Garlic Scape Muchim (Seasoned Garlic Scapes) – A Delicious & Crisp Side Dish
Garlic Scapes Rich in Vitamins: A Must-Try Side Dish!
Spotted these lovely garlic scapes at the market and couldn’t resist bringing them home! They’re a seasonal ingredient that disappears quickly. Packed with vitamins and budget-friendly, they make a fantastic side dish. When seasoned with a savory and slightly spicy gochujang-based sauce, they become a true ‘rice thief’ – a dish that makes you want to eat more rice! Enjoy this delightful and healthy preparation of garlic scapes.
Main Ingredients
- Garlic scapes 180g (approx. 1 bunch)
- Salt 1 tsp (for blanching)
- Water 500ml (for blanching)
Savory & Sweet Seasoning
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (seasoned) 1 Tbsp
- Jocheong (rice syrup) or corn syrup 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 tsp
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tsp (add at the end)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (seasoned) 1 Tbsp
- Jocheong (rice syrup) or corn syrup 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 tsp
- Minced garlic 1 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tsp (add at the end)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the garlic scapes thoroughly. Trim off any tough ends if necessary, and then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm (2 inches) long. This length is comfortable for eating. Ensure they are well-drained after washing.
Step 2
Bring 500ml of water to a rolling boil in a pot over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Salting the water helps to maintain the crisp texture of the garlic scapes.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared garlic scapes and blanch them for a very short time, about 1 to 2 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the freshness and thickness of your garlic scapes. If they seem particularly tough, you can extend the blanching time slightly. Immediately transfer the blanched scapes to cold water to shock them and stop the cooking process; this is crucial for preserving their crispness.
Step 4
After draining the blanched garlic scapes well, combine all the seasoning ingredients in a bowl to create the flavorful sauce. Remember to set aside the sesame oil to add just before serving for maximum aroma.
Step 5
Add the prepared seasoning mixture to the well-drained garlic scapes. Gently toss and mix them together, ensuring the scapes are evenly coated with the sauce. Finally, add the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, and give it one last light toss. This final touch enhances the nutty aroma and completes this delicious side dish.