How to Mince Garlic – Tips & Tricks

You can never go wrong when it comes to adding more flavor! Check out these easy steps to become a pro at mincing garlic.

It’s the tedious things in cooking that really make a difference in bringing your recipes to the next level. How garlic is cut can change the taste of your food drastically and you may not even realize! Wait until you try mincing your garlic the right way and see how much better your flavors will come together. This is an ingredient that I use in a ton of my recipes and knowing how to mince garlic makes my cooking go a lot smoother. It is super easy and quick to do once you get the hang of it. Follow these simple steps and keep practicing to become a pro!

How to find the best garlic

Before we can start mincing, you have to find the perfect bulb! Usually fresh garlic is located in the produce section of a grocery store either by the pound, already peeled and put in packages, or in nets. Find ones that are firm and look like the skin is about to fall off for the best results.

How to peel garlic

There are many different ways you can peel your bulb of garlic:

Microwave method

1. Place your garlic clove on a plate.
2. Microwave for about 5 to 7 seconds.
3. Remove and push on the end of the clove (The skin will pop right off!).

Knife method

1. Place your garlic clove on a cutting board facing down.
2. Take a large knife and set it flat on top of the garlic
3. Push down firmly until you hear it crunch!
4. Lastly, just peel all of the remaining skin off.

Shaking method

1. Take your bulb of garlic and smash it on a cutting board.
2. Remove the cloves you want to use for your recipe.
3. Then, place those in a small container with a lid.
4. Shake aggressively until you see the skin is all off!

How to mince garlic

This can be done either by hand, with a grater, or with a garlic press if you have one!

By Hand

1. All you need is a large chef’s knife and a cutting board.
2. Place your cloves on the board and cut them into tiny pieces.

Grater

1. Grate the cloves just like you would with cheese.
2. This is super easy to do if you are in the middle of cooking a meal and need to pop them in quick.

Garlic Press

1. This is a great kitchen tool to get if you are not the best at cutting into small pieces.
2. Simply place the clove inside and squeeze it together.

How to store your garlic

After mincing garlic, if you have any left over it can last in the fridge for 3-5 days in a sealed container. They can last in the freezer for up to 6 months if you spread them out on a pan for an hour in the freezer and then transfer it to a container. (This can change the flavor of the garlic, so be aware of this).

Pro Tip

Did you know that you can remove the smell of garlic from your hands with stainless steel? After preparing your minced garlic simply wash your hands with soap and scrub them on the side of your sink or a pot to remove the smell! 

Now it’s time to put your skills to the test. Check out all these recipes that include minced garlic!

1. My 10 Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp
2. Garlic Asparagus
3. Loaded Pesto Pasta
4. Philly Cheesesteak with Garlic Mayo
5. The BEST Meatball Subs
6. Strawberry, Watermelon, and Arugula Salad

And these are only a few… search ‘garlic’ on my site for hundreds of more amazing recipes you’ll be able to make after what you have learned!