Garlic scapes, those curly green stalks that sprout from garlic plants, are a fleeting treasure offering a unique, garlicky flavor. Often discarded, these culinary gems deserve a place of honor in your kitchen. This recipe transforms humble scapes into a vibrant, spicy pickled delight that's perfect as a condiment, a side dish, or even a pizza topping. The intense garlic flavor is balanced by a bright acidity and a delightful kick of chili, creating a complex and addictive taste experience. Imagine the satisfying crunch and flavorful burst in every bite!
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Forget complicated pickling processes; this method delivers perfectly pickled scapes with remarkable speed and simplicity. Ready to create your own jar of these spicy, flavorful beauties? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious side dish.
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Kettle
Ingredients
- Garlic Scapes: 160-200 grams
- Water
- Salt
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Plum Extract or Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Urigodang/Corn Syrup/Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Chili Powder (Kochikaru): 2 tablespoons
- Gochujang: 2-3 tablespoons
- Sesame Seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Garlic Scapes
- Cut garlic scapes into pinky finger length pieces (slightly longer is okay).
Step 2. Blanch the Garlic Scapes
- Boil water in a kettle. Add salt to the boiling water.
- Blanch garlic scapes in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
Step 3. Make the Spicy Pickling Sauce
- Combine minced garlic, plum extract (or sugar), soy sauce, sesame oil, urigodang/corn syrup/honey, chili powder, and gochujang. Mix well.
- Add sesame seeds to the sauce and mix.
Step 4. Combine and Pickle
- Add the sauce to the blanched garlic scapes and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Read more: Spicy Crunchy Korean Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-sobagi) Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness.
- This makes a great side dish with rice and other meals.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbs: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
FAQs
1. How long do spicy pickled garlic scapes last?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your pickled scapes should last for at least 2-3 weeks, sometimes even longer. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly.
2. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes or chili pepper to your preference. For a milder pickle, use less; for extra heat, add more.
Enjoy the satisfying crunch and bold flavor of your homemade spicy pickled garlic scapes. This simple recipe is a fantastic way to utilize a often-overlooked ingredient and add a unique zing to any meal. So grab those scapes and get pickling – you won't regret it!