Peeling garlic can be a tedious task. However, it doesn’t have to be! These five efficient methods can allow you to save valuable time in the kitchen. Say goodbye to sticky fingers and tough garlic skins – here’s how to peel garlic quickly and effortlessly.

1. Shake It in a Jar

How It Works: Put the garlic cloves in a small jar with a lid, close it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. The garlic skins will separate from the cloves with minimal effort.

Why It’s Great: This method is ideal for peeling multiple cloves at once and it keeps your hands clean.

2. Microwave for a Few Seconds

How It Works: Place the garlic cloves in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. The heat causes the skins to loosen, making them easy to slip off.

Why It’s Great: Perfect for peeling a small amount of garlic in seconds. Just be careful not to overheat and cook the garlic!

3. Use the Flat Side of a Knife

How It Works: Put a garlic clove under the flat side of a chef’s knife, then press down gently until you hear a slight crack. The skin will pop off easily after this.

Why It’s Great: This classic method only requires a knife, which you’re likely already using.

4. Soak in Warm Water

How It Works: Place garlic cloves in a bowl of warm water and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. The skins will soften and become much easier to remove.

Why It’s Great: Ideal if you have a bit of time to spare. This method keeps your garlic fresh and prevents crushing.

5. Freeze and Tap

How It Works: Put the garlic cloves in the freezer for a few minutes. Once slightly frozen, remove and tap them with a knife or spoon. The skins will come off with little resistance.

Why It’s Great: This technique works best if you’re prepping garlic in advance or live in a hot climate, as it preserves the garlic’s freshness.

Extra Tips for Garlic Prep Efficiency

Batch Peel and Store: Use these methods to peel a whole batch of garlic and store it in the fridge or freezer to save time for future meals.

Use Pre-Peeled Garlic for Large Dishes: If you’re preparing a dish that requires lots of garlic, these techniques are a major time-saver.