How to Press Garlic Without a Garlic Press

Skip the garlic press; use a knife instead.

Some say using a garlic press breaks down the clove more fully to release more flavors and juices. Others say it can actually hurt the flavor. But most agree a garlic press can be time consuming and difficult to clean effectively. Luckily, a knife can work just as well as a garlic press and is much easier to clean.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Place the garlic clove on a clean, dry cutting board.

2. Center the flat side of a sharp knife blade over the clove. With your other hand smack the blade down on the clove to open it.

3. Peel off the paper skin around the clove. Cut away the woody part on the clove's base. Remove the green sprout if the clove has one.

4. Cut the leftover clove. Chop repeatedly, moving the knife sideways, rocking the blade back and forth over the clove pieces. Scrape up bits of garlic and gather into a mound to chop again. Continue chopping until all garlic pieces are chopped as finely as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle the garlic with salt as you chop it for extra flavor and to release juices.

References

• OChef: Pureeing Garlic By Hand
• Fine Cooking; Garlic: To Press or Not To Press; Jennifer Armentrout; Aug. 2009
• Real Simple: How To: Peel and Chop Garlic