How to Mince Garlic

Learn how to mince garlic using the simple step-by-step guide below. So easy, you may never buy the jarred stuff again.

Six bulbs of garlic on a large marble cutting board.

How to Peel and Mince Garlic

How to peel and mince garlic without a garlic press:

Use a chef’s knife to cut the root end from the garlic bulb, or, place the bulb on a sturdy surface, root-side-down, and press firmly with the palm of your hand to loosen the cloves.
Separate and remove the cloves from the root.
Use a knife to trim a small amount from the root and tip from each end. Trimming the ends will make it easier to separate the peel from the clove.
Remove the peel with your fingers.
One at a time, use your knife to make thin vertical slices through the clove. Turn the knife and continue with horizantal slices. Make a small pile and continue to chop until the desired mince size is reached.

Collage of six images showing how to peel and mince garlic step-by-step.

Best Garlic Press

There are hundreds of garlic presses out there and while I can’t speak for all of them, I can speak for one – the ORBLUE Garlic Press. I have owned and used this garlic press for more than 5 years and it works just as well today as the day I bought it. You will still need to peel your garlic, but mincing it will be much faster.

Collage of three images showing the steps to use a garlic press.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teaspoons of minced garlic equals 1 clove?

Unfortunately there isn’t an exact answer to this question given the size difference from one clove of garlic to the next or how finely the garlic was minced. With this is mind, it is estimated that one medium-sized clove will give about one teaspoon of minced.

Minced vs. chopped garlic?

Minced garlic is much more finely chopped when compared to chopped garlic, about 1/16-inch vs. 1/8-inch. Chopped garlic has more bite, whereas minced has stronger flavor. Chopped garlic is best for soups, stews, or cooking in oil to flavor chicken and vegetables. Minced is ideal for sauces and stir-frys.

Minced vs. pressed garlic?

Pressed garlic (when pressed with a garlic press) is “wetter” than garlic that is minced using a knife. It is also much stronger tasting. Garlic pressed using a microplane is even wetter, nearly pureed, with the strongest taste.

How long does garlic last in the fridge?

Individual peeled cloves of garlic will last for 1 day when stored in the refrigerator. Minced garlic will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed jar and covered with olive oil.

Minced Garlic Tips and Tricks

For best results, avoid chopping garlic too far in advance. The longer it sits, the harsher the flavor (and not in a pleasent way).
The finer the mince the more potant flavor.
When adding minced garlic to recipes, add it after all of the other vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, etc.) have been softened first.
Trouble removing the skin from the garlic cloves? Try microwaving the cloves for 10-15 seconds. The skins should peel off more easily.

Close up image of one whole garlic bulb surrounded by additional bulbs of garlic in the foreground and background.

Recipes that use minced garlic,

Have you tried mincing your own garlic?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

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