Easy Way to Peel Garlic

If garlic skins provide hassles in your kitchen, try this simple tip for an easy way to peel garlic. Eliminate the struggle by enlisting the help of the microwave! That’s right, the microwave can be used to actually blanch the garlic. Remove the garlic from the microwave and the shriveled up skin will actually fall right off the garlic clove into your hand.

Instructions for the Easy Way to Peel Garlic

Instructions to easily peel garlic:
1) Place the desired amount of cloves into the microwave.
2) Set the timer for 8-10 seconds for 1 – 3 cloves, set the timer for 10-12 seconds for 4 – 6 cloves.
3) Remove the cloves from the microwave and watch the skins fall off.

This should happen automatically upon removal from the microwave. If they don’t completely fall, then a simple flick of the finger should force the skin to easily slip right off the clove. If they still don’t fall off, then the cloves may need a slightly longer time (due to a less powerful microwave), but be careful not to cook the garlic with too much time.

An added benefit of quickly microwaving the garlic cloves, besides the ease of peeling, is that the harsh flavor of raw garlic will be reduced by this process. This is helpful for recipes such as dressings, salsa and guacamole which call for raw garlic.

Easy Way to Peel Garlic

Additional Info

To find out how long garlic lasts, see our garlic page.

For instructions on blanching other food items, see our blanching instructions.