Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic Scapes
Garlic Scape and Beef Stir-Fry: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe
I bought garlic scapes intending to make pickles, but I also wanted to try a simple stir-fry with some of them. So, I decided to cook them with beef. This dish can be made easily with minimal ingredients. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the fresh crunch of garlic scapes combined with savory beef.
Main Ingredients- 200g thinly sliced beef for bulgogi
- 200g fresh garlic scapes
Beef Marinade- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or rice wine) (Mirin is sweet; if using rice wine, add a bit more sugar)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 pinch black pepper
Other Ingredients- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or rice wine) (Mirin is sweet; if using rice wine, add a bit more sugar)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 pinch black pepper
Other Ingredients- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the garlic scapes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then cut them into segments about 4-5 cm (approximately 1.5-2 inches) long. Cutting them into manageable pieces will make them easier to eat and cook evenly.
Step 2
For the beef, use thinly sliced cuts suitable for bulgogi. Thinly sliced frozen chuck roll, like those found at Costco, works wonderfully. If you have time, gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps create a better sear and reduces any ‘beefy’ smell.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the marinade for the beef. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ‘Beef Marinade’ ingredients: 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp mirin (or rice wine), 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 2 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 4
Add the marinated beef to the bowl with the prepared marinade. Gently mix and massage the marinade into the beef with your hands. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and delicious.
Step 5
Heat a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry the beef quickly, breaking up any clumps. Cook until the beef is mostly browned, about 70-80% cooked through. High heat is key here to lock in the juices.
Step 6
When the beef is about 70-80% cooked, add the pre-cut garlic scapes to the pan. Continue to stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes. You want the garlic scapes to become tender-crisp and turn a vibrant green, releasing their characteristic aroma. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy. The key is to maintain a pleasant crunch.
Step 7
Once the beef and garlic scapes are perfectly cooked, transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal. This simple yet delicious stir-fry is ready to be enjoyed with rice or as a side dish!
