Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that sprout from garlic bulbs, bursting with a mild garlic flavor and a fresh, crisp texture. If you’ve recently come across these unique vegetable gems and wondered how to cook garlic scapes, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through easy, delicious methods to prepare garlic scapes and inspire you with tasty ideas to savor their garlicky goodness.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. They are long, slender, and often curly, with a small flower bud at the tip. These shoots are harvested in early summer to encourage the garlic bulbs to grow larger underground. Garlic scapes have a fresh, mild garlic flavor that is less pungent than garlic cloves, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. They can be sautéed, grilled, roasted, pickled, or even blended into sauces and dressings.
Preparing Garlic Scapes for Cooking
Before cooking, start by trimming off the tough ends and the flower bud tip, which can be thinner and cook differently than the stalk. If the bottom stems feel fibrous or tough, snap them off just like you would with asparagus. Wash the scapes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole depending on your cooking method.
How to Cook Garlic Scapes: Easy and Delicious Methods
1. Sautéed Garlic Scapes
Sautéing garlic scapes is one of the simplest and most popular ways to enjoy them. Here’s how:
– Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chopped garlic scapes, season with salt and pepper.
– Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
– For extra tenderness, add a splash of water, cover the pan, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
– Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the scapes for a bright, fresh flavor.
Sautéed garlic scapes make a perfect side dish or a flavorful addition to pasta, omelets, or grain bowls.
2. Grilled Garlic Scapes
Grilling garlic scapes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that’s irresistible:
– Toss whole garlic scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Place the scapes on a grill basket or directly on the grates, turning occasionally.
– Grill for about 10 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
– Serve as a tasty appetizer or add them to salads, sandwiches, or vegetable platters.
Grilled garlic scapes retain a pleasant crunch and their vibrant green color, making them a visually appealing and delicious treat.
3. Blanched and Sautéed (Two-Step Method)
For a perfectly cooked texture and vibrant color, try this two-step method:
– Boil salted water and blanch the garlic scapes for about 2 minutes until bright green.
– Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
– Drain and sauté the scapes with garlic and onions until browned and tender.
This method ensures the scapes remain crisp-tender and full of flavor, ideal for serving as a side or incorporating into stir-fries and pasta dishes.
4. Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes
Inspired by Asian cuisine, stir-frying garlic scapes with pork or vegetables creates a quick and tasty meal:
– Cut garlic scapes into 2-inch pieces.
– Heat oil in a wok or skillet, add garlic and sliced pork or your choice of protein.
– Toss in garlic scapes and stir-fry with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness like rice syrup.
– Cook until the scapes are tender-crisp and the flavors meld beautifully.
This method highlights garlic scapes’ versatility and pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
5. Pickled Garlic Scapes
Pickling is a fantastic way to enjoy garlic scapes beyond their short season:
– Trim and cut scapes into pieces.
– Prepare a brine with vinegar, salt, sugar, and your favorite pickling spices.
– Submerge the scapes in the brine and refrigerate for at least a few days.
– Use pickled garlic scapes to add a tangy, garlicky crunch to salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
Pickling preserves their flavor and lets you enjoy garlic scapes all year round.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Ideas
Garlic scapes’ mild garlic flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients:
– Toss sautéed garlic scapes with pasta, olive oil, and parmesan for a quick meal.
– Use grilled scapes as a pizza topping or in grain bowls.
– Blend garlic scapes into pesto for a garlicky twist on the classic sauce.
– Add chopped scapes to scrambled eggs or frittatas for a fresh, savory note.
– Mix garlic scapes into salads or serve alongside grilled meats and vegetables.
Their bright, fresh flavor and crisp texture make garlic scapes a delightful addition to many dishes.
Garlic scapes are a seasonal treasure that can transform your meals with their unique flavor and texture. Whether you sauté, grill, stir-fry, or pickle them, cooking garlic scapes is simple and rewarding. Give these methods a try and enjoy the fresh taste of summer in every bite!