Make cooking easier with this simple garlic and ginger paste recipe, a time-saving base used in South Asian, Caribbean, and East African cuisines. Prep once, store it, and add instant flavor to curries, stir-fries, marinades, and soups all week long.
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Homemade Garlic Ginger Paste
Garlic and ginger paste is more than just a kitchen shortcut; it’s a cooking tradition that connects cultures across the globe. By blending two of the world’s most aromatic ingredients, you get a ready-to-use base that instantly transforms any dish with depth and warmth.
For home cooks, making garlic and ginger paste in advance is one of the easiest ways to cut down on nightly prep time while still cooking meals that taste layered and complex. Instead of peeling, chopping, and mincing every evening, you can have a jar ready to scoop from whenever inspiration (or hunger) strikes.
Know the Health Benefits: This simple garlic and ginger paste recipe not only saves prep time in the kitchen but also connects you to a tradition rooted in South Asian and Caribbean cooking, with proven health benefits supported by research from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the NIH.
Further Reading & Health Sources
- Potential Health Benefits of Garlic - A peer-reviewed overview of garlic’s disease‑preventing effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- Health Benefits of Ginger - From Harvard Health, highlighting ginger’s long-used effectiveness against nausea and digestive upset.
- Ginger Benefits for Digestion & Nausea Relief - Johns Hopkins Medicine summarizes how ginger’s compound gingerol supports digestion and relieves nausea.
South Asian Cuisine
The use of garlic and ginger paste is most deeply rooted in South Asian cooking, particularly in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali cuisines, where it is considered an essential building block for curries, dals, stews, and marinades. In these regions, garlic and ginger are rarely used alone; together, they form the aromatic foundation of countless traditional dishes.
This practice likely spread along historic spice trade routes, as both garlic and ginger were prized not just for their bold flavors but also for their medicinal properties, from aiding digestion to boosting immunity.
The Aromatic Migration
Today, garlic and ginger paste is a staple not only in South Asia but also in the Caribbean, where Indian indentured laborers carried their cooking traditions, and in East African cuisines, where it was adapted into Swahili cooking.
Its global reach shows how food techniques migrate, adapt, and continue to influence kitchens far beyond their origins. By keeping a jar of garlic and ginger paste at hand, you’re carrying forward a centuries-old cooking tradition that saves time while honoring flavor.
Recommended Reads
- Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
- Best Fragrant Creamy Potato Coconut Curry Fish Soup
- Easy Air Fryer Sticky Date Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- How to Use Garlic in Cooking: Easy Tips for Beginners
- How to Make Homemade Tamarind Paste
Ingredients with Steps
Peel the garlic cloves and scrape the ginger with the edge of a spoon to remove the skin, then cut the ginger into chunks. Place the garlic, ginger, and oil into a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Transfer the paste into a clean, airtight jar, smooth the top, and cover with a thin layer of oil to help preserve freshness.
Culinary Glossary
This section concisely defines key ingredients and techniques related to this post to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills.
- Aromatics - Ingredients like garlic, ginger, onion, and spices that release fragrance and flavor when cooked, often used at the beginning of recipes to build depth.
- Neutral Oil - A cooking oil with little or no flavor, such as vegetable, avocado, or sunflower oil, used here to blend and preserve the paste without altering its taste.
- Food Processor - An electric kitchen appliance with sharp blades that chop, purée, or blend ingredients quickly, making it ideal for preparing pastes or sauces.
- Oxidation - The process by which ingredients change color or flavor when exposed to air. Covering garlic and ginger paste with a thin layer of oil helps prevent this.
- Preserve - A method of extending the shelf life of food. In this recipe, oil and refrigeration or freezing preserve the garlic and ginger paste for longer use.
Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe with ease:
- Cutting board – for prepping garlic and ginger
- Paring knife or spoon – to peel ginger
- Chef’s knife or food chopper – for peeling and trimming garlic quickly
- Food processor or blender – to blend the garlic and ginger into a smooth paste
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients and oil
- Airtight jar or container – for storing the paste in the fridge or freezer
- Ice cube tray or deli cups (optional) – for portioning and freezing paste
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
My Review: The PAUDIN 8-inch Chef Knife is an absolute standout in both sharpness and craftsmanship. It stays incredibly sharp through regular use, making prep work effortless. The high-carbon stainless steel blade showcases PAUDIN’s attention to detail, while the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip for extended use. Despite its premium feel, this knife is impressively affordable, offering exceptional quality without the high price tag. That’s why I’ve recently switched all my knives to PAUDIN—they truly deliver on durability, beauty, and performance. If you want a reliable, well-crafted knife at a great value, this is the one to get!
