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How to Peel, Cut and Mince Garlic the Right Way
5 from 15 votes

How to Peel, Cut and Mince Garlic the Right Way

This guide explains how to peel, slice, chop, crush, and mince garlic properly, starting from whole garlic bulbs to various forms for cooking. It covers simple techniques such as pressing cloves to loosen skin and using knife pressure to peel, plus ways to prepare garlic in different cuts to suit recipes and flavors.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Course: Condiments

Ingredients

  • 1 bulb garlic

Instructions

How to peel garlic
    Cup of Yum
  1. Press the garlic: Place garlic bulb on a cutting board. Press down on it with your palm on the root side to loosen the garlic cloves
  2. Loosen the garlic cloves: Separate each garlic clove from the root using your fingers
  3. Trim the end: Using a knife trin the root end of each garlic clove.
  4. Gently Crush the clove: Place a garlic clove flat on the cutting board. Place the flat side of a chef's knife on the clove. Gently press with your palm in top of the flat knife until you feel the skin crack. Don't smush too much on the clove during this step.
  5. Peel the skin: Remove the papery skin using your fingers. Discard the skin. It should be easy after the gentle crush.
Slice, Chop, Crush or Mince Garlic:
  1. Slice: Place the peeled garlic flat side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the garlic.
  2. Chop: Chop the sliced garlic crosswise using the knife.
  3. Crushed Garlic: Place the peeled garlic flat side down on a cutting board. Place the flat side of the chef's knife on the clove again and crush it.
  4. Mincing with a knife: Slice the garlic cloves. Hold the knife securely, and place the fingertips of the other free hand on top of the blade near the tip to secure it. Use the rocking action to move the knife up and down to mince to the desired size.
  5. Paste: Add the garlic cloves along with a little oil or water and pulse it in the blender to make a fine paste.
  6. Use the cut or minced garlic immediately or within 1-2 hours.

Notes

  • Using a garlic tube peeler can simplify removing the skins from cloves.
  • Microwaving garlic cloves for 10 seconds loosens the skin for easier peeling.
  • A garlic press or microplane can be used to mince garlic finely.
  • Garlic paste can be prepared and stored ahead to save prep time; additional resources on this method are available.