How to Chop Garlic Quickly

Chopping the garlic quickly allows you to avoid the pungent smell.

Garlic has a strong odor and flavor, which makes it a very common seasoning. Before you can chop garlic successfully, you must remove its tough outer skin. Removing the skin separates the garlic into individual cloves. Fresh garlic pairs well with tomatoes, onions and ginger. Prepare garlic by sauteing, roasting or steaming it to release the flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Chef's knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Separate the garlic into cloves by pulling with your fingers. Press down on the garlic clove with the widest part of your knife and the palm of your hand. The garlic will slightly crack, and the peel will separate. Remove the outer skin from the garlic and discard.

2. Place the flat side of the garlic clove onto the cutting board. Hold the garlic with the hand that you do not cut with on top of the knife blade. Slice the garlic into thin and even slices with your knife.

3. Dice the garlic into smaller slices if you desire. Smash the garlic with the side of your knife and continue to chop the garlic until you are satisfied. Scrape the scattered garlic into a pile each time you crush and chop it.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle salt over the chopped garlic to help you chop it finely. The salt helps the garlic release juices so that you can cut it easily.

• Wear gloves when handling garlic to prevent the smell from staying on your skin.

References

• All Recipes: Chopping Garlic
• The Kitchenista: Step by Step: How to Chop Garlic
• BBC Good Food: How to Prepare and Cut Garlic
• The Kitchn: How to Peel Garlic Quickly and Easily