Shrimp and Garlic Scape Stir-fry: A Perfect Combination of Spring Flavors
How to Make Delicious Shrimp and Garlic Scape Stir-fry
Garlic scapes are a must-have ingredient in spring! This recipe uses frozen shrimp instead of dried, and thinly sliced garlic for a clean and elegant presentation. Experience the delightful crunch of garlic scapes, the tender chew of shrimp, and the subtle aroma of garlic all in one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal and pairs wonderfully with rice.
Main Ingredients- Garlic scapes 215g (about 1.5 handfuls)
- Salt 1 tsp (for blanching garlic scapes)
- Frozen shrimp 115g (peeled and deveined)
- Garlic cloves 3
- Vegetable oil 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen shrimp by soaking them in cold water for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Avoid soaking for too long, as this can affect the shrimp’s flavor.
Step 2
Once thawed, drain the shrimp well using a colander. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent splattering oil and ensure a clean taste.
Step 3
Wash the fresh garlic scapes under running water and trim them into bite-sized pieces, about 4cm (1.5 inches) in length. Cutting them to this size makes them easier to stir-fry and eat.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed garlic scapes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Blanch them for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This quick blanching process helps retain their crisp texture while mellowing out any strong flavors.
Step 5
Immediately drain the blanched garlic scapes and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. For the second rinse, let them sit in the cold water for about a minute to ensure they are thoroughly cooled and extra crisp.
Step 6
After cooling, drain the garlic scapes again using a colander. Make sure to remove as much water as possible; excess water can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 7
Thinly slice the 3 garlic cloves into small, flat pieces (about 2mm thick). This preparation allows the garlic flavor to infuse beautifully into the dish without burning easily.
Step 8
Now, let’s stir-fry! Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. This step is key for building a rich garlic base.
Step 9
When the garlic starts to turn slightly golden, add the dried shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry them together with the garlic for about 1 minute, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 10
Once the shrimp are nicely pink, add the drained garlic scapes to the pan. Continue to stir-fry, mixing everything well, over medium heat.
Step 11
Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, distributing it evenly over the ingredients.
Step 12
Add 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) for a touch of sweetness and glaze. Turn the heat up to high and stir-fry quickly for about 1 minute, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Be careful not to burn the sauce during this rapid stir-fry.
Step 13
Turn off the heat. Stir in 0.5 tablespoon of sesame oil. The residual heat will gently incorporate the sesame oil, adding a nutty aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 14
Transfer the delicious shrimp and garlic scape stir-fry to a serving plate. Sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
Step 15
And there you have it! A wonderfully flavorful and textured dish featuring the chewy shrimp and crisp garlic scapes, enhanced by a savory garlic aroma. Enjoy this delightful stir-fry with a bowl of warm rice!
