Flavorful Stir-Fried Pickled Garlic Scapes
How to Make Delicious Stir-Fried Pickled Garlic Scapes from a Year-Old Pickle
Just as a strong foundation allows for a sturdy building, when your main ingredient is already flavorful, minimal seasoning is all you need. Last year, I made about 2kg of pickled garlic scapes, similar to pickles, and shared them with friends and acquaintances. I kept the leftovers in the refrigerator to enjoy occasionally. Recently, I took out the last of my pickled garlic scapes. They were still fresh and perfectly seasoned, delicious even on their own. However, they looked a bit plain, so I decided to toss them with just a few seasonings: chili powder, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. The result was an even tastier side dish! It’s almost unbelievable how simple it was. I’m savoring the last of last year’s well-preserved pickled garlic scapes from my fridge. With kimchi starting to get a bit too sour these days, a refreshing side dish like this is just perfect. I’ll definitely be buying plenty of garlic scapes when they’re in season again this year!
Main Ingredients- Pickled Garlic Scapes 2 cups
- Korean Chili Powder (Gochugaru) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let me briefly explain how the key ingredient, the pickled garlic scapes, are made. The brine consists of water, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar in a 2:1:1:1 ratio, with 2 Tbsp salt, 3 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 cup soju, 10 cloves of garlic, and 1 piece of ginger. This mixture is boiled, then cooled and poured over the garlic scapes. The scapes made this way remain delicious for a whole year.
Step 2
Prepare your homemade pickled garlic scapes. While they are tasty after just 2-3 days, today we’re using garlic scapes that have been aged for a full year. Carefully take out the pickled garlic scapes from your storage, ensuring they are still fresh and flavorful.
Step 3
Once you’ve taken out the pickled garlic scapes, place them in a sieve to drain any excess liquid lightly. Too much moisture can dilute the seasoning. Transfer the drained scapes to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of Korean chili powder (gochugaru) to provide a mild spiciness and vibrant color.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for its rich aroma and flavor, followed by 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. These simple additions will elevate the taste of your pickled garlic scapes.
Step 5
Now, gently mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to mash the garlic scapes; a gentle tossing motion is best. Ensure that all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the scapes. Your simple yet incredibly delicious side dish is now ready!
Step 6
Serve the finished stir-fried pickled garlic scapes in a nice bowl. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their wonderful flavor over time, making them a convenient side dish to enjoy anytime. Especially when your kimchi starts to turn sour, these refreshing garlic scapes are the perfect accompaniment. You’ll definitely want to make a large batch when garlic scapes are in season again!
