Garlic is the basis of so many dishes. Whether you’re making garlicky Italian pasta, Chinese stir-fry, or a protein-rich homemade soup, freshly minced garlic adds another flavor and taste to your dish that pre-made jars of garlic just won’t provide. But how to mince garlic with a knife, that’s still a puzzler for a lot of readers.
Lots of recipes start with mincing the garlic, especially if we are using it as the foundation for a sauce. When you know how to mince garlic, you level up your prep work in the kitchen. Quick, foolproof, and all you really need is a sharp knife and a cutting board.
In this post, I will demonstrate how to mince garlic with a knife and explain why I prefer this method. I’ll also provide you with some tips and recommend the knives I prefer for the job.
How to Mince Garlic With a Knife
Mincing garlic might seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite easy! So, here’s the fastest way to chop garlic with a knife:
- Separate the cloves: Grab a head of garlic, and twist each clove until it loosens, then pull it out.
- Trim the ends: With your knife, trim the root end of each clove of garlic.
- Crush to peel: Lay the flat side of your chef’s knife over the clove of garlic. Then, press the palm of your hand on top of the garlic and crush its surface with light pressure. Eventually, the skin will slip and peel off.
- Slice the garlic: Cut the clove of peeled garlic into thin strips, lengthwise.
- Turn and chop: Chop the slices into smaller slices.
- Mince finely: Now put your free hand on the back of the knife and rock it back and forth until your garlic pieces are as small as you like them.
That’s it! You just learned how to mince garlic cloves with a knife. That's a quick, safe, and precise way.
Tips for Mincing Garlic Cloves With a Knife
For mincing on a pro level, here are a few tips:
- Use the right knife: A good, sharp chef’s knife or even a small utility knife is crucial. Blunt blades lead to uneven crushing of the garlic rather than slicing.
- Stabilize your cutting board: A damp towel underneath to halt the cutting board from sliding.
- Control your cut: Hold the knife tip down on the board and rock the blade back and forth for a finer mince.
- Add salt for friction: A sprinkle of coarse salt on the garlic can help grind it down into a paste.
- Practice consistency: The more consistent in size and shape your garlic is, the more evenly it will cook and release its flavor.
Not only do the tips above make things go a bit easier, but they also ensure you get the most flavour from your garlic without having it go bitter.
Best Knives for Crushing Your Garlic
The key to finely chopped garlic begins with a sharp knife. Kyoku makes Japanese knives that are sharp, sturdy, and precise, meaning they are an ideal tool for garlic prep and a whole lot more. Here are some good options:
1. Shogun Series 8" Chef Knife
- Made of 67-layer high-carbon stainless steel, this Shogun VG-10 Japanese cook's knife is individually hand-hammered (tsuchime) to a perfect finish.
- Its G-10 handle is easy to handle, even after multiple chops.
- Great for minced garlic, diced vegetables, and sliced meats.
2. Samurai Series 5" Utility Knife
- Small but mighty, this 5-inch utility knife is great for tossing garlic cloves in for a quick mince.
- Constructed with high-carbon steel and equipped with a pakkawood handle, it strikes a nice balance between durability and comfort.
- Great if you like a lighter, twistier knife for garlic prep.
FAQs About Mincing Garlic
1. Is mincing the same as chopping garlic?
Not exactly. If you chop your garlic, the pieces will be bigger and more uneven. If you mince it, it will be small and fairly one-size. The garlic is minced so it will cook more quickly and give up more of its flavor.
2. How fine should I mince garlic?
It depends on your recipe. For sauces or a marinade, the finer the better. A slightly rough mince is also good for stir-fries or soups.
3. Can I mince garlic without a knife?
Yes, you can mince garlic with a press, a microplate, or other tools, but if you know how to mince garlic with a knife, the cutting process is a breeze, and it gives you much more control over flavor and texture.
4. Is it better to mince garlic fresh or use pre-minced garlic?
Always remember, fresh minced garlic gives you the best taste and aroma compared to the pre-minced jars that include preservatives.
Conclusion
How to mince garlic with a knife? It’s one of those small yet life-changing skills that every cook should master. Not only does it save you money over pre-minced garlic, but it also enhances the freshness and spice flavors in your own dishes.
With a few easy-to-learn tips from the pros, you’ll be mincing garlic in no time, and without all the clean-up! With Kyoku’s Japanese knives, cooking is no longer a chore; it’s a passion, and we hope to add that passion to your life and home. Shop now at Kyokuknives.
