How to Use a Garlic Press: What Is a Garlic Press?

A garlic press, or garlic crusher, is a kitchen tool that looks similar to a nutcracker. It turns fresh garlic into minced garlic by pressing it through small holes. A garlic press is a reliable time-saver because it spares you from having to finely mince each clove of garlic. In fact, you don't even need to peel garlic cloves before mashing them with a garlic press.

The best garlic presses can replace your chef's knife, microplane, grater, or food slicer. Some brands offer ergonomic models that make mashing garlic feel effortless. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to get a quality garlic press.

Using a garlic press is a simple four-step process.

1. 1. Prepare your garlic. Break a clove of fresh, good garlic away from its bulb. You can peel it using a chef's knife or a garlic peeler. Alternatively, you can leave it unpeeled.
2. 2. Place the garlic into the press. For the best results, home cooks should spray a drop of olive oil in the bowl of their garlic press to crush garlic cloves with minimal mess. Place your peeled or unpeeled cloves directly into the bowl, also known as the cup, of the press.
3. 3. Crush your garlic. Place a bowl underneath the press to catch the crushed garlic. Press down on the two handles of the garlic press, which will crush your garlic clove and turn it into tiny pieces. Use a butter knife or small spoon to scrape off any crushed garlic that remains on the press.
4. 4. Clean your garlic press. A heavy-duty, stainless steel garlic press is a dishwasher-safe kitchen utensil. You can also wash the garlic press by hand, using a toothpick, silicone cleaning tool, or cleaning brush to free garlic residue from the grid of small holes. Presses with larger holes may be easy to clean with a simple sponge.

Crushed, mashed, or minced garlic fits brilliantly into many dishes.

1. 1. Garlic mashed potatoes: A single clove of garlic can add a depth of flavor to classic mashed potatoes.
2. 2. Buttery garlic bread: The perfect side dish for Italian-American dishes like lasagna and spaghetti, garlic bread is buttery, with plenty of fresh garlic flavor.
3. 3. Shrimp scampi with spaghetti: Learn how to make Chef Thomas Keller’s classic shrimp scampi recipe and pair it with freshly prepared spaghetti noodles.
4. 4. Sichuan-style green beans: Chili paste, green onions, and garlic work together to make this savory side dish memorable.
5. 5. Garlic naan: Garlic naan is an aromatic, flavorful take on a beloved staple of Indian cuisine.

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