How to Mince Garlic

Minced garlic is used in almost every savory recipe! Learn how to mince garlic perfectly with our tips and tricks.

Learn How to Mince Garlic for your perfect pasta or any savory recipe. For more tips and tricks in the kitchen, check out our posts on How to Cut a Watermelon, and How to Freeze Pancakes!

Everything is Better with Minced Garlic!

I LOVE garlic. In fact, I consider it an essential ingredient. 😉 It elevates almost any recipe and gives it that extra flavoring that is so delicious. Nothing smells better than minced garlic cooking on the stove.

If you’re not familiar with how to mince a clove of garlic, then this post is for you! It’s super simple and you will be a pro with just a little bit of practice. So read on and get started mincing!

Choosing and Peeling Garlic

When choosing a bulb of garlic, look for ones that are firm, plump and have dry papery skin. They should be stored in a dry open aired section of the produce department.

How to Peel Garlic

To quickly peel a bulb using the shake method:

• Firmly pound the bulb on the counter and separate all of the cloves.
• Place all of the cloves in a jar with a lid.
• Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. The cloves will slide right out of their peels.
• Pick out all of the cloves.

If you just need a few cloves, simply remove the desired number from the larger garlic bulb. Using the flat side of the knife, press firmly down on the cloves to crush and loosen the clove from the peel.

Ways to Mince Garlic

There are several ways to do it! Here are our top ways to mince garlic.

• Knife and cutting board: Use a large chef’s knife to chop the garlic clove into small pieces, or your desired size.
• Garlic press: Place the peeled cloves in a garlic press. The garlic will be forced through the holes. Clear the scraps from the inside of the press and repeat as needed.
• Grater: Use a rasp grater/microplane. Grate the cloves just like you would a small piece of cheese. This is a handy way to grate the garlic right over the pan.

Minced Garlic tips

Green root on garlic. As long as the fleshy part of the garlic looks white and feels firm it is still ok to eat even after a green root starts to form. Slice the clove and remove the small green root as it is a bit bitter.

Measuring minced garlic. Many recipes will ask for a certain measuring amount such as 1 tsp of minced garlic other recipes will state for you to use a certain number of cloves. Generally 1 medium-size clove of Garlic will yield about 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic.

Fresh garlic substitutions. If you do not have a bulb of fresh garlic you can use other types of garlic. For 1 clove of garlic, you can use any of the following:

• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic flakes 
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice

More Garlic Tips

Aromatics: Many recipes, particularly sauces, soups, stews, stir fries, curries and braises, utilize aromatic vegetables to add deep, rich layers of flavors to round out the dish.

Some commonly used aromatics include garlic, onions, chilis, ginger, peppers, celery, carrots and more. To get the best flavor these aromatics are activated before being added to the rest of the recipe. 

To activate garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. For every teaspoon of garlic you’ll need ½ teaspoon of olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around for about 30 seconds.

The garlic will turn a golden color and the aroma will make your mouth water. Make sure that you are watchful as the garlic can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

Ways to Store Garlic

Whole Bulbs of Garlic should be stored in a dark cool place. Place them in an open container, mesh bag or paper bag which allows for a lot of air flow. Whole bulbs can last for 3-6 months. Individual unpeeled cloves can last for 2-3 weeks when stored in cool dark places. 

Peeled Garlic Cloves. Place peeled, uncut, cloves in an airtight container, food storage grade, and store it in the fridge for 5-7 days. 

Minced Garlic. Chopped garlic can be stored in an airtight food grade container in the fridge for 2-4 days. (Do not add oil or water when storing it in the fridge) 

FREEZING GARLIC

• whole bulbs. wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and again with foil, for up to 6 months.
• peeled cloves can be placed in a freezer ziploc and stored in the freezer for several weeks.
• minced or cut garlic. stir in ⅛-¼ teaspoon of oil for every ½ cup of garlic (The oil helps protect the garlic flavor and keeps the garlic from freezing too hard). Line a pan with parchment paper and drop the minced garlic in 1 or 2 teaspoon mounds. Freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer Ziploc. And store for 2-3 months. 

Check out some Delicious garlic dishes:

• Garlic Butter Pasta
• Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
• Garlic Knots
• Garlic Noodles