Cooking a tasty meal feels like embarking on an exciting quest, needing a firm grasp of your ingredients and the right methods to truly stand out.
Garlic is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, and we use its cloves in various ways.
We chop and mince garlic regularly, but how much is one clove?
We’ll tackle this question and provide you with more helpful cooking tips with garlic.
So, how much minced garlic is equal to a clove?
One clove of garlic equals a teaspoon in minced form.
Garlic cloves and bulbs come in various sizes; therefore, this value may slightly fluctuate to 1/2 teaspoon for big cloves and 1 teaspoon for small ones.
Measure garlic using standard measuring utensils: standard teaspoons and tablespoons for accuracy and perfection in your cooking.
This article will help you understand garlic cloves in whole and minced forms.
It will also provide essential information regarding conversions of garlic forms and amounts so you may become a master of using it.
Read on to learn more.
How much is a garlic clove?
Garlic cloves are the small, segmented pieces that make up the garlic head (bulb).
A garlic bulb can have 10 to 12 cloves in it.
The variations of cloves in a head will not affect the garlic flavor, but it will affect how much minced garlic you get from it.
If your recipe calls for “1 head of garlic,” that means using all the cloves from 1 head.
One garlic clove equals 1/2 – 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
If your recipe calls for one clove, chop then mince the garlic and measure up to one teaspoon using a standard measuring teaspoon.
The US teaspoon is a popular measuring utensil standardized to precisely measure small amounts of ingredients.
For a simple guide, use the following conversion:
- 1 clove = 1/2 – 1 teaspoon
- 2 cloves = 2 teaspoons
- 3 cloves = 3 teaspoons
- 5 cloves = 5 teaspoons
- 8 cloves = 8 teaspoons
- 10 cloves = 10 teaspoons
- 12 cloves (a bulb/head of garlic) = 12 teaspoons
How to measure garlic using tablespoons
A tablespoon is another standard kitchen measuring tool.
The typical US tablespoon is a standardized measuring utensil for ingredients.
One tablespoon is 15 ml capacity, 3 teaspoons, and 1/16 of a cup.
Using tablespoons to measure garlic is simple once you know the conversion.
1 tablespoon minced garlic is equivalent to 3 cloves.
This means that 2 tablespoons equal 6 cloves, and a bulb (12 cloves) will be 4 tablespoons.
For a simple guide, use the following conversion:
- 1 tablespoon = 3 cloves
- 2 tablespoons = 6 cloves
- 3 tablespoons = 9 cloves
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) = 12 cloves (a bulb/head of garlic)
- 1 garlic clove = 1/3 tablespoon
Tablespoons are convenient and suitable for measuring larger quantities.
If your recipe calls for seven bulbs of minced garlic, you’ll measure 28 tablespoons.
The following simple guide will help you to convert cloves into tablespoons directly:
- 1 clove = 1/6 – 1/3 tablespoon
- 2 cloves = 2/3 tablespoon
- 3 cloves = 1 tablespoon
- 5 cloves = 1 2/3 tablespoons
- 8 cloves = 2 2/3 tablespoons
- 10 cloves = 3 1/3 tablespoons
- 12 cloves (a bulb/head of garlic) = 4 tablespoons
When measuring garlic using tablespoons, fill the spoon to the brim, and level it off with the flat of your knife or a kitchen spatula.
This will give you an accurate tablespoon measurement.
How many garlic cloves are in a cup?
Sometimes you have to cook a large amount of food that will call for vast ingredients.
When this happens, you may need to use a cup as your measuring device.
How, then, should you convert garlic cloves to cups?
There are 16 tablespoons in a cup and 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon.
This means that there are 48 teaspoons in one cup.
As 1 clove equals 1/2 – 1 teaspoon, this means there are 24 to 48 cloves in a cup.
For a simple guide, use the following conversion: 1 cup = 48 cloves
If your recipe calls for 7 cups of minced garlic, that would be 336 cloves.
When measuring garlic using cups, use the standard cup.
The US measuring cup is a standard cup of 236 ml, with 8 fluid ounces.
1/2 cup of minced garlic means that you’ll use 8 tablespoons (24 teaspoons), 1/3 cup equals 5 1/3 tablespoons (16 teaspoons), 2/3 cup equals 10 2/3 tablespoons (32 teaspoons), and 1/4 cup is 4 tablespoons (12 teaspoons).
How to mince garlic cloves
Chopping and mincing garlic cloves enable more aroma and taste, resulting in a powerful garlic presence in the food.
There are several techniques for mincing garlic, depending on the equipment you have on hand.
A simple and easy way to chop and mince garlic is to remove the papery skin and cut it into small pieces using a sharp knife.
Stack the pieces and cut them in different directions for a fine chop.
You can mince the chopped pieces by mashing them up using a pestle and mortar, garlic press, or a food processor.
A garlic press is a kitchen utensil that helps to mash and squeeze the cloves through small holes, giving you perfectly minced garlic every time.
