Want to know how to crush garlic? Around here, we do it on the daily. In fact, we use garlic in more recipes than we can count! What makes this method different from mincing? How do you do it? Here’s a bit more about terminology, and how to put it into practice in your kitchen.
What is crushed garlic?
There is some confusion in terminology around crushed garlic. Perhaps that’s because a garlic press is also known as a garlic crusher, but it results in minced garlic. Here’s what to know about the way terminology may be used in recipes:
Crushed garlic in some recipes is the same as smashed. In this case, the garlic clove is used whole, and then usually pulled out of the dish and discarded later. This helps to infuse a subtle garlic flavor. In other recipes, crushed garlic is the same as minced. These recipes use the garlic as a whole ingredient, and you mince it in exactly the same way as you would minced garlic. The recipe may refer to a garlic crusher.
Bottom line: This terminology isn’t standardized, and it varies between countries! Take a look at your recipe and make a best guess on whether the writer meant “smashed” or “minced.” On this website, you’ll see those terms used in all our recipes.
How to crush garlic
Though it might seem intuitive, we don’t recommend using a garlic crusher. Otherwise known as a garlic press, it’s not the best tool for the job. It makes very fine shreds that are more pungent, making for a potentially overpowering flavor. It’s also hard to clean and can be difficult to use. The best way to crush garlic is with a chef’s knife! Here’s how to do it: How did it go? Let us know in the comments below.
More garlic recipes
There are so many tasty garlic recipes to try! It infuses major flavor in many of our recipes, but there are some where it’s the star. Here are some of our favorites where you can practice your new skill:
Whip up easy and impressive Garlic Butter Make your kitchen smell magical with Roasted Garlic or Garlic Confit Mix up simple and tasty Garlic Butter Sauce Pasta or Garlic Noodles Go big with Garlic Mashed Potatoes Try our fan favorite Classic Garlic Bread or Garlic Toast Pair it with seafood for Garlic Butter Shrimp Make shortcut Garlic Mayo (Mayo Aioli) as a dipping sauce Mix up a batch of Garlic Naan Bread
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