Garlic scapes are one of the most exciting seasonal ingredients to hit farmers’ markets in late spring and early summer. These long, curly green shoots are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants, offering a fresh, mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook with garlic scapes, you’re in for a treat. This guide will walk you through the best ways to prepare and enjoy garlic scapes, from simple sautés to creative recipes that highlight their unique taste.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Before diving into cooking, it’s helpful to understand what garlic scapes are. They are the tender, curly stems that grow from garlic bulbs, usually harvested in early summer to encourage the bulbs to grow larger underground. Garlic scapes look like long, green curly beans with a small flower bud at the tip. They have a garlicky aroma and flavor but are milder and fresher than garlic cloves, making them versatile in the kitchen.
Preparing Garlic Scapes for Cooking
Start by trimming off the tough ends and the flower buds if you prefer a milder taste. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or leave them longer depending on your recipe. Garlic scapes cook quickly and can be used raw or cooked, but cooking softens their sharpness and brings out a subtle sweetness.
Popular Ways to Cook Garlic Scapes
1. Sautéed Garlic Scapes
Sautéing is one of the easiest and most popular methods. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped garlic scapes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Adding a splash of water and covering the pan can help soften them further without losing their vibrant green color. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Sautéed garlic scapes are perfect as a side dish or tossed into pasta, stir-fries, or scrambled eggs for a garlicky punch without overpowering the dish.
2. Grilled Garlic Scapes
Grilling garlic scapes enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that pairs beautifully with summer vegetables. Toss whole scapes with olive oil and salt, then grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred. Grilled scapes can be served as a snack, added to salads, or used as a pizza topping.
3. Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scapes make a fantastic pesto base, offering a fresh twist on the traditional basil version. Blend chopped scapes with parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. This pesto is great tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip.
4. Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes
Inspired by Asian cooking, stir-frying garlic scapes with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness like rice syrup creates a flavorful side or main dish component. Chop the scapes into small pieces, stir-fry quickly over high heat, and finish with sesame seeds for crunch and aroma.
5. Pickled Garlic Scapes
Pickling is a clever way to preserve garlic scapes beyond their short season. Pack trimmed scapes into a jar with a brine of vinegar, salt, and sugar. After a few days, you’ll have tangy, crunchy pickled scapes that brighten salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
6. Roasted Garlic Scapes
Roasting garlic scapes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper caramelizes their sugars and softens their texture. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Roasted scapes are delicious on their own or added to grain bowls and roasted vegetable medleys.
Tips for Cooking with Garlic Scapes
– Use at least twice the amount of garlic scapes compared to garlic cloves if substituting because their flavor is milder.
– Cooking mellows their pungency, so don’t hesitate to use more if you want a stronger garlic flavor.
– Garlic scapes pair well with lemon, butter, olive oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
– They can be used raw in salads or as a garnish for a fresh, garlicky crunch.
– Store garlic scapes in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag; use within a week for best flavor.
Creative Recipe Ideas Using Garlic Scapes
– Garlic Scape and Corn Succotash: Mix chopped scapes with fresh corn kernels, green beans, and basil for a vibrant summer side.
– Garlic Scape Vinaigrette: Puree scapes with mustard, lemon juice, oil, and scallions for a creamy, garlicky salad dressing.
– Garlic Scape Compound Butter: Blend softened butter with minced scapes and a pinch of salt to spread on bread or melt over grilled meats.
– Egg Dishes: Stir chopped scapes into omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs for a fresh garlic flavor.
– Pizza Topping: Scatter sautéed or grilled scapes over pizza before baking for a garlicky green twist.
Garlic scapes are a versatile, flavorful ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Their unique texture and mild garlic taste make them a must-try for any home cook looking to experiment with seasonal produce.
Enjoy exploring all the delicious ways to cook with garlic scapes and bring a fresh burst of garlicky goodness to your meals!
Garlic scapes add a fresh, mild garlic flavor and a delightful crunch to many dishes. Whether sautéed, grilled, pickled, or blended into pesto, they’re an easy way to brighten your cooking with seasonal flair.