Spicy and Sweet Garlic Scape Stir-fried Chicken Thighs
How to Make Delicious Stir-fried Chicken Thighs with Garlic Scapes – A One-Bowl Meal Recipe
Discover the delightful crunch and fragrant aroma of garlic scapes, a seasonal spring delicacy! Garlic scapes are particularly beneficial for blood circulation and warming the body, making them an excellent ingredient, especially for women. This recipe transforms fresh, in-season garlic scapes (available from March to May) with tender chicken thighs into a savory and sweet stir-fry that the whole family will love. And for an extra satisfying meal, don’t forget to stir-fry some rice in the leftover sauce! Let’s dive into May’s signature Garlic Scape Chicken Thigh Stir-fry recipe!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch garlic scapes
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 stalk green onion (primarily white part)
- 1-2 red or green chili peppers (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the chicken thighs thoroughly and make 2-3 shallow cuts on the surface. These cuts help the sauce penetrate better, making the chicken more flavorful. Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Browning enhances the flavor. Once the chicken is golden, add about 100ml of water, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the chicken cook completely until tender. (If you are sensitive to the gamey smell of chicken, you can add a splash of cooking wine or mirin at this stage to neutralize it. If the chicken is fresh, water alone is sufficient.)
Step 2
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the delicious stir-fry sauce. In a bowl, combine 100ml of chicken broth (the liquid from cooking the chicken) or clean water, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and the cornstarch mixture (1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp water). Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3
For soy sauce-based stir-fries, using brown sugar instead of white sugar can contribute a richer, deeper flavor and a more appealing brown hue. Measure accurately as per the recipe.
Step 4
If you desire a subtle touch of acidity in your dish, consider using unrefined rice vinegar. It adds a smooth, clean note without an overpowering sourness. Furthermore, incorporating a tablespoon or two of fish sauce (similar to Korean anchovy sauce) into meat dishes significantly boosts the inherent umami flavors of the ingredients, making them far more delicious.
Step 5
Slice the green onion into 4-5cm lengths, focusing on the white parts. (In Canada, it’s difficult to find green onions, so leeks were used as a substitute, which have a similar but milder flavor. If you’re in Korea, using the white parts of Korean green onions will yield a much more delicious result.)
Step 6
Trim and clean the garlic scapes, then cut them into generous 4-5cm pieces. Cutting them too small might diminish their crisp texture, so aim for larger pieces. (You can cut them smaller, around 3cm, if you prefer.)
Step 7
For a pleasant spicy kick, thinly slice 1-2 red or green chili peppers (like bird’s eye chilies or Korean Cheongyang peppers). If you enjoy heat, use them as is. If you prefer less spice, adjust the quantity or omit them entirely.
Step 8
Before cooking, preheat a wok or a deep pan over high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. First, add the sliced green onions, garlic scapes, and chili peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 1 minute to release their fragrance, being careful not to burn them.
Step 9
Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the cooked chicken thighs to the pan. Continue to stir-fry over high heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors of the vegetables to meld with the chicken. When the ingredients are well combined, pour the prepared sauce evenly over everything.
Step 10
After adding the sauce, keep stirring and cooking. The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken, coating the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, thickened consistency.
Step 11
Your dish is ready when the sauce has reduced and the ingredients are glossy! Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a little sesame oil for a nutty aroma. The subtle, rich fragrance of sesame oil enhances the overall balance of flavors. Enjoy this delicious meal with a side of warm rice!
