Crispy and Delicious Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes Recipe
Healthy Side Dish Made with Seasonal Garlic Scapes: Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes
Make your rice bowl disappear with these fragrant spring garlic scapes! I made these flavorful stir-fried garlic scapes with fresh ones I picked myself from my mother’s garden. The spicy-sweet seasoning soaks in perfectly, creating an amazing crunchy texture that makes this side dish the best! Even beginners can easily follow along!
Main Ingredients
- 20 fresh garlic scapes
Spicy and Sweet Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Oligosaccharide)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (ground sesame seeds)
For Blanching Garlic Scapes
- 1 Tbsp Coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Plum syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (Oligosaccharide)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (ground sesame seeds)
For Blanching Garlic Scapes
- 1 Tbsp Coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh garlic scapes by trimming them. Lightly cut off the tough ends, then cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 to 2 inches long), roughly the thickness of your pinky finger. Cutting them this way ensures the seasoning coats them evenly and they cook at a consistent rate.
Step 2
Rinse the cut garlic scapes thoroughly under running water two or three times to remove any dirt or debris. A thorough wash is key for a clean and delicious stir-fry.
Step 3
In a pot, bring enough water to generously cover the garlic scapes (about double their volume) to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Once the water is boiling rapidly, add the prepared garlic scapes and blanch for precisely 40 seconds. This step preserves the crispiness of the garlic scapes while removing any raw flavor. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become mushy; timing is crucial!
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the garlic scapes under cold running water to cool them down quickly. This step further enhances their crisp texture. After rinsing, drain them well in a colander, ready for the next step.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a frying pan, combine 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong, 2 Tbsp Oligodang for sweetness, 1/2 Tbsp sugar for a subtle sweetness, 1 Tbsp sesame oil for aroma, 1 Tbsp soy sauce for savory flavor, and 1/2 tsp Kosher salt to adjust the seasoning. Turn on the heat to medium-low, and stir constantly with a spatula or spoon as the sauce simmers to prevent burning. Let the sauce cook until it gently bubbles and the flavors meld together.
Step 6
Once the sauce is bubbling, add all the drained garlic scapes to the pan while the heat is still on. Quickly stir-fry, coating the garlic scapes evenly with the sauce. The key is to coat the scapes like they are being glazed.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and mix gently one last time. Adding sesame seeds just before turning off the heat preserves their nutty aroma and taste. Once evenly mixed, turn off the heat immediately.
Step 8
Transfer the deliciously stir-fried garlic scapes to a nice serving plate. This spicy-sweet, crunchy stir-fried garlic scape dish is a true ‘rice thief’! Enjoy this healthy and satisfying side dish that the whole family will love.
