Crispy Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Anchovies
The Perfect Harmony of Savory Garlic Scapes and Crunchy Anchovies: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
Garlic scapes are in season! While they are delicious in any dish, our family’s absolute favorite is this stir-fried garlic scapes with anchovies. The satisfying crunch of the garlic scapes combined with the universally loved anchovies creates a side dish that speaks for itself. Let’s make this delightful garlic scape and anchovy stir-fry!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch garlic scapes (approx. 270g after trimming)
- 50g dried anchovies for stir-frying
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching garlic scapes)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the garlic scapes. Trim off about 1cm from the tough ends, then cut the scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4cm long. Cutting them into manageable lengths will make them easier to eat.
Step 2
For the dried anchovies, if there are any small bones or debris, sift them out using a sieve. It’s also a good idea to remove their heads and internal organs for a cleaner taste. Place the prepared anchovies in a dry frying pan and lightly toast them over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes to remove any fishy smell and moisture. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Once boiling, add the trimmed garlic scapes and blanch them. If you prefer a crispier texture, blanch for just 1-2 minutes. For a softer texture, blanch for 3-4 minutes. After blanching, rinse the scapes under cold water to cool them down and drain any excess water.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the seasoning sauce. In a wide pan or wok, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, and 3 Tbsp water. Mix them well. Adding a little water here helps prevent the sauce from burning and ensures it coats the garlic scapes evenly.
Step 5
Pour the seasoning sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the blanched garlic scapes. Stir-fry them, coating them well with the sauce. When the garlic scapes are partially cooked, add the pre-toasted anchovies and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients and the sauce are well combined.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 2 Tbsp of perilla oil for a rich, nutty flavor and 2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Give it a final toss and your delicious stir-fried garlic scapes with anchovies are ready! This is perfect served over a bowl of hot, freshly steamed rice. Enjoy this crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish!
