Crispy Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry: A Spring Delicacy, Perfectly Made
How to Make Delicious and Crispy Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry with Seasonal Ingredients
A delightful spring dish featuring fragrant garlic scapes and savory anchovies, perfect as a side for any meal! Packed with vitamins and calcium, this stir-fry is a healthy and flavorful choice, especially when garlic scapes are in season. Learn the secret to achieving tender yet crisp garlic scapes and perfectly crunchy anchovies, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. While delicious in salads or pickles, this freshly stir-fried dish will surely whet your appetite. Its irresistible sweet and savory taste is addictive!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch Garlic Scapes (approx. 200g)
- 100g Dried Anchovies (for stir-fry)
- A little Cooking Oil
Seasoning Ingredients- 2-3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
- 3-4 Tbsp Dried Kelp Broth or Water
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds or Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Sesame Oil (Optional)
- A pinch of Coarse Sea Salt (for blanching garlic scapes)
- 2-3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
- 3-4 Tbsp Dried Kelp Broth or Water
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds or Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Sesame Oil (Optional)
- A pinch of Coarse Sea Salt (for blanching garlic scapes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the garlic scapes under running water. Trim off the tough ends. Carefully clean the segments where dirt might accumulate. For easier cutting, gather a few scapes together on a cutting board.
Step 2
Trim off the very tips of the garlic scapes and cut them into uniform lengths of about 3-5 cm. Pieces that are too short can break apart during cooking, while excessively long pieces can be difficult to eat.
Step 3
Rinse the cut garlic scapes again and drain them well. For a milder flavor, soak them briefly (about 1 minute) in water with a couple of drops of vinegar. This helps to reduce any sharp or pungent taste.
Step 4
To ensure a crisp texture and a milder flavor, we’ll briefly blanch the garlic scapes. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of coarse sea salt, and quickly blanch the garlic scapes for just 10 seconds. Avoid over-blanching, as they can become mushy.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the garlic scapes under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. Blanching helps maintain their crispness and vibrant green color.
Step 6
To remove any fishy smell, moisture, and impurities from the anchovies, dry-roast them in a non-stick pan over low heat without any oil. Once lightly toasted and fragrant, transfer them to a sieve and shake off any powder. This step helps make the anchovies crispier.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare for stir-frying. Heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the well-drained garlic scapes and stir-fry. Ensure the garlic scapes are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil to prevent splattering and potential burns.
Step 8
Once the garlic scapes begin to turn slightly translucent, add the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and kelp broth (or water). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly.
Step 9
Add the 200g of blanched and thoroughly drained garlic scapes to the simmering sauce in the pan. Remember to ensure there’s no residual water on the scapes to avoid oil splattering. Cook carefully.
Step 10
Garlic scapes don’t require a long cooking time. Stir-fry them briefly until they are coated with the sauce, then add the prepared dried anchovies and stir-fry together quickly.
Step 11
Since both the garlic scapes and anchovies have been pre-treated, they cook very fast. Continue stir-frying until the sauce begins to reduce and thicken. At this stage, add the corn syrup for a glossy finish and added sweetness.
Step 12
For an extra nutty aroma, you can drizzle in a little sesame oil at the end (optional). Turn off the heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds or toasted sesame seeds, and your delicious garlic scape and anchovy stir-fry is ready!
Step 13
Enjoy the perfect combination of crisp garlic scapes and savory, crunchy anchovies! This fragrant garlic scape and anchovy stir-fry will capture your spring appetite and make your mealtime satisfying and flavorful.
