Garlic is a popular ingredient used in many savory dishes. Its pungent flavor adds depth and aroma to soups, sauces, marinades, and more. When a recipe calls for minced garlic, it’s helpful to know how much you need if you only have whole garlic cloves on hand.
What is Minced Garlic?
Minced garlic refers to garlic that has been finely chopped into very small pieces. The texture is similar to coarse sand. Minced garlic can be purchased pre-minced in jars or tubes from the grocery store for convenience. However, many cooks prefer to mince their own garlic cloves to control the texture and ensure freshness.
How Much Does a Clove of Garlic Weigh?
When converting whole garlic cloves to minced garlic, the first step is determining the weight of a single clove. The size and weight of garlic cloves can vary depending on the specific variety and size of the bulb. Here are some general guidelines for average garlic clove weights:
- Small clove: 3 grams
- Medium clove: 5 grams
- Large clove: 7 grams
For the purposes of this conversion, we will assume a medium-sized clove weighs approximately 5 grams. So two medium-sized garlic cloves would weigh about 10 grams total.
How Much Minced Garlic Equals 10 Grams?
Once you know the total weight of the garlic cloves, you can convert that weight to a minced garlic measurement. In general, 10 grams of peeled garlic cloves will produce about:
- 2 1⁄2 to 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- About 1⁄4 cup minced garlic
However, minced garlic measurements can vary based on how finely it is chopped. Finely minced garlic takes up less volume than garlic minced more coarsely. For reference, here is an approximate conversion table:
| Whole Garlic Cloves | Minced Garlic |
|---|---|
| 10 grams | 2 1⁄2 to 3 tablespoons |
| 20 grams | 5 to 6 tablespoons |
| 1 head garlic (50 grams) | 3/4 to 1 cup |
Tips for Mincing Garlic
For the most accurate conversion, be sure to peel the garlic cloves before mincing. The papery peel can account for up to 1/3 of the total weight. Remove the peel first before weighing and converting to minced.
To mince the garlic, start by slicing it into thin strips. Then, turn the knife perpendicular to the cutting board and chop the strips crosswise into very small pieces. Continue chopping and pressing with the broad side of the knife to get an evenly fine texture.
For convenience, you can mince a large batch of garlic at once and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freezing minced garlic in oil is also an option for longer storage. Be sure to label the container with the date and amount.
Substituting Garlic Powder
In a pinch, garlic powder can be used as a substitute for minced garlic. Keep in mind that garlic powder has a more concentrated, intense flavor. Here is a conversion for reference:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder = 1 clove garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder = 1/2 clove garlic
When substituting, use about half the amount of garlic powder as you would minced garlic. You can always add more to taste. Garlic salt is not a recommended substitute as it contains added salt.
Storing Garlic
Proper storage is key to getting the most out of your garlic. Here are some tips:
- Store whole bulbs in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
- Once bulbs are split, store unpeeled cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to a few weeks.
- Store peeled, minced garlic covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
- Frozen minced garlic stays fresh up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Dehydrated or slow-roasted garlic cloves can be stored in oil in the refrigerator for several months.
Cooking with Garlic
When cooking with garlic, keep these tips in mind:
- Chopping or crushing garlic releases more flavor compounds. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after chopping before cooking.
- Garlic burns easily. Add it toward the end of cooking for the best flavor.
- Roasting whole garlic bulbs mellows the flavor and makes it spreadable.
- Garlic pairs well with parsley, basil, thyme, oregano and many other fresh herbs.
Garlic Nutrition Facts
Along with adding flavor, garlic provides some nutritional value. Here are some of the nutrients found in raw garlic:
| 1 clove garlic nutrition (approx. 3g) | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 | 0% |
| Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 6mg | 0% |
| Carbs | 1g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Manganese | 0.01mg | 1% |
Garlic also contains small amounts of B vitamins, calcium, copper, selenium and antioxidants. The antioxidant allicin may offer anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
Common Questions
What is the difference between minced garlic and garlic powder?
Minced garlic comes from fresh, raw garlic that is finely chopped. Garlic powder is made from dehydrated, ground garlic cloves. Minced garlic has a fresher, more nuanced flavor while garlic powder is more concentrated and intense.
Is jarred minced garlic as good as fresh?
Freshly minced garlic has superior flavor and aroma compared to pre-minced jarred garlic. However, jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute when fresh garlic is not available. Look for jars without additives and use within a couple weeks after opening.
How long does minced garlic last in the fridge?
Properly stored, minced raw garlic can last about 1 week in the refrigerator before losing potency and flavor. For longer storage, freeze minced garlic for up to 3 months.
What’s the easiest way to peel and mince garlic?
To quickly peel multiple cloves, place the garlic in a metal bowl and invert another bowl over the top. Shake vigorously to separate the skins. Use a sharp knife and cutting motions to mince the peeled cloves into a fine texture.
Can you substitute garlic salt for minced garlic?
Garlic salt is not an equal substitute for minced garlic, since it contains added salt along with garlic powder. For the best flavor, use regular minced garlic or garlic powder plus a pinch of salt if needed.
Conclusion
When substituting whole garlic cloves for minced garlic, keep these rules of thumb in mind:
- A medium clove weighs about 5 grams
- 10 grams peeled garlic equals around 2 1⁄2 to 3 tablespoons minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder substitutes for 1 clove garlic
For optimal flavor and convenience, peel and mince garlic just before using. Proper storage and preparation methods help maximize the flavor and health benefits of garlic. With its pungent, aromatic presence, garlic is a versatile ingredient that home cooks and chefs alike rely on for all kinds of savory dishes.