Spicy & Sweet Gochujang Pickled Garlic Scapes
How to Make Gochujang Pickled Garlic Scapes – Easy Garlic Scape Recipe
Today, let’s make a delicious Gochujang Pickled Garlic Scape that will make you crave rice with its spicy and savory flavor!
Main Ingredients- 500g garlic scapes
- Water (for blanching)
- 1 Tbsp salt (for blanching)
Spicy & Sweet Pickling Sauce- 3 Ladles Gochujang (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 5 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (approx. 75ml)
- 1 Cup Soju (approx. 200ml) – to remove alcohol and odor, and improve preservation
- 3 Ladles Gochujang (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce (approx. 100ml)
- 5 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (approx. 75ml)
- 1 Cup Soju (approx. 200ml) – to remove alcohol and odor, and improve preservation
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh garlic scapes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the tough ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5 cm long. Cutting them to a suitable length ensures the seasoning penetrates well.
Step 2
In a pot, bring a generous amount of water to a boil and dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt. Blanching in saltwater helps to maintain the crispiness of the garlic scapes and remove any unwanted odors.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared garlic scapes and turn off the heat. Blanch for just 2-3 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as you want to maintain their crisp texture. This crispiness is key to a delicious pickle.
Step 4
Do not rinse the blanched garlic scapes under cold water! Instead, drain them in a colander and let them cool down naturally, allowing the steam to dissipate. Ensuring they are completely dry prevents the pickling sauce from becoming watery and allows for proper aging.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the flavorful sauce that will define your pickled garlic scapes. In a bowl, combine 3 ladles of gochujang, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 5 tablespoons of corn syrup or oligosaccharide, and 1 cup of soju. Mix well until there are no lumps. The soju’s alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind its flavor-enhancing properties and acting as a preservative.
Step 6
Place the completely cooled garlic scapes into a clean, airtight container. Distribute them evenly. You can gently shake the container to settle the scapes before adding the sauce, ensuring they are well-positioned for even coating.
Step 7
Pour the prepared spicy and sweet sauce evenly over the garlic scapes in the container. Close the lid and gently shake the container to coat all the garlic scapes thoroughly with the sauce. This even coating is essential for maximum flavor.
Step 8
Your delicious Gochujang Pickled Garlic Scapes are ready! While they can be enjoyed immediately, letting them marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 days will deepen the flavors, making them even more delicious. They can be stored in the refrigerator for over two weeks, making them a perfect side dish for rice!
