Crispy Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes
5-Minute Recipe! Easy Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes
Enjoy the delightful crunch of homemade stir-fried garlic scapes in just 5 minutes. This dish is perfect as a side for rice or as a savory snack!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch garlic scapes (approx. 200g)
- 2-3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one bunch of fresh garlic scapes. Spring garlic scapes are fragrant and tender, making them ideal for stir-frying.
Step 2
Trim off the tough ends and any wilted leaves from the garlic scapes. Wash them thoroughly under running water, ensuring any soil is removed.
Step 3
Cut the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about the length of two finger joints. If serving to children, you might want to cut them a bit smaller.
Step 4
Place the cut garlic scapes in a bowl, ready for cooking. Having your ingredients prepped beforehand speeds up the cooking process.
Step 5
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add all the chopped garlic scapes to the pan.
Step 6
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry gently over low heat until fragrant. For added umami, you can also add crumbled dried anchovies or shrimp while stir-frying. Feel free to customize!
Step 7
Once the garlic scapes begin to soften slightly, add 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce and continue to stir-fry. Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the quantity of garlic scapes and your preference.
Step 8
Keep the heat on low to prevent burning. Gently shake the pan or stir with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Step 9
Next, add 2-3 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Adding spices over low heat and stirring quickly helps prevent them from burning. Garlic scapes cook quickly, so overcooking will diminish their crisp texture.
Step 10
After adding the gochugaru, stir-fry briskly to coat the garlic scapes evenly with the seasoning.
Step 11
If the seasoning seems too dry or is sticking to the bottom of the pan, add 2 tablespoons of water. This will help the seasoning coat the scapes smoothly without burning.
Step 12
Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) for sweetness and a glossy finish. This also helps prevent the sauce from clumping and balances the flavors.
Step 13
Stir-fry everything together until well combined. The key to delicious garlic scape stir-fry is to cook them just until they are tender on the outside but still retain a satisfying crunch. This crispness is the signature characteristic of this dish.
Step 14
Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sesame seeds over the top for added nutty flavor. This completes your delicious stir-fried garlic scapes. Serve hot over rice or enjoy wrapped in lettuce leaves!
