The Convenient Microwave Hack For Peeling Garlic In No Time

Garlic is an essential ingredient in the kitchen, but peeling it is usually a hassle. Enshrouded in papery thin husks that are deceptively hard to remove, this staple requires a lot of love before it can be used. Depending on how many bulbs you're working with, the process can take quite a while and leave you with stinging, strong-smelling fingertips. Since peeled garlic doesn't store well, you'll find yourself having to prep it for cooking every time you want a clove or two. Fortunately, from soaking garlic cloves in water to shaking them around in a sealed bowl, there are an impressive number of tips and tricks for peeling garlic across the internet. If you're on the hunt for the most convenient technique, though, look no further than the microwave.

This essential countertop appliance can be a lifesaver when it comes to speeding up all kinds of kitchen tasks — and prepping garlic is no exception. Whether you're whipping up a basic homemade aioli or a batch of garlic confit, get cooking even faster by heating up a few cloves (or even an entire bulb) in your microwave. This simple hack can turn the time-consuming chore of peeling garlic into a quick, fuss-free one.

Regardless of how much you need for your recipe, the microwave will become your greatest savior for prepping garlic. Simply place unpeeled garlic cloves inside the appliance and microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds. If you're working with an entire bulb or two, cut the tops off to allow steam to escape, ensuring they remain cool enough to handle comfortably. With a little heat, the skins will be loosened enough so that you can slide them right off, often even in one piece.

It's possible that microwaved garlic could have a slightly weaker flavor or aroma, but it might not be noticeable. Gavin Sacks, professor of food science at Cornell University, explained to NPR that microwaving the bulbous vegetable will partially inactivate some of its enzymes, which affect how pungent it is. If you're cooking the garlic after peeling it, though, it's unlikely you'll be able to detect any difference at all — especially if you tend to be heavy-handed with spicing it. However, if you do notice a slight change in taste, there are plenty of ways to maximize garlic's flavor in your meals to make up for it.

Spend less time prepping your favorite garlicky dish or sauce and more time enjoying it by leaving behind fancy knife tricks and time-consuming soaking methods. With this convenient microwave hack, you can quickly and easily peel as much garlic as your heart desires in under a minute.