How to Use Black Garlic: Tips, Tricks & Recipes
The Original Black Garlic Team- May 7
- 3 min read
Heard your foodie friends raving about black garlic, but not quite sure what it is or how to use it? Curious about the health benefits and looking for easy ways to get started?
Black garlic is a simple, natural ingredient that brings deep umami flavour and a host of nutritional benefits to everyday cooking. Whether you want to add that next-day flavour to sauces, spread it on toast or give umami depth to your favourite dishes, we’ve got plenty of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of it.
Black garlic might look a little mysterious with its soft, dark cloves, but it is surprisingly easy to use and incredibly versatile and rewarding. With its soft texture and sweet, tangy flavour (think notes of fig, molasses, tamarind, caramel and dates), black garlic brings a rich umami depth to a huge variety of dishes.
Whether you are a home cook experimenting in the kitchen or a chef looking to elevate your menu, here are some of the best ways to make black garlic part of your everyday cooking.
1. Stir into Sauces and Marinades
Black garlic blends beautifully into sauces, adding that next-day flavour without the hours of simmering. Try stirring it into a tomato sauce for pasta or blending it into a barbecue marinade. Its mellow richness brings an extra layer of flavour to classics like bolognese, risotto and gravy.
2. Spread as a Condiment
Black garlic paste is perfect as a ready-made spread. Use it in place of ketchup or chutney for a more natural and deeply flavoursome addition. It is fantastic on burgers, sandwiches or as a dip for chips and veggies. Or simply spread it over toast with a drizzle of olive oil for a quick, gourmet snack.
3. Pair with Cheese
One of our favourite ways to enjoy black garlic is on a cheeseboard. The sweet umami pairs perfectly with creamy brie, tangy goats cheese or a sharp cheddar. Try adding peeled cloves alongside your cheeses or spreading black garlic paste onto cheese & crackers for a perfect flavour combo.
4. Enhance Roasted Meats and Veggies
Rub black garlic paste over chicken, lamb or beef before roasting for an instant flavour upgrade. It is also brilliant with roasted vegetables. Toss root veggies with a little paste and olive oil before roasting to bring out their natural sweetness.
5. Mix into Dips and Hummus
Give your dips a gourmet twist by blending black garlic into hummus, yoghurt dips, cream cheese spreads or even mayonnaise. Its mellow depth complements both dairy and plant-based recipes beautifully.
6. Snack Straight from the Pack
Our peeled black garlic cloves aren’t just for cooking. They make a delicious and nutritious snack too. Soft, slightly sticky, and packed with rich flavour, they’re perfect straight from the fridge for an instant umami fix (put down the sweets!) and best of all, no garlic breath!
7. Add to Dressings and Vinaigrettes
Black garlic is ideal for adding to dressings and vinaigrettes. Mix a clove or a teaspoon of paste with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a next-level salad dressing.
8. Elevate Salads
To upgrade your salad, chop or slice peeled cloves and scatter them over the top for an unexpected burst of umami. Whether it’s a classic Caesar, vibrant quinoa salad, or tangy beetroot dish, black garlic is the secret ingredient that ties everything together.
🖤 The Possibilities Are Endless
Black garlic is versatile and easy to incorporate into your cooking routine. Whether you are looking to impress at a dinner party or want to enhance everyday meals with not much time, it is a kitchen staple you will keep reaching for.
💡Need more inspiration?
Check out our recipe section.
💪 Ready to get started? Explore our full range of black garlic products or pick it up in-store at M&S or Sainsbury’s and taste the ingredient changing the way we cook.
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