Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Gochujang
Seasonal Garlic Scapes Gochujang Salad: A Nostalgic Side Dish Recipe
Today, we’re making a delicious gochujang salad with lightly blanched garlic scapes. This spicy garlic scape salad is a perfect homemade side dish that evokes nostalgic flavors and is wonderfully refreshing.
Main Ingredients- 200g fresh garlic scapes
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (for blanching garlic scapes)
Spicy & Sweet Dressing- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar (for a touch of tanginess)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp water (to adjust dressing consistency)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum syrup, for subtle sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to enhance sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar (for a touch of tanginess)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 Tbsp water (to adjust dressing consistency)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum syrup, for subtle sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to enhance sweetness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh garlic scapes thoroughly under running water. Trim off any tough ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm long. If the scapes are very thick, you can cut them in half lengthwise for easier eating.
Step 2
The key to a delicious garlic scape salad is the dressing! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp maesilcheong, and 1/2 Tbsp sugar. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your preference.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 tsp of salt. Carefully add the prepared garlic scapes to the boiling water and blanch for just about 1 minute over high heat. It’s crucial to maintain the crisp texture of the garlic scapes, so be mindful not to overcook them.
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the garlic scapes under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step helps preserve their vibrant green color and crispness. Drain the garlic scapes well in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed. Any remaining water can dilute the dressing.
Step 5
Place the drained garlic scapes in a mixing bowl. Add all of the prepared dressing to the scapes. Gently toss and mix the garlic scapes with the dressing using your hands, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Mix thoroughly so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and rich flavor. Give it a final gentle mix. Your spicy and sweet garlic scape gochujang salad, a perfect side dish for warm rice or a delightful addition to your lunchbox, is now ready to be enjoyed!
