Garlic is one of those ingredients that seems to make the most ordinary recipe more flavorful, fresh and interesting. Numerous appetizers and main dishes use garlic so knowing how to chop garlic the right way can make your recipe come together fast and easy. This step by step tutorial was put together by a professional chef, so I hope you will find it useful and easy to remember going forward in your cooking adventures.
What You Will Need
In order to chop garlic properly, you will need:
- garlic cloves (however many the recipe requires)
- a small knife
- a wide, flat knife (chef’s knife)
- cutting board
Step #1. Peel the Cloves
Remove the peel using a small knife.
Pro Tip: A clove of garlic is one of the smaller, round pieces in the whole garlic. Here is a tip to separate the cloves and make chopping them easier. Use either a larger knife or the back of a wooden spoon to smash the garlic bulb. One good smash with your hand on it will separate the membranes and the cloves.
Step #2. Smash the Cloves
Smash the peeled clove with a large flat knife (chef’s knife) to flatten the garlic.
Step #3. Cut into Strips
Cut the smashed clove lengthwise, forming long strips.
Step #4. Chop
Chop the strips into small cubes.
Keep the point of the knife on the cutting board, moving the knife up and down the garlic strips to chop as finely as needed.
Step #5. Ready to Use
Now your chopped garlic is ready to use in many dishes!
Storage
- If you aren’t using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze it in a freeze safe container for up to 3 months.
Bonus: How to Mince Garlic
Either continue to chop until the garlic pieces are much finer, or use a garlic press (the easy, quick way).
With a garlic press, you can easily mince garlic in seconds. Simply place one peeled clove (with some garlic presses, you can skip the peeling) at a time into the press and squeeze the handles together. Out comes minced garlic!
Difference Between Minced, Chopped & Sliced Garlic
The above image shows the difference between minced, chopped and sliced garlic.
- Sliced: Sliced garlic is fine vertical slices from the whole garlic clove. You can use it to make crispy garlic chips or in stir fries.
- Chopped: Chopped garlic consists of larger pieces of the garlic clove and is great added to soups, stir fries and pickling recipes.
- Minced: Minced garlic is much finer than chopped garlic. It is used in dips and sauces to add garlicky flavor without throwing off the texture with garlic chunks. I also like using it in mashed potatoes.
Sample Preparation: Garlic Bread
Serve with butter and salt over freshly baked bread and enjoy!
Raw or fresh, garlic is one of my favorite smells in the kitchen. Chopping it releases the pungent aroma. It bursts with flavor when sautéed and added to your favorite recipe. It will add dimension and freshness that is accomplished only with fresh, healthy ingredients. What are some of your favorite recipes that use garlic? Let me know in the comments and please share this tutorial!
How to Chop Garlic
Equipment
Materials
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Remove the peel from the garlic clove using a small knife.
- Smash the peeled clove with a flat knife on a cutting board.
- Cut the smashed clove lengthwise, forming long strips.
- Chop the strips into small cubes. Keep the point of the knife on the cutting board, moving the knife up and down the garlic strips to chop as finely as needed.
- The chopped garlic is ready to use.
Notes
- If you aren’t using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze it in a freeze safe container for up to 3 months.