My Review: The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a must-have in the kitchen at a great price. It’s compact, powerful, and lightweight, making meal prep easier without taking up much space. I love its one-touch operation, perfect for quickly chopping, mixing, and puréeing. Plus, it's easy to clean. Watch me use it for my Spicy Tomato Farro Risotto and Chili Herb Crusted Rainbow Trout recipes. This chopper is essential, especially if you love cooking with lots of gadgets like me!
Review: The Ball Wide Mouth Pint Mason Jars with Lids & Bands (16 oz, 2-Pack) are durable, versatile glass jars perfect for storing everything from sauces to dressings. With a wide opening for easy filling and airtight lids for freshness, they’re a must-have for kitchen storage. I love using these jars, especially for hot and cold sauces and dressings. Because they're glass, the flavors stay pure and aren’t affected by other items in the fridge. The airtight mason jar lids keep everything fresher for longer, definitely a staple in my kitchen!
This has decreased from $12.86 to $10.94.
The OXO Good Grips No-Spill Ice Cube Tray is one of my favorite tools for freezing garlic and ginger or basil paste in perfect portions. The silicone bottom makes it effortless to pop out cubes without twisting or banging the tray, while the super-tight lid prevents leaks and keeps freezer odors out. It’s compact, reliable, and ideal for keeping homemade pastes ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Storage Instruction
- Refrigerator: Store garlic and ginger paste in a clean, airtight jar topped with a thin layer of oil to reduce oxidation. It will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Portion the paste into an ice cube tray (like the OXO Good Grips No-Spill Tray) or small deli cups. Once frozen, transfer cubes into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Avoid contamination: Always use a clean, dry spoon when scooping paste to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. Learn more about cross-contamination.
- Label and date: Mark each container with the prep date so you always know how fresh it is.
- Quick tip: Smaller frozen cubes defrost faster, so prep them in tablespoon portions for convenience.
5 Prepping Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Peel Garlic in Bulk - Lightly smash cloves with the side of a knife or toss them in a food chopper to loosen skins quickly. This saves minutes compared to peeling each clove by hand.
- Use a Spoon for Ginger - Skip the knife. Scrape ginger with the edge of a spoon to remove the thin peel without wasting the flesh.
- Cut Ginger into Chunks - Chopping ginger into smaller pieces before blending prevents the paste from becoming stringy and helps it puree smoothly.
- Add Oil While Blending - A splash of neutral oil not only helps the paste blend evenly but also preserves freshness and prevents oxidation in the fridge.
- Portion for Convenience - Freeze the paste in tablespoon-sized portions using an ice cube tray. This way, you can pop out exactly what you need for cooking without thawing the whole batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 1 week if stored in an airtight jar with a thin layer of oil on top. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
Yes. Freezing in tablespoon-sized portions (using an ice cube tray or deli cups) makes it easy to pop out exactly what you need without thawing the entire batch.
No. Garlic and ginger paste are meant to be added directly to your recipe. Sauté it briefly in oil at the start of cooking to release its aroma and deepen the flavor.
Seasoning Blends Recipes
Looking for other aromatic blend recipes like this? Try these:
- 3 DIY Salt-Free Spice Blends to Boost Weeknight Meals
- Citrus Herb: A Bright, Salt-Free Seasoning for Chicken, Fish, and Veggies
- Caribbean Kick: A Bold, Salt-Free Jerk Seasoning You Can Make at Home
- Salt‑Free Meal Prep Seasoning Bundle: All‑Purpose Spice Blends for Effortless Healthy Cooking (+ Free Shipping)
Sauce Recipes
Looking for other easy sauce recipes like this? Try these:
- Homemade Cholula Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
- Green Seasoning Recipe | Epis - Haitian Style
- Creamy Lemon Greek Yogurt Dressing | Easy 5-Minute
- Habanero Tamarind Glaze | Sweet, Spicy, and Tangy
📖 Recipe
Garlic and Ginger Paste
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic cloves
- 1 cup ginger fresh
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil any neutral oil
- pinch kosher salt Optional, helps preserve flavor and extend freshness
Equipment
Instructions
- Save Time in the Kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prep the Garlic and Ginger: Peel garlic cloves quickly by smashing them lightly with the side of a knife or tossing them in a food chopper to loosen the skins. Scrape the ginger with the edge of a spoon to remove the peel, then slice into chunks.
- Blend: Place garlic, ginger, and oil into a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Store: Transfer the paste to a clean, airtight jar. Smooth the top and cover with a thin layer of oil to prevent oxidation.
Notes
- Sauté a spoonful at the start of stir-fries and curries for instant aroma.
- Mix into marinades for chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Add to soups, stews, or broths for extra depth.
- Blend into sauces or dressings for bold flavor.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy—as a trained chef, former teacher and technician—she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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