Step 1

Gather all the ingredients. Use the outer large cloves of a colossal or very large garlic bulb.

Step 2

Peel 5–7 cloves garlic without crushing them. Then, cut them into thin, uniform slices. In Japan, garlic chips are usually sliced widthwise, but you can slice them lengthwise, if you prefer.

Step 3

Set a frying pan on medium-low heat and add ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil and garlic slices. Bring up to temperature and cook until the garlic is lightly golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Tip: Make sure your stove‘s heat is not too strong as the garlic will burn if the heat is too high.

Step 4

Spread the garlic slices around the pan in a single layer using a spatula or chopsticks. Swirl the pan to ensure that all the garlic slices are well coated in the oil. The garlic slices should slightly sizzle while cooking. At the halfway point, flip over the garlic slices using either chopsticks or a slotted spatula. Tip: Do not leave the pan unattended because the color of the garlic goes quickly from pale to brown.

Step 5

When the garlic slices are lightly golden, remove from the pan using a slotted spoon or a fine-mesh skimmer spoon to drain the oil. Then, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer to absorb any excess oil. Let cool completely.

Step 6

To an airtight glass jar, add one Food Safe Silica Gel Desiccant Packet to the bottom. Then, add the cooled garlic chips. Close the lid tightly. Your Garlic Chips are now ready to use.

Step 7

You now have flavorful Garlic Oil remaining in the pan. You have the option to save this fragrant oil; simply strain it into an airtight glass container and store tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Use this garlic-infused oil for salad dressings, marinating meat, drizzling over eggs and steamed veggies, serving with fresh bread, and so on. Tip: If the oil is dark brown colored and smells burnt, don‘t keep it.

Step 8

Serve the Garlic Chips as a crunchy and savory topping in rice dishes like Japanese Garlic Fried Rice, Vegan Poke Bowl, and Japanese Rice Porridge. They‘re delicious in noodle dishes such as Black Sesame Dan Dan Noodles, Oxtail Udon, and Pasta with Shrimp and Broccolini. Garlic Chips also make a tasty addition to Hamachi Crudo, tofu salad, sautéed greens, and simple stir-fries.

Step 9

Store the Garlic Chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Store the cooled Garlic Oil (optional) in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.