Chewy Dried Shrimp and Aromatic Garlic Scapes Stir-Fry
How to Make Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Shrimp: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
Garlic scapes are a seasonal delicacy typically enjoyed in April and May, but if you’re craving them as a side dish, this ‘Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Shrimp’ is a fantastic option! We’ve added chewy dried shrimp to the flavorful garlic scapes for an extra layer of taste. Blanching the garlic scapes in hot water not only shortens the cooking time but also helps them absorb seasonings better, resulting in a delicious banchan. This dish is perfect for whetting your appetite on days when you don’t feel like eating much. (Note: The seasoning is initially mild. Please taste and add more salt if needed according to your preference.)
Main Ingredients for Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Shrimp- 153g Garlic Scapes (prepared weight)
- 10g Dried Shrimp
- 2 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil (or cooking oil)
Seasoning for Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Shrimp- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oligosaccharide
- 0.2 Tbsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
For Blanching Garlic Scapes- 600ml Water
- 0.4 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oligosaccharide
- 0.2 Tbsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
For Blanching Garlic Scapes- 600ml Water
- 0.4 Tbsp Coarse Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim off the tough ends and the very top of the garlic scapes. If your garlic scapes are already prepared, you can skip this step.
Step 2
Fill a bowl with clean water. Wash the garlic scapes one by one, rinsing about 4 times to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, drain them thoroughly.
Step 3
Cut the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 4 to 5 cm long. Cutting them to a manageable length will make them easier for everyone, including children, to eat.
Step 4
In a pot, bring 600ml of water and 0.4 Tbsp of coarse salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Adding salt at this stage helps to maintain a vibrant green color and lightly season the garlic scapes.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling, add all the prepared garlic scapes and stir them gently.
Step 6
When the garlic scapes start to float to the surface as they cook, turn off the heat. To keep them crisp, blanch for only about 2 minutes over high heat. Overcooking will make them mushy. Immediately remove the blanched garlic scapes from the hot water.
Step 7
Rinse the blanched garlic scapes under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander, ensuring as much water as possible is removed. This prevents the stir-fry from becoming watery.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the drained garlic scapes along with 2 Tbsp of grapeseed oil. Stir gently to prevent burning.
Step 9
Stir-fry for about 20 to 30 seconds until the garlic scapes are lightly coated with oil. This quick stir-fry helps to bring out their unique aroma.
Step 10
In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, and 0.2 Tbsp salt. Whisk well to create the seasoning mixture for the garlic scape stir-fry. (Tip: You can also add the seasonings directly into the pan with the garlic scapes.)
Step 11
Pour the prepared seasoning mixture into the pan with the garlic scapes and continue to stir-fry. Cook until the garlic scapes are tender and have absorbed the seasoning evenly. Their color will deepen, making them look more appealing.
Step 12
Taste the stir-fried garlic scapes. If you find them not salty enough, add a tiny bit more salt at this stage to adjust the seasoning to your liking. (In this recipe, we found the initial seasoning to be just right.)
Step 13
Now, add 10g of dried shrimp for a chewy texture. Stir gently with the garlic scapes for just a short while to combine. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 14
Finally, turn off the heat. Add 0.5 Tbsp of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds. Stir everything together one last time. Your delicious Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Shrimp is now complete! The nutty aroma of sesame oil and seeds will enhance the overall flavor. ^^
