How to Make Homemade Minced Garlic (+ how to store and use it)

Learn how to make homemade minced garlic with this simple recipe. Discover the easiest way to peel and mince garlic, store it in an airtight container, and add it to your favorite savory recipes like garlic bread, salad dressings, garlic aioli or stir fry.

Minced garlic is a kitchen essential that brings depth and complexity to dishes from around the world. This aromatic and flavorful ingredient is versatile—whether you’re adding it to pastas, chicken, steak, dips, stews, salads, marinades, or spreads, it can enhance any recipe. With this easy step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to peel, mince, and store garlic the right way.

One great method involves infusing minced garlic in olive oil. This helps mellow out the sharpness of raw garlic while still retaining its distinct flavor profile. Not only will the oil become highly aromatic, but it will also take on the essence of garlic, making it a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to avoid the bland taste of garlic powder and replace it with a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Sure, peeling and mincing garlic might seem like a chore, especially when you can buy pre-minced garlic in a jar from the grocery store. But nothing beats the bold flavor of freshly minced garlic, and with just a few simple tricks, you’ll see that it’s well worth the time and effort. Let’s get started!

Jump to:

• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Why Mince Garlic
• Ingredients
• How to Peel Garlic
• How to Mince Garlic
• How to Store Minced Garlic
• Chef's Tips
• How to Use Minced Garlic
• Conversions
• FAQ's
• How to Make Homemade Minced Garlic (+ how to store and use it)

Health Benefits of Garlic

• Garlic, a member of the Allium family, which includes onions, shallots, and leeks, is more than just a culinary staple; it has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties.
• With its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, garlic helps fight infections and support overall wellness.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, and fiber, garlic contributes to a well-rounded diet.
• Consuming garlic may aid in reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system, making it a powerhouse ingredient in your daily routine.

Why Mince Garlic

• Chopping garlic is essential for activating its full flavor during cooking. When garlic is chopped or smashed, it releases the compound allicin, responsible for its aromatic and distinct flavor.
• As you chop or smash a clove of garlic, you damage the clove. The more you damage the clove, the stronger the garlic aroma and flavor become in your dish.
• This chemical reaction enhances the garlic's taste, making it an excellent addition to any flavorful meal.
• Minced garlic is a perfect way to distribute garlic's bold flavor throughout a recipe, adding depth to savory dishes.
• Whether you're using a garlic press or mincing it with a chef’s knife, the more finely you chop, the more intense the garlic flavor becomes.

Ingredients

• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Provide a robust flavor and aroma; essential for infusing the dish with rich garlic taste.
• Olive Oil: Serves as the base for cooking, enhancing flavor and aiding in achieving a good sear.
• Salt (Optional): Acts as a preservative and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Additional Olive Oil for Topping Up the Jar: Ensures the garlic cloves are fully submerged, aiding in preservation and prolonged freshness.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Peel Garlic

• Start by separating the cloves: place the head of garlic on a cutting board or flat surface, and use the palm of your hand to press down until the garlic breaks apart into individual cloves.
• To smash, always use a large sharp knife. Use the flat side of the knife, placing it over one clove. With your non-dominant hand holding the knife, press down with your dominant hand until you feel the clove crack.
• Once smashed, the garlic’s papery covering easily releases, making it simple to peel by hand.
• Repeat the process for each clove to quickly prepare a lot of garlic for mincing or cooking.

How to Mince Garlic

Use a Food Processor or Blender

• Add peeled garlic cloves, olive oil and salt (if using) to a blender or food processor. The salt acts as a preservative. Blend until minced to the desired consistency—little pieces. If you want the minced garlic to be similar to garlic paste, simply process for a little longer. Scrape the sides and pulse until all the garlic is the size you want.
• Remove from the blender. Use immediately. Alternatively store in a glass jar with a lid or an airtight container in the fridge. Top with olive oil to keep the garlic moist and flavorful.

Use a Knife

• With a sharp chef’s knife, use your dominant hand to slice off the dry-looking ends of each garlic clove. Place the garlic cloves on a cutting board. Place your non-dominant hand on top of the knife for stability.
• Chop the garlic using a fanning or rocking motion, keeping the tip of the knife in contact with the cutting board. Chop until you have tiny pieces.
• If you need garlic paste, add a little salt and use the flat side of the knife to rub and drag the garlic into a paste.
• Store in a glass jar with a lid or an airtight container in the fridge. Top with olive oil to retain moisture and flavor.

Use a Garlic Press

• Place a peeled garlic clove into the cavity of the press. Close and squeeze, then use the back of a knife to scrape off the minced garlic.
• Use immediately or store in a glass jar with a lid or an airtight container in the fridge.  Top with olive oil to keep the garlic moist and flavorful.

How to Store Minced Garlic

• Fridge: Transfer the minced garlic to a clean, dry, airtight container, ensuring the garlic is completely covered with olive oil. When using the garlic, scoop out the required quantity with a clean spoon. Always keep minced garlic with oil in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For leftover minced garlic not used within 5 days, freeze it in an ice cube tray for later use. This method helps preserve the flavor and quality for a longer period. Transfer the frozen garlic cubes to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Frozen garlic is best for cooked dishes as the texture and flavor differ from freshly minced garlic.

Chef's Tips

• Use fresh garlic for the best results. Use it after mincing to maintain its bold flavor.
• If your garlic cloves have green sprouts, remove them to avoid a bitter flavor in your dishes.
• Adding a little salt while mincing can act as a natural preservative and enhance the texture of garlic paste.

How to Use Minced Garlic

Use minced garlic in cooking to add a punch of bold flavor to any dish.

• Perfect for sautéed vegetables or a quick stir fry.
• Add marinades or salad dressings for extra depth.
• Use it as a base for soups and stews to build flavor.
• Works well with roasted meats and fish for a savory bite.
• Great for seasoning steak or chicken, adding a rich garlic flavor.
• An essential ingredient in pasta dishes, from simple garlic pasta to more complex sauces.
• Create delicious garlic butter to spread on bread or melt over grilled foods.
• Make homemade garlic bread by mixing minced garlic with butter and olive oil, spreading it on bread, and toasting.

Conversions

• One clove of garlic equals ½ teaspoon of minced garlic.
• One clove of garlic equals ½ teaspoon of garlic flakes.
• One clove of garlic equals ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• One clove of garlic equals ½ teaspoon of garlic salt.

FAQ's

Minced garlic is an essential ingredient for adding bold, aromatic flavor to countless dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can peel, mince, and store garlic to use in all your favorite recipes, from garlic bread to stir fry. Try these methods at home and experience the difference fresh minced garlic can make. Next time, skip the pre-minced jars from the grocery store and make your own at home!

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