How to Make Garlic Paste: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade garlic paste doesn't involve simply smashing up garlic cloves because there’s a little finesse involved if you want to create a smooth, creamy texture. Learning how to peel and mince garlic like a pro. involves following certain steps, especially if you enjoy having a ready-to-use paste whenever you whip up a meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make garlic paste.

What Is Garlic Paste?

Garlic paste is a smooth paste made from fresh garlic cloves that you can easily stir into sauces, pasta or spreads. Many people also add a bit of oil to enhance its texture. Having garlic paste for all your dishes can be incredibly convenient because you won't have to mince and chop garlic every time you cook.

A bowl of freshly made garlic paste on a wooden surface, surrounded by garlic cloves

Find the Perfect Knife for Garlic Paste Today

Tools & Ingredients Needed

Preparing garlic paste is simple if you have the right tools and ingredients. Here's what you need:

Chef Knife

A sharp chef's knife, like our Shujin Gyuto Damascus Knife. lets you chop the garlic into tiny pieces before blending it into a paste.

Paring Knife

Use a paring knife to peel the skin off each garlic clove. The sharp tip lets you peel the skin off without digging into the garlic. Our 3.5-inch paring knife from our Awabi Damascus Chef Knife Set should work perfectly.

Cutting Board

A solid and sturdy cutting board, like our Acacia End Grain Cutting Board, provides a clean and safe surface to cut your garlic.

Fresh Garlic Cloves

Look for fresh, firm garlic cloves that give off a rich aroma.

Fresh garlic cloves spilling from a white container onto a woven surface, with a garlic press in the background

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps create a creamy texture when blending your cloves into a smooth paste. It also prevents the garlic from drying out.

Salt

A pinch of salt is enough to bring out the flavors of the garlic. It’s also worth noting that salt also works as a natural preservative to help keep your paste fresh.

Optional Variations

You can elevate your garlic paste by adding some of these variations.

Fresh Herbs

Think cilantro, parsley or basil to add a nice, earthy flavor to your paste.

A variety of fresh herbs arranged on a light-colored surface

Seasoning

Seasoning, like chili, can give your paste a little kick.

Black Pepper

A dash of black pepper can add complexity to your garlic paste.

A wooden scoop filled with black peppercorns placed on a white surface, next to a cloth bag overflowing with more peppercorns

Parmesan

For a savory option, grated parmesan can add texture and flavor. Stir the mixture into pasta or use it as a spread on bread.

A large wedge of Parmesan cheese on a rustic wooden surface, surrounded by freshly grated cheese

Lemon

For a pop of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice. It's an excellent combination for salad dressings.

A bowl of fresh lemons on a rustic wooden table, with a whole lemon and a halved lemon placed in the foreground

How to Prepare Garlic Paste

For a delicious garlic paste, follow these steps:

Step 1: Peel the Garlic

Using your paring knife, slice the root end of your cloves to loosen the peels. Then, carefully peel the skin off each garlic clove.

Person peeling fresh garlic cloves on a wooden cutting board

Step 2: Chop the Garlic Finely

Place all your peeled garlic cloves on your cutting board, then use your sharp chef's knife to chop the garlic finely. Try to make the pieces as small as possible.

A cutting board with a knife, whole garlic bulb, peeled garlic cloves, and freshly minced garlic

Step 3: Crush the Garlic into a Paste

Now, you can crush your garlic pieces into a paste. You can press the flat side of your chef's knife onto the garlic or use a mortar and pestle. Both methods should give you a smooth paste.

Hands crushing garlic with a chef's knife on a wooden cutting board

Step 4: Add the Olive Oil and Salt

Finally, add a drizzle of olive oil to create a creamy texture and a pinch of salt to bring out the garlic's flavor.

Tips for Storing Garlic Paste

Once you've mastered how to smash a garlic clove and make a paste, you can think about storing it, so you'll always have a fresh supply handy!

To store garlic paste, transfer it into a small, airtight jar or container. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, keep your container in the freezer. You can also transfer the paste into an ice cube tray and freeze it.

A glass jar filled with homemade garlic paste, placed on a blue patterned fabric

Fresh Garlic Paste Made Easy—Now You're Ready!

This homemade garlic paste recipe is a simple way to add bold flavoring to your favorite dishes. With a few tools and some basic ingredients, you can make a smooth, creamy, and flavorful paste within minutes. Store it in the fridge or freezer, and use it anytime!


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