Garlic is a must-have in the kitchen. Along with a punch of flavor, the aroma is sure to drag you to the kitchen. However, peeling the skin off the cloves is not nearly as satisfying. The thin, papery skin clings to the clove, along with everything else in the kitchen, making it frustrating to add to your meal. But there is an easy solution to your problems. Try using the microwave next time you cook with garlic, and watch a previous hassle turn into a quick step in your delicious meal.
Using the Microwave
There are just a couple of steps to get the skin off. After trimming the root ends off the garlic cloves, put them in the microwave. Let them cook in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds, and you’re ready to peel with ease. The trick? The heat from the microwave contracts the garlic cloves, loosening the skin of the clove and making it easy to slide right off. Tasting Table first came up with this great and simple idea, making the cooking process a little quicker.
The best part? How efficient the whole process is. Just 15 seconds in the microwave makes a huge difference with the garlic clove and the skin. Many other cooking websites stand behind this quick hack, using it for all sorts of recipes. Plus, it doesn’t just include individual cloves; you can put the whole head in the microwave for 20 seconds. The skin will fall right off the clove, and make it easier to cook with larger batches of garlic.
Impacting the Garlic’s Flavor
Beyond making garlic easier to peel, microwaving the herb impacts the flavor profile. The heat from the microwave softens the enzymes in the raw garlic that cause its signature bite. Instead, the garlic comes out with a mellow taste and a heightened natural sweetness. Tasting Table recognizes the flavor change and utilizes the new roasted-flavored garlic for sauces and soups. However, the flavor change might not work for every recipe. Those dishes and toppings that need the garlic’s kick, like vinaigrettes or pesto, may taste different if you microwave the cloves.
Other Useful Methods
For those who don’t want to affect the garlic’s flavor profile in the microwave, don’t be worried. There are plenty of other ways to get the skin detached from the clove. This includes smashing the cloves with the flat side of a knife, silicone garlic peelers, or even using a rolling pin to break up the skin from the clove. It must be noted that the microwave method is one of the most popular choices for both its speed and ease. Make sure you’re careful removing the cloves from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Easier Cooking
This quick and easy clove trick speeds up baking and eliminates the pesky garlic skin from ruining your meal. It’s a great way for busy families and home chefs to speed up midweek meals without sacrificing the great flavors derived from the garlic. It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing a sauce, soup, salad dressing, or other meal; using the microwave can make peeling garlic one of your favorite preps.