Garlic is one of the most important ingredients in my kitchen. I could probably find an excuse to add it to every savory dish I make. It’s the perfect aromatic, flavor-boosting, finishing, and delicious ingredient to boost sauces, soups, and pasta dishes, enhance vegetable side dishes, and more. So, it’s high time I pull together this list of all my favorite garlic recipes that make this ingredient a star! Cooking with garlic is not only simple. There are plenty of ways to introduce it into a dish for distinct flavor and textural differences. And whether you’re a one-clove- or five-cloves-per-dish type of person, the garlic breath is more than worth it for the right recipes. I’m definitely in the “is there even such a thing as too much garlic?!” camp. Plus, it’s even pretty great for your health!
What Are The Benefits Of Garlic?
Along with tasting great, the list of health benefits of garlic is pretty impressive, too. Plus, it contains several plant compounds that contain medicinal properties such as:
Immune-boosting properties, Antioxidant benefits to stave off chronic disease, Detoxification of heavy metals in the body, Blood pressure reduction, Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, Performance-enhancing benefits for exercise and fatigue, Stabilize blood sugar levels, Main protect brain health and improve memory.
And if you’re wondering about the benefits of eating raw garlic vs. cooked garlic. Raw fresh garlic will contain higher levels of allicin, meaning that raw garlic may be best for maximum nutritional value in smaller quantities. Luckily, there’s no shortage of interesting garlic ideas and cool garlic recipes. I fully admit I’ve struggled with not adding TOO MANY options to this list of the best garlic recipes. So, keep reading for fresh garlic recipes that highlight this ingredient!
How To Cook With Garlic: Top Tips
The most important thing to know about cooking with garlic is that the more you cut or mash the garlic, the stronger the flavor will be. This is because garlic contains flavor and aroma compounds (allicin) that are activated when cut. Therefore, adding whole garlic cloves to any dish will add a very subtle flavor. At the same time, garlic puree will have a very robust flavor and aroma. The way you cook garlic also affects its flavor, as it decreases the allicin enzymes. For example, raw garlic is very pungent and spicy. So I usually use it in small quantities in sauces, etc. Quick-cooked garlic (like sautéing it) mellows the harshest spice/pungency while retaining a strong flavor and slight bitterness. However, any slow-cooked garlic (like confit, roasting, in soups, etc.) will become wonderfully mellow and slightly sweet. And it will lose its bitter, harsh edge entirely. Lastly, garlic burns quickly and easily. So if you plan to cook it in a pan, heavy-based ones are best for more even heat distribution. It’s also best to add garlic towards the end of cooking (both when pan-cooking and roasting in the oven). This will avoid burning it, which can make the entire dish bitter.
What To Do With Fresh Garlic
If you’re specifically looking for recipes that use a lot of garlic (whole heads of garlic), perhaps one of these DIYs is perfect for you.
Top Tips for Peeling Garlic
How To Crush, Chop, And Mince Garlic
Also check How Much Minced Garlic Equals a Clove.
How to Freeze Garlic
Homemade Garlic Paste
Garlic Powder
Garlic Flakes
Homemade Garlic Salt
How to Roast Garlic in the Oven
Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Pickled Garlic
Garlic Confit (& Garlic Oil)
Roasted Garlic Butter
Black Garlic
Garlic Sauces and Dips
Sauces, dressings, and dips are a delicious way to enjoy raw or cooked garlic (usually minced garlic). They give any meal a powerful boost of garlic flavor.
Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Lemon Butter Sauce
How to Make Fermented Garlic Honey
Garlic and Chili Infused Honey
Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing
Garlic Aioli
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Creamy Hummus
Garlic Bread Recipes
No list of recipes for fresh garlic would be complete without garlic bread, of course. But that isn’t the only way to pair the two ingredients for delicious results.
Quick Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Simple Roasted Garlic Bread
Garlic Naan Bread
Garlic Croutons
Pan Con Tomate
Garlic Vegetable Side Dishes
Preparing vegetables is one of my favorite ways of cooking with garlic to add maximum flavor but minimal ingredients and fuss. Here are just some of my favorite garlicky vegetables.
Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Garlic and Parmesan Sautéed Zucchini
Simple Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
There are tons of veggie recipes with garlic, thanks to its versatility. Along with the recipes already mentioned, you might enjoy garlic sautéed asparagus or garlicky cauliflower steaks!
Oven-Roasted Corn with Garlic Butter
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Prefer something creamy? Check out these creamy, garlicky mushrooms on toast.
Garlic Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Likewise, boost the flavor of creamy mashed potatoes with plenty of roasted garlic!
Authentic Chinese Eggplant Stir Fry
Pasta and Noodles
Here are some simple garlic dinner recipes where garlic takes more of a “star role.”
Easy Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
Garlic Lemon Pasta
Easy Garlic Chili Oil Noodles
Le Mein Garlic Noodles
Other Garlic Recipes
And just a few more garlic dishes to whet your appetite…
Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)
Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup
Turkish Poached Eggs with Garlic Yogurt
Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
More Helpful Round-ups
How to Prepare and Use Ginger How to Use Turmeric 60 Healthy Dinner Ideas in 30 Minutes or Less 30 Hot Lunch Ideas (Fast, Meal Prep, Easy Recipes)
If you try any of these top garlic recipes, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
