: 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon per pound of protein
Start with less and add more to taste. You can always add more seasoning but you can’t take it out once it’s added!
Complementary flavors
Citrusy garlic pairs well with other fresh, bright ingredients like:
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Orange juice
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil
- Shallots
- Olive oil
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish like salmon or halibut
The citrus flavors complement the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables like corn, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, spinach, and zucchini.
Storage
To maximize freshness, store citrusy garlic in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep the jar sealed tightly. The oils from the citrus peel can go rancid if exposed to heat, light, or air for too long.
Properly stored, citrusy garlic will keep for about 1 year. If it ever starts tasting bitter or unpleasant, it’s time to discard and purchase a fresh jar.
Conclusion
With its punchy garlic flavor mellowed by bright citrus, Trader Joe’s citrusy garlic is a versatile seasoning for adding flavor to vegetables, grains, proteins and more. A little sprinkled in at the end of cooking can take a dish from bland to brilliant. Experiment with using it in marinades, dressings, rubs and other uses to enhance your homemade meals with a gourmet flair.