Stir-fried Garlic Scapes with Crispy Dried Shrimp
The Ultimate Rice-Stealing Side Dish! Baek Jong-won’s Golden Recipe for Stir-fried Garlic Scapes and Dried Shrimp
Here’s a beloved side dish for all ages: Stir-fried Garlic Scapes and Dried Shrimp, inspired by Baek Jong-won’s recipe! Having this side dish on hand means one less worry about what to serve. Garlic scapes are delicious simply stir-fried, or they can be mixed with a spicy gochujang sauce for a different flavor. This time, we’ve added dried shrimp for a savory and crispy texture that makes for a perfect rice accompaniment. Give this simple yet flavorful recipe a try! 🙂
This recipe combines the unique pungent flavor of garlic scapes, the savory taste of dried shrimp, and Baek Jong-won’s perfectly balanced sauce, creating a magical dish that will have you finishing your rice in no time. Even children who might be hesitant about garlic scapes will enjoy them thanks to the savory crunch of the dried shrimp.
Ingredients
- 130g garlic scapes (about 1 bunch)
- Dried shrimp, to taste (about 1/2 cup)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp soju or mirin
- 1.5 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 small soju glass of water (approx. 50ml)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (about 1/2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the garlic scapes for a delicious stir-fry. Wash the 130g of garlic scapes (about 1 bunch) thoroughly under running water. After washing, trim off the tough ends of the garlic scapes to make them more tender.
Step 2
Cut the prepared garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. This will help the sauce distribute evenly and make them easier to eat.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the dried shrimp crispier by stir-frying them. Heat a pan without any oil and add the dried shrimp. Be careful not to use high heat as they can burn; stir-fry over medium or low heat until the moisture evaporates and they turn lightly golden. This process enhances their flavor and texture.
Step 4
Once the dried shrimp are crisply stir-fried, set them aside in a sieve to cool slightly. If there are any small shrimp fragments, gently shake the sieve to remove them for a cleaner result.
Step 5
Next, prepare the sauce for the garlic scape stir-fry in advance. While you can add the ingredients directly to the pan, preparing the sauce beforehand makes cooking much smoother and allows the flavors to meld better. In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp soju or mirin (this helps remove any raw smell and adds flavor), 1.5 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup. Add 1 small soju glass of water (approx. 50ml) and mix well until the sauce is fully dissolved.
Step 6
Now, let’s start making the Baek Jong-won style garlic scape stir-fry! Heat a pan and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, releasing its aroma. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 7
Once the minced garlic is fragrant, add the prepared garlic scapes to the pan.
Step 8
Add the garlic scapes and stir-fry, adjusting the heat to prevent the minced garlic from burning. Cook until the garlic scapes wilt slightly and turn a vibrant green. It’s important to maintain their crisp texture.
Step 9
When the garlic scapes are partially cooked, pour the pre-made sauce into the pan. Stir well to coat the garlic scapes and let the sauce simmer. Important tip: The amount of sauce needed can vary depending on the quantity of garlic scapes. Instead of adding all the sauce at once, start with about half and taste as you go, adding more if needed. If you prefer less salt, this amount might be just right.
Step 10
The sauce will begin to thicken and coat the garlic scapes. Avoid cooking over high heat, as the sauce can burn. Simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce and garlic scapes to meld together. Reducing the sauce to a thick consistency will enhance the flavor of this delicious side dish.
Step 11
Now, add the crispy dried shrimp that were stir-fried earlier and quickly mix them with the garlic scapes. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the dried shrimp and garlic scapes are well combined. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. If it’s not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce; if it’s not sweet enough, add a touch more corn syrup to suit your preference.
Step 12
Once all the seasonings are perfectly balanced, turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds to finish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and seeds will add an extra layer of flavor. Your delicious Stir-fried Garlic Scapes with Crispy Dried Shrimp is ready!
Step 13
Wow, what a mouthwatering display! This stir-fried garlic scape dish looks incredibly appetizing. I couldn’t resist trying a bite while cooking and now I’m eager to serve it with rice. I usually prefer milder flavors, but this isn’t too salty and is delicious enough to eat on its own. I always enjoy this side dish at restaurants, but making it at home brings out an even richer flavor.
Step 14
The crispy texture of the dried shrimp combined with the satisfying crunch of the garlic scapes creates a delightful eating experience. Even children who might not usually eat garlic scapes will find themselves reaching for more, captivated by the savory crispness from the dried shrimp.
Step 15
This incredibly easy-to-make, rice-stealing side dish is a winner! With Baek Jong-won’s Stir-fried Garlic Scapes and Dried Shrimp, you can create a joyful mealtime where the whole family devours their rice. It’s the perfect side dish, so be sure to give it a try!
