Garlic Scape Stir-Fry (마늘쫑 볶음)

Garlic Scape Stir-Fry (마늘쫑 볶음)

Garlic scape stir-fry (마늘쫑 볶음) is a simple Korean vegetable dish built around the clean, sharp aroma of garlic scapes.

Garlic scapes are the young flowering stems of garlic plants, known for their mild garlic flavor and crisp texture.

Ingredients

• garlic scapes (마늘쫑)
• soy sauce (간장)
• gochugaru (고추가루)
• garlic

The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavor of garlic scapes to stand out.

Preparation

1. Trim the garlic scapes and cut into even lengths.
2. Rinse lightly and drain well.

Cooking

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add a small amount of oil.
3. Add garlic and gently sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the garlic scapes and stir-fry.
5. Add soy sauce and gochugaru.
6. Continue cooking until the scapes are tender but still slightly crisp.

Texture and Flavor

• crisp yet tender
• savory with a mild heat
• clean and direct

The garlic enhances the natural sharpness of the scapes without overpowering them.

A Note on Simplicity

This dish relies on restraint.

Too much seasoning can easily mask the character of garlic scapes, so it is best kept minimal.