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How to Prepare Garlic

By Pillsbury Kitchens
Created December 2, 2024
Side angle shot of hands preparing pastry on a baking sheet, surrounded by a knife, sliced onion, garlic, herbs, spinach, cheese, and a grater on a wooden table.
Learn how to mince garlic in whatever way you prefer with this step-by-step guide.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to prepare and mince raw garlic like a pro! Whether you're just starting in the kitchen or are already a seasoned cook, perfectly minced garlic can elevate the flavors almost any dish. Freshly minced garlic offers an aroma and taste that store-bought, pre-minced alternatives simply can't match. So, let's get started with this flavorful journey.

Why Mince Garlic?

Mincing raw garlic releases allicin, the compound responsible for garlic's intense aroma and flavor. The finer you chop or crush garlic, the more allicin is produced, making minced garlic an excellent choice for recipes where robust garlic flavor is desired. However, keep in mind that allicin degrades quickly, and while it may offer health benefits, these benefits can vary depending on how the garlic is prepared and used.

How to Mince Garlic

Choosing and Preparing Garlic

The first step in any of the garlic mincing methods you'll find below, is to find a great head of garlic! A good bulb (or head) should be firm with a creamy white or ivory skin color. If you notice soft spots or yellow to brown discoloration, that means it may be starting to spoil. After you choose the right head of garlic, you'll take off the paper skin and remove as many cloves as you need. If your garlic has sat in the pantry for a bit, you may notice it begin to sprout thin green tops. If so, chop these sprouts off before you continue, as they can be bitter. Finally to prepare, peel the individual cloves and then choose from one of the mincing methods below!

Knife Mince

  • Technique: Use a sharp chef's knife to finely chop garlic into uniform pieces. Cutting against the grain, you'll make thin slices before combining them in a rough pile for a chop in the opposite direction. You'll want to use a rocking motion with your knife, chopping the garlic into smaller and smaller pieces. The key is to be patient and keep chopping until the garlic is as fine as you like. You'll know it's ready when you have a pile of tiny, evenly chopped garlic pieces.
  • Pros: Produces consistent, even garlic pieces that cook uniformly.
  • Cons: Requires some basic knife skills and can be time-consuming as you're learning.

Knife Smash

  • Technique: Smash the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife, then chop.
  • Pros: This is slightly quicker than mincing and releases more juice for a stronger flavor.
  • Cons: Results in a rougher texture and sometimes that more intense flavor isn't want you'll want.

Garlic Press

  • Technique: Place peeled garlic in the press and squeeze the handles together. This will be tough, but will push out a perfectly smashed pile of garlic.
  • Pros: Quick and easy; minimal handling required.
  • Cons: Garlic may be too liquidy and these tools can waste some of the garlic.

Fine Grater

  • Technique: Grate garlic on a fine grater or zester.
  • Pros: Produces a paste-like texture, perfect for blending into sauces.
  • Cons: Requires a specific type of grater. Holding a small clove of garlic to a sharp surface means you need to be extra cautious of finger placement. Grate carefully!

Traditional Grater

  • Technique: Use a tradition grater, also called a ribbon grater, for thin garlic flakes.
  • Pros: Quick, with a balanced flavor; great for direct application in dishes.
  • Cons: Requires a specific type of grater. Again, Grate carefully as this also requires holding a small clove of garlic to a sharp surface, so be extra cautious of finger placement.

Mini Food Processor

  • Technique: Pulse peeled garlic cloves in a mini processor.
  • Pros: Ideal for processing multiple cloves or a large quantity quickly.
  • Cons: Less uniformity in size and more cleanup required.

How to Store Minced Garlic

Keeping minced garlic fresh is important to preserve its flavor and aroma. There are a couple of methods you can use to do this:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to six months. Note that frozen garlic is best used in cooked dishes. Avoid storing minced garlic in oil at room temperature due to the risk of botulism. If you store garlic in oil, refrigerate immediately and use within a week to ensure it is consumed safely.

Recipes for Garlic Lovers

Here are some recipes for inspiration that will show you how to incorporate your freshly minced garlic into a variety of delicious recipes:

  • Garlic Parmesan White Beans
  • Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
  • Easy Hummus
  • Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Mastering how to mince garlic opens the door to more aromatic and flavorful meals. Try out different methods to find the one you love most, and don't hesitate to use your freshly minced garlic to enhance your favorite recipes. Happy cooking!