Stir-Fried Dried Shrimp and Garlic Scapes
Crispy and Crunchy Stir-Fried Dried Shrimp and Garlic Scapes Recipe
During my vacation, I bought some side dishes from a local banchan shop, including kimchi and a few other treats. (Yes, I do buy prepared side dishes sometimes, haha!) They were all so delicious. Homemade truly tastes the best, doesn’t it? Among the purchased dishes was a stir-fry of garlic scapes and dried shrimp, which I found incredibly tasty. So, after we finished it, I decided to buy the ingredients and make it myself this time. This dish offers a wonderful texture contrast and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
Ingredients- 1/2 cup dried shrimp (lightly toasted in a dry pan to remove any fishy odor)
- 1 bunch garlic scapes (choose fresh, plump ones)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (to enhance sweetness)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory depth)
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (to enhance sweetness)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the garlic scapes. Trim off the tough ends and the thick bottom parts. Then, cut them into manageable pieces, about 4-5 cm in length. This preparation ensures a pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add two pinches of salt. Add the prepared garlic scapes to the boiling water and blanch them for just 1 minute. This brief blanching helps retain their crispness while removing any strong odor. After blanching, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the dried shrimp. Heat a dry frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the dried shrimp and toast them lightly until they become fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn them. This step enhances their nutty flavor and eliminates any potential fishiness. Once toasted, transfer the shrimp to a sieve and gently shake off any fine powder.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (or oligosaccharide), and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon to create a well-balanced seasoning sauce. This blend provides the perfect sweet and savory profile for your stir-fry.
Step 5
Lightly grease a frying pan with a little cooking oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the toasted dried shrimp and stir-fry for a moment until fragrant. Then, add the blanched garlic scapes to the pan and continue to stir-fry them together with the shrimp. This allows the garlic scapes to get coated in the flavorful oil.
Step 6
Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the frying pan. Gently stir everything together with a spatula, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the garlic scapes and dried shrimp. Stir-fry briefly, just enough to meld the flavors. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the garlic scapes mushy.
Step 7
For the final touch, add half a tablespoon of corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) to the pan. This will add a beautiful gloss and a subtle touch of sweetness. Stir once more lightly to incorporate. Keep the heat on low during this final step.
Step 8
Transfer the finished stir-fried dried shrimp and garlic scapes to a serving plate. Sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. Your delicious and satisfying banchan is now ready to be enjoyed!