If you have a food processor, add the cloves and pulse until you have a fine paste.
How to use other forms of garlic
Garlic is available in other forms, and apart from using its cloves or mincing them, you can use it as spices.
Garlic spices include granulated garlic, garlic salt, jarred garlic paste, and garlic powder.
These can be used in various ways depending on the recipes.
Understanding the conversions between the various garlic forms and cloves is crucial.
This will help you know how to incorporate them into different recipes.
For a quick and simple primer, look at the guide below for instructions on moving between different forms:
- 1 clove = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 clove = 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 clove = 1 teaspoon (1/3 tablespoon) garlic paste
- 1 clove = 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
These shifts and conversions are different as per the garlic form.
This is because the various forms have different strengths and tastes.
For example, garlic powder is more potent than granulated garlic, and garlic paste is more potent than garlic salt.
When using any form of garlic other than cloves, sometimes it’s essential to taste as you go.
This is because other present compounds or ingredients may affect the potency and garlic strength.
Start by adding a little garlic spice, increasing the amount while tasting as you go.
Measuring and using garlic by weight: Grams and pounds
A recipe may require you to use a given amount of garlic in grams or pounds.
When measuring garlic cloves by weight:
- One pound (lb) equals 16 ounces (oz).
- One ounce is equal to 28.35 grams (g).
This means that 1 lb of garlic is equal to 453.59 grams.
To convert between cloves and grams, use the following conversion: 1 clove = 4 grams.
To convert between cloves and pounds, use the following conversion: 1 clove = 0.0002 pounds.
When measuring garlic by weight, use a food scale for accurate results.
Place a bowl on the food scale and set it to 0 grams.
Now add the cloves one by one until you reach your required weight.
Using these conversions, you can quickly determine how many cloves to use in grams or pounds when indicated in the recipe.
For example, 1 pound of garlic will equal 453.59/4, or 113.4 cloves.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Should I hydrate minced garlic?
You shouldn’t hydrate minced garlic but use it with its net dry weight.
Adding water to garlic will reduce its potency and impact as an ingredient.
It will also make you use the wrong amount of garlic intended in the recipe.
Can I use jarred garlic paste in place of fresh minced garlic?
You can use jarred garlic paste in place of fresh minced garlic.
However, fresh minced garlic is more potent and will give a strong taste.
If you want a mild flavor, you can use the jarred garlic.
How long does minced garlic last?
Mincing garlic doesn’t affect its shelf life, and it’ll last as unminced cloves.
However, once the cloves are exposed to air, they oxidize and turn brown.
To prevent this, store minced garlic in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll last for up to two weeks this way.
If you want more storage, store it in the freezer for up to six months.
Can I use any spoons and cups to measure garlic?
Using standard kitchen spoons and cups to measure garlic for your recipes accurately is the recommended option.
Measuring with “other” utensils may lead to incorrect values.
You can, however, use other spoons and cups if they are well graduated or calibrated for measurements.
Conclusion
Being a versatile ingredient, you can now measure garlic in cloves, minced, or other forms.
Garlic cloves are the standard units of this ingredient in recipes; hence correct amounts and conversions will go a long way in enhancing your cooking.
You can add garlic to any recipe without precision errors with the right measuring approach and conversions.
Start small and taste as you go for a more personalized approach to your cooking.
Have fun cooking with garlic.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Equipment
- 2 large bowls
- 1 oven
- 1 saucepan
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 1/3 pound beef steaks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard dry
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chives finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Steak Bites
- To begin, place your steaks in a large bowl and add the crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard.
- Mix well to coat both sides of each steak evenly.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before moving on to step 2.
- In another large bowl, mix together the butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Stir until everything is combined, making sure the garlic is completely coated in the mixture.
- Add the steaks to the marinade and flip them over to coat both sides with the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Don’t forget to turn the steaks halfway through so that they’re evenly coated.
- Step 2: Cooking the Steak Bites
- Once the steaks have finished marinating, it’s time to put them in the oven.
- Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the steaks for 12 to 15 minutes per side.
- When done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool down.
- Step 3: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the steaks are cooling down, prepare the garlic butter sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the garlic and stir constantly for one minute.
- Next, add the rosemary, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard.
- Stir until combined.
- Next, add the lemon juice and stir again until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cayenne pepper, parsley, and chives and stir until everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Turn off the heat and pour the sauce into a bowl to cool down.
- Step 4: Assembling the Steak Bites
- After the steaks have cooled down, it’s time to assemble the garlic butter steak bites.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each steak into four equal pieces.
- Then, using a spoon, scoop out the center of each piece to create a cavity.
- On a cutting board, spread the cooled garlic butter sauce across the bottom of a large cast iron skillet.
- Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the skillet.
- Place the steaks into the skillet and fill the cavities with the parsley, chives, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Once the ingredients are placed, carefully pour the remaining sauce over the top and cook the garlic butter steak bites in the oven for five minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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