Garlic scapes bring a mild garlic flavor to stir-fries when you slice them thinly and add them late in cooking. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook garlic scapes, you’re in the right place. These curly green shoots are a seasonal treat that many home cooks overlook, but they deserve a spot in your kitchen. In this guide, you’ll learn simple methods to prepare them, from sautéing to grilling, plus tips to store and use them all season long.
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic plants. They appear in late spring or early summer, usually before the garlic bulbs are ready to harvest. They have a tender texture and a milder, sweeter taste than garlic cloves. You can eat them raw or cooked, and they work well in many dishes.
Why Cook Garlic Scapes?
Many people toss garlic scapes away or compost them, but that’s a waste. They are versatile and add a subtle garlic flavor without the bite of raw cloves. Cooking them softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
You can find garlic scapes at farmers markets or in your garden if you grow hardneck garlic. They look like long, green stems with a curled tip. Sometimes they have a small bulb at the end. The entire stalk is edible, though the tip might be a bit tough.
How To Cook Garlic Scapes
Now let’s get into the main event. There are several ways to cook garlic scapes, and each method brings out different qualities. Below are the most popular techniques, from quick stovetop methods to roasting and grilling.
Preparing Garlic Scapes For Cooking
Before you start, you need to clean and trim the scapes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel. Cut off the tough tip at the top, just below the curl. Some people leave the curl intact for visual appeal, but it can be fibrous. Also trim the bottom end if it looks dry or woody.
Once trimmed, you can cut them into pieces. For stir-fries, slice them into 1-inch lengths. For roasting, leave them whole or cut into 2-inch pieces. For pesto, chop them roughly.
Sautéing Garlic Scapes
Sautéing is the quickest and most common method. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chopped scapes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become bright green and tender. Season with salt and pepper. You can add a splash of lemon juice or soy sauce at the end.
This method works well as a side dish or as an addition to pasta, rice, or scrambled eggs.
Roasting Garlic Scapes
Roasting brings out a sweeter, more concentrated flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be lightly browned and tender.
Roasted scapes are great as a side dish or mixed into salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
Grilling Garlic Scapes
Grilling adds a smoky char that complements the mild garlic flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Toss the scapes with oil and salt. Place them directly on the grill grates. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they have grill marks and are tender. Remove and serve immediately.
Grilled scapes pair well with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. You can also chop them and add to a vinaigrette.
Blanching Garlic Scapes
Blanching is useful if you want to preserve the scapes or use them in cold dishes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the scapes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry.
Blanched scapes can be used in salads, as a garnish, or frozen for later use.
Making Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic scape pesto is a fantastic alternative to basil pesto. It has a fresh, garlicky flavor that works on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Gather 1 cup of chopped garlic scapes, 1/3 cup of nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds), 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and salt to taste.
- Combine the scapes, nuts, and cheese in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Process until smooth.
- Season with salt. If the pesto is too thick, add a little more oil or a tablespoon of water.
Store pesto in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for later use.
Adding Garlic Scapes To Stir-Fries
Stir-fries are a natural fit for garlic scapes. Their mild garlic flavor complements vegetables, meat, and tofu. Slice the scapes thinly and add them late in cooking to preserve their texture. For example, if you’re making a vegetable stir-fry, add the scapes in the last 2 minutes. They will cook quickly and retain a slight crunch.
You can also use them in place of garlic cloves in many stir-fry recipes. Just remember that they are milder, so you might need to use more.
Using Garlic Scapes In Soups And Stews
Garlic scapes can be added to soups and stews for a subtle garlic flavor. Chop them into small pieces and add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They will soften and infuse the broth. They work well in vegetable soups, chicken soup, or bean stews.
For a creamy soup, you can blend cooked scapes into the base. This adds a smooth, garlicky note without overpowering other ingredients.
Pickling Garlic Scapes
Pickling is a great way to preserve garlic scapes for months. They become tangy and crisp, perfect for snacking or adding to charcuterie boards. Here’s a basic pickling method:
- Trim the scapes to fit into a jar. Pack them tightly.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider), 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve.
- Pour the hot brine over the scapes, leaving a little headspace. Seal the jar.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. They will be ready in 24 hours and last for several weeks.
You can add spices like peppercorns, dill, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Freezing Garlic Scapes
If you have a large harvest, freezing is an easy option. Blanch the scapes first (as described above), then drain and pat dry. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 6 months.
Frozen scapes are best used in cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, or pesto. They will lose some crispness but retain flavor.
Tips For Cooking Garlic Scapes
Here are a few extra tips to get the best results:
- Don’t overcook them. Garlic scapes become mushy if cooked too long. Aim for tender but still bright green.
- Pair them with complementary flavors. Lemon, butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and herbs like thyme or parsley work well.
- Use them raw in salads. Slice them very thinly and add to green salads or slaws for a mild garlic kick.
- Substitute them for green beans or asparagus in recipes. They have a similar texture when cooked.
- Store fresh scapes in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. They will last for about a week.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced cooks can make mistakes with garlic scapes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using them too late in the season. Older scapes become tough and woody. Harvest or buy them when they are still tender and curled.
- Not trimming properly. The tip and bottom end can be fibrous. Always trim them.
- Overcrowding the pan. When sautéing or roasting, give the scapes space so they cook evenly and brown.
- Adding them too early in cooking. They cook quickly, so add them near the end to preserve texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Garlic Scapes Raw?
Yes, you can eat garlic scapes raw. They have a mild garlic flavor and a crisp texture. Slice them thinly and add to salads, sandwiches, or use as a garnish.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Garlic Scapes?
The best way depends on your dish. Sautéing is quick and versatile. Roasting brings out sweetness. Grilling adds smokiness. For a sauce, make pesto.
Do Garlic Scapes Taste Like Garlic?
They taste like a milder, sweeter version of garlic. The flavor is less pungent than cloves, with a hint of grassiness.
Can You Freeze Garlic Scapes?
Yes, blanch them first, then freeze. They will keep for up to 6 months. Use them in cooked dishes.
How Long Do Garlic Scapes Last In The Fridge?
Fresh garlic scapes last about a week in the refrigerator. Store them in a plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Final Thoughts
Garlic scapes are a seasonal delight that deserve more attention. They are easy to cook and add a gentle garlic flavor to many dishes. Whether you sauté, roast, grill, or pickle them, you’ll find them versatile and delicious. Next time you see them at the market, grab a bunch and try one of these methods. You might just discover a new favorite ingredient.
Remember to experiment with different recipes and techniques. Garlic scapes can be a simple side dish or a star ingredient in pesto, stir-fries, and more. With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to cook garlic scapes and make the most of their short season.