How to Cook Garlic Scapes
Have you ever eaten garlic scapes? This is a popular vegetable in various cuisines, from Asian to Western. Let’s learn how to cook garlic scapes deliciously!
Table of Contents
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly flower stalks that grow from the bulbs of garlic plants. They are typically removed to encourage the garlic bulbs—the familiar ingredient we use in cooking—to grow larger.
Garlic scapes range in color from green to dark green and have a mild, slightly sweet, and garlicky flavor. Their texture is firm and crisp when fresh, somewhat similar to asparagus. They are widely used in various dishes, not only in Western cuisine but also in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. Some popular dishes featuring garlic scapes include pesto, beef and garlic scape stir-fry, salads, and even as a topping for pizzas or pasta. While stir-fried garlic scapes are a well-loved dish in Asian cuisine, garlic scape pesto has been gaining popularity worldwide as a flavorful pasta pairing.
How to Cook Garlic Scapes
There are many exciting ways to cook garlic scapes! As an Asian, I usually prepare them in a very Asian-style manner, but I also enjoy experimenting with different methods. Follow the steps below to cook garlic scapes in various ways.
Preparation
- Trim off the tough, woody ends of the garlic scapes, as they tend to harden during transportation and storage.
- Rinse the scapes thoroughly with water, optionally adding a pinch of salt for sanitation.
- After washing, cut the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
1. Grilling
One of the easiest ways to cook garlic scapes is by grilling them.
- Season the scapes with a bit of salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Grill them over an open flame for about 10 minutes, flipping them once they develop a golden-brown char on one side.
- If using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (392°F) and roast the scapes for 15–20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Pan-Toasting
A simpler method that doesn’t require an oven is pan-toasting.
- Heat a pan over medium heat with a little cooking oil. Add the garlic scapes and stir-fry them until they turn a deeper green, indicating they are cooked through.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, leave them in the pan for a few more minutes to develop a slight char. If you would like to add some Asian flavor, try adding a teaspoon of oyster sauce.
3. Stir-Frying and Other Recipes
To create more flavorful dishes, try these ideas:
- Beef and Garlic Scape Stir-Fry – A classic dish where garlic scapes are stir-fried with thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, and a touch of oyster sauce.
- Garlic Scape Pesto – Blend garlic scapes with nuts, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice for a vibrant, garlicky pesto.
- Pickled Garlic Scapes – A tangy and crunchy side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Tip: Since garlic scapes have a strong garlicky aroma, I don’t recommend eating them raw in salads. However, they make an excellent addition when lightly cooked and mixed into warm dishes!
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