Learn how to make Garlic Paste, along with tips and tricks on how to store it in the fridge and freezer. It's a convenient meal prep staple that saves loads of time and adds a ton of flavor the next time you cook your favorite recipe!
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Garlic paste is a staple ingredient in my kitchen since I use garlic for curries, stir-fries, chicken, lamb, dal, vegetables and so much more!
Every weekend, I make a fresh batch of garlic paste along with ginger paste and onion-tomato masala (curry sauce) as part of my meal prep. Making this paste ahead of time is a super easy hack that has dinner on the table faster during weeknights. And that's reason enough for me!
And if you're looking for ways to make garlic last longer, check out this detailed guide with tips on How to Store Garlic.
Let's get started!
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What is Garlic Paste?
Garlic paste is just as the name suggests - blended garlic with a touch of oil or water made in the blender or food processor. It can be stored in the fridge or freezer and used as needed.
Why I Make It At Home
This homemade garlic paste is a regular in my meal prep routine because:
- The flavor is subtle and milder as compared to the packaged varieties that have been sitting on store shelves.
- Store-bought paste often includes added salt and preservatives, whereas homemade uses just garlic.
- It saves me prep time during weeknight dinner prep.
- It's cheaper and lasts longer when stored properly.
How to Make Garlic Paste
This paste comes together in a few easy steps. If you're making a big batch and starting with whole garlic, check out multiple time-saving ways to peel garlic in my detailed guide on how to peel and mince garlic.
Peel the cloves
Place the garlic head on a cutting board, root side up. Smash it hard, then loosen and separate the cloves. Cut the root tip and peel the cloves. Skip this step if using store-ready peeled garlic cloves.
Time-saving tip: For convenience, buy peeled and ready cloves from the refrigerated produce section of supermarkets.
Blend with or without oil
Add garlic cloves and olive oil to the blender jar and blend for 30-45 seconds to make a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the blender jar once in between.
Note: Oil is optional, but I find it produces a smoother texture and extends the shelf life.
Using Water Instead of Oil: If you do not want to add oil, leave it out completely or replace it with 2 Tablespoons of water. This facilitates easier blending.
Note: A large batch of garlic cloves is also much easier to blend than a smaller one.
Hands smell of garlic?
To remove the smell of garlic from your hands, rub your fingers with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar + 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Alternatively, rub your fingers against any stainless steel plate or a kitchen sink.
How to Store
Here's how to store it in either the fridge or freezer:
Fridge: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge if planning to use within 1 week. Feel free to top it off with a layer of oil to preserve its flavor.
Freezer: Place in a small silicone ice cube tray and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. After that, transfer the cubes to a plastic freezer storage bag, label, date, seal tight and freeze for up to 3 months. For ease of use, pick between an ice cube tray that can hold 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon quantity.
Don't own an ice cube tray? Transfer the paste to a 1-quart plastic freezer storage bag and flatten the bag, making sure to push out all the air. Label, date and store flat in the freezer. When the time comes, break off the amount you need (1 teaspoon is roughly the size of your thumbnail), seal and place right back in the freezer.
How to Use in Recipes
If you're wondering how to use this paste in recipes, then I've got you covered. Simply use 1 teaspoon garlic paste for every 1 large or 2 small cloves. There is no need to thaw frozen cubes from the freezer. Simply add the frozen cube and it will thaw out in seconds.
What is Garlic Paste Used For: Check out this list of some of my favorite recipes using garlic, broken down into their appropriate cuisine or preparation.
Indian
- Chicken Karahi (Kadai Chicken)
- Chicken Biryani
- Saag Aloo
- Aloo Gobi
- Kala Chana (Black Chickpeas Curry)
- Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry)
Mexican
Mediterranean
Thai
Ethiopian
Marinades
Where To Buy
If short on time, it is easy to spot in frozen ice cube trays in the freezer aisle at most grocery stores. Indian, Asian and specialty global markets typically have better prices.
Garlic Paste Substitute
Substitute freshly minced or grated garlic at a 1:1 ratio. Check out How to Mince Garlic for more garlic substitutions.
Important conversions to remember: 1 teaspoon garlic paste = 1 large or 2 small cloves = ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Ginger Garlic Paste
You can use this recipe to make garlic ginger paste as well. Just use equal parts of ginger and garlic. You can refer to this detailed recipe with step by step photos to make ginger garlic paste.
Tips for Keeping Garlic Paste Fresh for Longer
- Quality of garlic: Start with good quality fresh garlic. If using garlic bulb, look for tightly closed bulbs with firm cloves. If buying peeled cloves, avoid any cloves with green shoots or bruises.
- Top with oil: Adding oil is optional, but it helps in blending and extends the shelf life.
- Storage: Remove the amount you need and immediately return it to the fridge or freezer. Constant thawing and re-freezing will affect the taste and flavor.
FAQs
Garlic paste is one of those versatile meal prep hacks that can be used whenever finely chopped, minced or grated garlic is called for in a recipe. It makes a savory addition to dressings, marinades and sauces, too.
Minced garlic is typically garlic that has been chopped by hand whereas garlic paste is made in a blender or food processor. Although it is possible to mince garlic to as fine a paste as the blended variety, using your favorite kitchen gadget is so much faster!
Yes! Use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for every 1 teaspoon of paste needed.
More Cooking Basics
This post is part of the Cooking 101 Series. Check it out for more time-saving Meal Prep recipes.
📖 Recipe
How To Make Garlic Paste
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Video
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the garlic head on a cutting board, root side up. Smash it hard, then loosen and separate the cloves.
- Cut the root tip and and peel the cloves. Skip this step if using store-ready peeled garlic cloves.
- Add garlic cloves and olive oil to the blender jar and blend for 30-45 seconds to make a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the blender jar once in between.
- Store in airtight containers or mason jars and refrigerate for up to a week. Alternatively, add to ice cube trays, cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Quality of garlic: Start with good quality fresh garlic. If using garlic bulb, look for tightly closed bulbs with firm cloves. If buying peeled cloves, avoid any cloves with green shoots or bruises.
- Top with oil: Adding oil is optional, but it helps in blending and extends the shelf life.
- Storage: Remove the amount you need and immediately return it to the fridge or freezer. Constant thawing and re-freezing will affect the taste and flavor.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: You can use this recipe to make garlic ginger paste as well. Just use equal parts of ginger and garlic. Here is a detailed recipe with step by step photos to make ginger garlic paste.
Loly says
What is garlic paste good for? I love the sound of it, but if it only keeps for a week, I can't see myself using it enough. I need ideas.
Aneesha says
Hi Loly, you can use garlic paste in any recipe that calls for chopped, minced or sliced garlic. The recipe post has details on how to use it.
Mary says
I made with 1 cup of peeled garlic and had to use 4 tablespoons just to get consistency in Magic Bullet small container.
Aneesha says
Hi Mary, thanks for your feedback. Small containers are tricky sometimes, I'm glad it worked out for you.