Question of the Day

What’s the Difference Between Smashed Garlic and Chopped Garlic? [VIDEO]

As usual, it all comes down to science.
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Published Sept. 21, 2018.

We use garlic in our recipes a lot. But it’s not always in the same way. That’s because how you prepare alliums like garlic, onions, and shallots—whether it’s smashed, chopped, minced, or grated—affects their flavor. And as always, when it comes to cooking, it all comes down to science. In this video, Cook’s Illustrated editor in chief Dan Souza and America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country TV co-host Julia Collin Davison explain how the way you prep your garlic can affect your final dish.

The Best Equipment for Preparing Garlic

Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife

This knife’s super-sharp blade makes smashing, mincing, and chopping garlic a breeze.
Buy on Amazon

OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board

This lightweight board is easy to hold and lift but also stable on the counter thanks to its grippy rubber sides. It’s dishwasher-safe, resistant to warping and staining, and doesn’t retain odors.
Buy on Amazon

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press

This press works seamlessly from start to finish. Its comfortable handles open wide, and it produces a uniform mince, handles unpeeled cloves well, and quickly rinses clean.
Buy on Amazon

Zak! Designs E-Z Rol Garlic Peeler

The original, and still the best, garlic peeler on the market, the Zak! has a thick silicone sleeve that cushions your hands, so it’s comfortable to roll over lumpy garlic cloves.
Buy on Amazon

Microplane Premium Classic Zester/Grater

Our favorite rasp grater shreds cheese, zests lemons, and grates nutmeg, garlic, and ginger with ease. It comes sharp, stays sharp, and looks as good as new after using.
Buy on Amazon

For some of our favorite garlicky dishes, check out these recipes:

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