How to Peel Garlic Fast –20 Methods with Step-by-Step Photos

Garlic adds amazing flavor to dishes, but peeling it can be a hassle. If you’ve ever struggled with sticky garlic skins, this guide will help. I’ll share the best methods to peel garlic quickly and easily. Whether you need one clove or a whole bulb, these tricks will save you time and effort.

Why Is Peeling Garlic So Tricky?

Garlic skin is thin and papery, making it stick to the cloves. Peeling each clove by hand takes time, but with the right method, you can do it in seconds. Below, I’ll cover the best ways to peel garlic—some you may know, and some might surprise you!

1. How to Peel Garlic Easily with Water

Soaking garlic in water softens the skin, making it easier to peel.

Steps:

1. Separate the cloves from the bulb.
2. Place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
3. Take a clove out and press it gently—the skin should slip right off.

Best for: Peeling multiple cloves at once.

2. How to Peel Garlic in the Microwave

Microwaving garlic loosens the skin quickly.

Steps:

1. Take a whole bulb and cut off the top (about ¼ inch).
2. Microwave for 15-20 seconds.
3. Let it cool, then squeeze the cloves out—they’ll pop right out of their skins.

Best for: When you need peeled garlic fast.

Do you want to know How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce?

3. How to Peel Garlic with a Knife

A simple knife trick makes peeling garlic easy.

Steps:

1. Place a clove on a cutting board.
2. Lay the flat side of a knife over it and press down lightly (don’t crush it).
3. The skin will split, making it easy to peel off.

Best for: Peeling one or two cloves quickly.

4. How to Peel Garlic by Shaking in a Jar

This method works great for peeling many cloves at once.

Steps:

1. Separate the cloves and place them in a glass jar.
2. Close the lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
3. Open the jar—the skins will have separated from the cloves.

Best for: Bulk peeling (great for meal prep).

5. How to Peel Garlic with a Silicone Tube (Garlic Peeler)

A silicone garlic peeler is a handy kitchen tool.

Steps:

1. Place a clove inside the tube.
2. Roll it back and forth under your palm a few times.
3. The skin will come off cleanly.

Best for: Small batches without mess.

6. How to Peel Garlic Using Two Bowls

This trick is perfect for peeling a lot of garlic fast.

Steps:

1. Separate the cloves and place them in a small bowl.
2. Cover with another bowl of the same size.
3. Shake hard for 10-15 seconds.
4. Open the bowls—most cloves will be peeled!

Best for: Large quantities (great for cooking in bulk).

7. How to Peel Garlic by Smashing It

Smashing garlic not only peels it but also prepares it for cooking.

Steps:

1. Place a clove on a cutting board.
2. Press down with the flat side of a knife or use the heel of your hand.
3. The skin will crack, making it easy to remove.

Best for: When you need minced or crushed garlic.

8. How to Peel Garlic with Hot Water (Blanching Method)

Hot water loosens garlic skin effectively.

Steps:

1. Drop cloves in boiling water for 10-15 seconds.
2. Remove and place in cold water.
3. The skins will slide off easily.

Best for: When you need whole peeled cloves.

9. How to Peel Garlic Using a Rubber Spatula

A rubber spatula can help peel garlic without crushing it.

Steps:

1. Press the spatula edge against the clove and roll gently.
2. The skin will peel away smoothly.

Best for: Keeping cloves intact for recipes.

10. How to Peel Garlic with Olive Oil

Oil helps separate the skin from the clove.

Steps:

1. Rub a little olive oil on the clove.
2. Let it sit for a minute, then peel—the skin will come off easily.

Best for: When you want to keep garlic fresh longer.

11. How to Peel Garlic Using a Fork

A fork can help lift stubborn garlic skin.

Steps:

1. Press the fork tines against the clove.
2. Gently pull the skin away.

Best for: When you have just one or two cloves to peel.

12. How to Peel Garlic with a Garlic Press (If It Has a Peeler Function)

Some garlic presses come with a peeler attachment.

Steps:

1. Place the clove in the peeler section.
2. Roll or press—the skin will come off.

Best for: Quick peeling while mincing.

13. How to Peel Garlic by Freezing It

Freezing garlic makes the skin brittle and easy to remove.

Steps:

1. Freeze whole cloves for 10-15 minutes.
2. Take them out and press lightly—the skin will crack off.

Best for: Pre-peeling garlic for future use.

14. How to Peel Garlic with a Towel

Rubbing garlic in a towel removes the skin.

