The Best Way to Clean Leeks

Leeks are packed with flavor, but their layered structure can trap dirt. Learn how to properly slice and wash them to ensure your dish stays clean and grit-free. Chef John shows you an easy step-by-step process to remove all the dirt from between the layers, leaving you with fresh, perfectly prepped leeks for soups, stews, and more.

The Best Way to Clean Leeks

[SuzanneWho]

FINALLY! Someone who knows how to clean leeks. I get frustrated when I see people struggling with leeks by cleaning them the other way. ❤

[Andy-vtsl]

You are the ultimate geek in charge of your leeks

[catherinewhite]

I usually wash any major visible dirt off first so it's clean enough not to trash my knife, then follow your procedure. Amazing how much sand hides in leeks!

[terribled]

I started doing this years ago because it just made sense.

[alibobo]

Leeks were so discouraging! Thank you. I didn’t know how to do this!!

[ImmortalLemon]

I started doing that a couple years ago. I found that if you use a colander or a strainer and pour water over it and swish around you don’t need to soak more than one. Just give it like a solid minute of running under the water constantly swishing and you’re golden

[opewfmWPO]

I seperate the white part from the green part, because the white doesn't have dirt in it. Then just cut the green on one side to take them apart, wash them real quick and put them back together to cut. Saves alot of water and it's not hard to do, hope this helps

[abigailsamwini]

“You are the boss of making sure your leek is on fleek” Chef John that’s so catchy 😂😂😂

[camtblack]

You after all are the king of how to get them clean

[Zoeprincess]

I love this man and his catch phrases 😂❤

[EarlessTheCat]

What other vegetables does this apply to? Would be nice to have a list of "too difficult to clean before cutting" veggies. Love the video!

[tatercakesever]

I cut it in the middle, halfway through lengthwise, then cut off the root so all the leaves are loose and unattached and then I wash each leaf separately before mincing. It is the most thorough way in my opinion, while still preserving the juice and flavor. I feel like mincing it and then washing it waters down the flavor.

[amysolley]

My gods I love Chef John. His Basque cheesecake recipe is one I've memorized. It's a household favorite.

[yzzazz]

"after all, you are the Ryan Gosling of your clean leek washing"

[BSWVI]

You are the winner of your veggie spinner

[bradleyliska]

Chef John I love you man! Been watching you literally since you’ve started! My sister Eliza showed us you And ever since you’ve become our staple cook book and cooking mentor. Can I pay you to get you to send me a Christmas letter??

[And...owch]

“Making sure yer leek, is on fleek…”
🫶🏾

[iheartcryptoverse]

As a big fan of leeks, I agree. Cut first, then clean

[gohawks]

Thank you. I always feel like I'm doing it wrong, but guess not👍

[jenniblackburn]

I use a salad spinner. Works beautifully