Spicy & Sweet Garlic Scape Salad Recipe
May’s Seasonal Delicacy: A Complete Guide to Making Gochujang Garlic Scape Salad
As May arrives, it brings the delightful taste of fresh garlic scapes, perfect for a staple side dish! Among the many ways to enjoy them, we’re introducing a flavorful Gochujang (Korean chili paste) marinated garlic scape salad. This recipe offers a simple yet profoundly delicious way to savor this seasonal vegetable.
Ingredients- 250g fresh garlic scapes
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I’ve prepared fresh garlic scapes, which are conveniently packaged for easy handling. Garlic scapes are known for their unique pungent aroma and crisp texture.
Step 2
Trim off the top part of the garlic scapes, where the seed pods are forming and tend to be tough. Avoid cutting too close to the base, as this can affect how well the seasoning adheres. Aim for a moderate cut.
Step 3
Remove the tough, fibrous root end of the garlic scapes. Cleaning and trimming these parts ensures they are pleasant to eat and hygienic.
Step 4
Cut the trimmed garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5 cm (approximately 1.5-2 inches) long. If they are too long, the seasoning won’t distribute evenly; if they are too short, you might lose some of the satisfying chew.
Step 5
Rinse the cut garlic scapes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain them in a colander to remove excess water.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the garlic scapes to retain their crispness and remove any strong raw flavor. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly until it reaches about 80°C (175°F). Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt until fully dissolved.
Step 7
Briefly blanch the prepared garlic scapes in the warm, sweetened, and salted water for no more than 2 minutes. This quick blanching step mellows the pungent flavor while preserving their delightful crunch.
Step 8
Immediately remove the blanched garlic scapes from the water and drain them thoroughly in a colander. It’s best to pat them dry with paper towels to ensure no excess moisture remains, which could dilute the seasoning.
Step 9
Let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Gochujang, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp mirin, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix them well. Mirin helps to remove any unwanted odors and adds a lovely sheen.
Step 10
Add the prepared garlic scapes to the bowl with the seasoning. Pour in all of the prepared sauce, making sure to scrape the bowl clean so no deliciousness is wasted.
Step 11
Gently toss and mix the garlic scapes with the seasoning using your hands until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix or squeeze too hard, as this could break the scapes. Finish by adding another 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for extra nutty aroma.
Step 12
Transfer the well-seasoned garlic scape salad to a serving dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Your fragrant, spicy, and sweet garlic scape side dish, a true rice thief, is ready to be enjoyed!
