Want to make your garlic last longer and cut down on waste? Here’s a fantastic way to always have minced garlic that is ready to use. This hack is perfect for those who love using fresh garlic but hate the prep time.
Why Costco Garlic is Awesome:
Costco sells a 3lb bag of pre-peeled garlic for $10.99, which is a great deal. The only downside is if you leave it in the fridge too long, your fridge and kitchen might start to smell strongly of garlic. The best tip is to process this garlic soon after you bring it home, ideally within 3-4 days.
If it’s too much garlic for you, why not share some with neighbors or family? They’ll love the thoughtful gesture and the time it saves them!
What You’ll Need:
- A 3 lb bag of pre-peeled garlic
- A food processor or blender
- Two gallon-size zip-lock bags and one quart-size zip-lock bag (or silicon ice trays)
- A rubber spatula
- A knife or scraper (a ruler works too)
How to Store Your Garlic:
Blend Your Garlic: Put the garlic cloves in your food processor and blend them up until they’re as fine as you like. Tip: The finer you mince the garlic, the stronger the flavor will be.
Scrape the Sides: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the garlic that sticks to the sides so everything gets evenly processed.
Pack It Up: Scoop your minced garlic into zip-lock bags or silicon ice trays. If you’re using bags, press them flat on a table.
Portion It: Use the edge of a knife or a scraper to press lines into the garlic, making a grid. This way, you can create portions the size you need – big squares for about 1 tablespoon of garlic, or small squares for about 1 teaspoon.
Freeze: Put your portioned garlic in the freezer for a few hours, or even better, overnight.
Use It: Whenever you need garlic, just break off a square. It’s ready to use straight from the freezer!
Garlic stored this way should last about 3 months in the freezer.
Watch How It’s Done:
Check out this YouTube video that shows you step by step how to prepare and freeze your garlic. It’s super simple and a real time-saver. Watch the video here.
This garlic storage hack is a game-changer, especially if you use garlic often in your cooking. It’s quick, easy, and means you’ll always have fresh minced garlic on hand without any fuss. Say goodbye to peeling and chopping garlic each time you cook!
Garlic Storage Hack
Materials
- 3 lb bag of pre-peeled garlic
- Food processor or blender
- 2 gallon size zip loc bags and 1 qt size zip loc bag you can also use silicon ice trays
- Rubber spatula
- Knife or scraper you can also use a ruler
Instructions
- Add fresh peeled garlic cloves into food processor and process until you achieve desired consistency (the more finely mined the stronger the flavor)
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape garlic from the sides of the processor in between processing to ensure even consistency
- Scoop garlic into zip loc bags (or silicon ice trays).
- Use a scraper or the dull side of your knife to create grids and portion the garlic
- You can choose to create large (about 1 tbsp of minced garlic) or small squares (about 1 tsp minced garlic) depending on how much garlic you typically use in your recipes
- Freeze for at least a few hours, preferably overnight
- Tear off a square of minced garlic anytime you need it!