Steps:

1. Place cloves inside a kitchen towel.
2. Rub vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Open the towel—the skins will have separated.

Best for: Peeling multiple cloves without tools.

15. How to Peel Garlic Using a Mason Jar Lid

The edge of a mason jar lid can help peel garlic.

Steps:

1. Press the clove against the lid’s ridged edge.
2. Roll back and forth—the skin will peel off.

Best for: A quick fix when you don’t have other tools.

16. How to Peel Garlic with a Spoon (The Underrated Hack)

You might be surprised how well a simple spoon can peel garlic!

Steps:

1. Hold a clove in one hand and a spoon in the other.
2. Place the edge of the spoon at the base of the clove (root end).
3. Gently push the spoon under the skin and lift upwards – the skin should peel off in one piece.

Best for: When you want to keep cloves perfectly intact.
Bonus: No special tools needed – just a regular kitchen spoon!

17. How to Peel Garlic by Rubbing Between Hands

This method is perfect when you’re camping or have no tools available.

Steps:

1. Take two unpeeled cloves in your hands.
2. Rub them vigorously together for 10-15 seconds.
3. The friction will cause the skins to separate and fall off.

Best for: Emergency peeling when you have no tools.
Tip: Works best with larger, fresh garlic cloves.

18. How to Peel Garlic with a Bench Scraper

If you have this handy kitchen tool, it makes peeling garlic a breeze.

Steps:

1. Place clove on cutting board.
2. Use the straight edge of the bench scraper to press and roll the clove.
3. The skin will peel away cleanly.

Best for: Those who already own a bench scraper.
Why it works: The flat edge creates perfect pressure to loosen skins.

19. How to Peel Garlic with a Rolling Pin

Great for when you need to peel lots of garlic at once.

Steps:

1. Place separated cloves on a cutting board.
2. Cover with a kitchen towel.
3. Roll over them firmly with a rolling pin 2-3 times.
4. Remove towel – most cloves will be peeled!

Best for: Bulk peeling when making sauces or soups.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of salt under the towel for extra friction.

20. How to Peel Garlic with a Potato Masher

An unconventional but effective method!

Steps:

1. Place cloves in a bowl.
2. Press down gently with potato masher – just enough to crack skins.
3. Remove mashed and peel away skins.

Best for: When you need crushed garlic anyway.
Bonus: Does two jobs at once!

Advanced Tips for Perfect Garlic Peeling

1. Choose fresh garlic – Older garlic is harder to peel
2. Trim the root end first – Makes peeling easier
3. Use room temperature garlic – Cold garlic is more stubborn
4. Combine methods – Sometimes two techniques work better than one

How to Store Peeled Garlic

Now that you’ve mastered peeling, here’s how to keep it fresh:

1. In oil: Store in airtight container covered with olive oil (lasts 2 weeks)
2. Freezing: Place peeled cloves in freezer bag (lasts 6 months)
3. Vacuum sealing: Best for long-term storage
4. Fermenting: Make garlic honey for extended shelf life

Creative Uses for Garlic Peels

Don’t throw those peels away! Try:

• Flavor boost: Add to stocks and broths
• Gardening: Mix into compost
• DIY: Make garlic-infused vinegar
• Crafts: Use for natural dyeing

FAQs – How to Peel Garlic

1. What is the fastest way to peel garlic?

Shaking cloves in a jar or between two bowls is the quickest method for multiple cloves.

2. Does microwaving garlic make it easier to peel?

Yes! Heating garlic for 15-20 seconds loosens the skin.

3. Can I peel garlic without a knife?

Absolutely! Use water, shaking, or a silicone peeler instead.

4. How do chefs peel garlic so fast?

Many chefs smash garlic with a knife or use the jar-shaking method.

5. Does freezing garlic help with peeling?

Yes, freezing makes the skin brittle and easier to remove.

6. Can I peel garlic with my hands?

Yes, but soaking or shaking makes it much easier.

7. How do I peel garlic without crushing it?

Use the water soak, jar shake, or silicone peeler method.

8. Why does garlic skin stick so much?

Garlic skin is thin and clings tightly, but soaking or heating helps loosen it.

9. Can I store peeled garlic?

Yes! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it.

10. Is there a tool that peels garlic automatically?

Yes, silicone garlic peelers or specialized garlic peeling tubes work well.

Final Thoughts

Peeling garlic doesn’t have to be frustrating. With these methods, you can peel garlic in seconds—whether you need one clove or a whole bulb. Try these tricks and see which one works best for you!

Now, get cooking and enjoy your perfectly peeled garlic! 🧄