Garlic is one of those ingredients that shows up in so many recipes. But if you don’t have fresh garlic cloves on hand, or you’re just trying to save some prep time, you might grab a jar of pre-minced garlic instead. That’s when the question hits: how much minced garlic equals one clove?
Let’s clear that up once and for all.
1 Clove of Garlic Is How Much Minced?
The simple answer is: 1 clove of garlic is about ½ teaspoon of minced garlic.
That’s for average-sized cloves. Some garlic cloves are small, and others are huge, so it’s not always exact. But for most recipes, ½ teaspoon of minced garlic works perfectly in place of one clove.
So if a recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, you can just use 1.5 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Why Use Minced Garlic Instead of Fresh?
Here are some reasons people go for the jar:
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It’s already peeled and chopped — so you save time.
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It lasts longer in the fridge.
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It’s super easy to measure.
But there’s a catch: minced garlic in a jar usually has a milder flavor. That’s because it’s stored in liquid (like oil or water with preservatives), and it loses some of its punch over time.
So if flavor is your top priority and you’ve got the time, fresh garlic is the way to go. But if you just want to get dinner on the table faster, minced garlic works great.
How Much Is One Clove of Minced Garlic?
This one flips the question. Let’s say the recipe says “1 clove garlic, minced.” You’re starting with a fresh clove. How much will that give you?
Once minced, one clove of garlic gives you about ½ teaspoon of minced garlic.
You might also wonder:
“How much minced garlic is one clove?”
It’s still about ½ teaspoon — whether you’re mincing it yourself or scooping it from a jar.
Other Ways to Measure Garlic
If you’re using garlic powder or garlic salt instead, the measurements change.
Here’s a quick guide:
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1 clove fresh garlic = ½ teaspoon minced garlic
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1 clove garlic = ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 clove garlic = ½ teaspoon garlic salt (but reduce the salt in your recipe)
It’s good to know these if you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of fresh garlic.
