How do you counteract garlic taste?

1. Use less garlic: This may seem obvious, but often the best solution is simply to use less garlic in your dish. Start with a smaller amount than you think you'll need and add more if necessary.

2. Cook the garlic longer: If you're using garlic in a dish that will be cooked for a long time, cooking the garlic for longer will help to mellow its flavor.

3. Add other strong flavors: Adding other strong flavors to your dish can help to balance out the garlic. For example, you could add lemon juice, vinegar, chili flakes, or other herbs and spices.

4. Use garlic powder or granules: Garlic powder and granules have a milder flavor than fresh garlic.

5. Soak the garlic in milk or water: Soaking minced garlic in milk or water for a few minutes before using it can help to reduce its sharpness.

6. Use roasted garlic: Roasted garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor than raw garlic.

7. Add a touch of sugar: A little bit of sugar can help to balance out the sharpness of garlic.

8. Use a different ingredient: If you're really trying to avoid garlic, consider using a different ingredient with a similar flavor profile, like shallots, scallions, or leeks.

Remember, personal preference plays a big role! If you enjoy the taste of garlic, there's no need to counteract it. However, if you find it too strong, these tips can help you achieve a more balanced flavor in your dishes.