Spicy Garlic Scape Stir-Fry: A Seasonal Side Dish
Delicious Garlic Scape Stir-Fry with Gochujang: A Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Introducing a recipe for a crisp, sweet, and spicy stir-fry made with fresh, seasonal garlic scapes. This simple yet appetizing side dish will add wonderful flavor to your meals.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 bunch fresh garlic scapes (approx. 200-250g)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted and crushed for better flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp plum extract or syrup
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted and crushed for better flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp plum extract or syrup
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully trim and clean your fresh garlic scapes. Cut the thicker stalk parts into lengths of about 3-5 cm. This size is ideal for absorbing the sauce and for easy eating. Avoid cutting them too long, as they can be difficult to chew.
Step 2
Now, let’s slightly blanch the garlic scapes to reduce their pungent flavor and enhance their crispness. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 tsp), and blanch the garlic scapes for just 10-20 seconds. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Immediately after blanching, rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, and pat them dry with a paper towel for best results.
Step 3
Let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of Gochujang, 1 Tbsp of crushed sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp of nutty sesame oil, 1 Tbsp of sweet and tangy plum extract, and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for umami. Mix everything well until evenly combined. You can add a little sugar or corn syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
Step 4
Add the drained garlic scapes to the bowl with the sauce. Make sure they are ready to be mixed with the seasoning. It’s best if the sauce has cooled slightly before adding the garlic scapes.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the garlic scapes with the sauce using a spatula or your hands. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can break the scapes. The key is to coat them evenly without crushing them.
Step 6
Your crispy and flavorful garlic scape stir-fry is ready! Because we lightly blanched the garlic scapes, their pungent flavor is reduced, making them enjoyable even for children. While it’s delicious right away, letting it sit in the refrigerator for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeper taste. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
