"cut the bite" - is this a common expression?

Question

Is to cut the bite a common expression to express making something milder? As in putting lemon in the recipe cuts the bite of the garlic?

I thought it made sense but no one seems to understand what I'm trying to say!

Answer 1

cuts the bite can be interpreted as to reduce the strong flavor of garlic in the dish, with cut meaning reduce, and bite equivalent to strong flavor.

EDIT: As for the usage of the expression itself: it's indeed strange, but not something too exotic or esoteric. In fact, I'd say the phrase is quite useful when it comes to describing the process of making something milder in a shorter and more concise manner, while also retaining the original meaning.

Answer 2

To cut the bite of a pungent ingredient, like onions or garlic is the correct term.

Cut = 2a : trim, pare, e.g., cut one's nails according to merriam-webster and bite = 7b : a sharp penetrating effect e.g.,The soup has a peppery bite. according to merriam-webster

A simple google search of to cut the bite of garlic yielded 50 000 000 results.

Alternatively, you could say tame the flavour or even neutralize the flavour.

Note that there is a cooking stackexchange site where you can learn about more cooking terms.