Garlic, a common condiment, is widely used in both Eastern and Western diets. Its unique spicy flavor not only adds flavor to dishes, but also has a rich nutritional value. Pickling garlic is a common preservation method, which not only prolongs the shelf life of garlic, but also makes it taste better. Today, let's take a look at how to marinate delicious garlic.
1. Preparation before pickling.
Choose fresh garlic: The first step in marinating garlic is to pick fresh, plump garlic. Fresh garlic has a firm, unbroken skin and full cloves. Avoid garlic that sprouts or has loose skin.
Peel and wash: Peel off the outer skin of the garlic head, leaving a clean garlic clove. Next, rinse the garlic cloves with clean water to remove dirt and impurities from the surface.
2. Traditional pickling methods.
Prepare the marinade: Mix salt, sugar, vinegar, light soy sauce, cooking wine, etc. in a certain proportion until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Marinating process: Place the cleaned garlic in a clean glass jar and pour in the marinade, making sure the marinade completely covers the garlic. Next, seal the glass jar and place it in a cool, ventilated place. Open the jar and stir once a day so that the garlic absorbs the flavor of the marinade evenly.
Wait for ripening: Pickling garlic takes time and patience. Usually, after 2-3 weeks of marinating, the garlic will become sweet and sour, and the pungent taste will be reduced. At this point, you can take out the marinated garlic and enjoy it.
3. Modern creative pickling methods.
Spicy pickling: On the basis of the traditional marinade, add chili powder, pepper and other spicy seasonings to make the pickled garlic have a spicy taste and numbness, which is suitable for people who like heavy taste.
Sauce marinade: Use bean paste, soybean paste and other sauces instead of part of the marinade, so that the pickled garlic has a strong sauce flavor, suitable for barbecue, hot pot and other food.
Honey marinade: Sweet seasonings such as honey and fruit juice are added to the marinade to make the marinated garlic taste sweeter, which is suitable for dessert or as a side dish.
Fruit vinegar pickling: Apple cider vinegar, grape vinegar and other fruit vinegar are used instead of traditional vinegar for pickling, so that the garlic has a fruity aroma and sour taste, and the taste is more refreshing.
4. Precautions.
Make sure the container is clean: The glass jars used in the marinating process must be cleaned and dried to avoid the growth of bacteria.
Keep it sealed: Make sure the glass jar is well sealed during the marinating process to prevent air from entering and causing spoilage.
Reasonable storage: The marinated garlic should be stored in a cool and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Food safety: Pickled foods should be checked for peculiar smells and peculiarities before eating to ensure food safety.
Through the above introduction, I believe you have a certain understanding of how to marinate delicious garlic. Whether it is a traditional method or a modern creative pickling method, the garlic can bring out a different flavor. Try these pickling methods according to your taste and needs to add a unique delicacy to your table.