Crispy and Delicious Garlic Scape Gochujang Salad
Crispy and Delicious Garlic Scape Gochujang Salad
Spicy and Sweet Side Dish Made with Seasonal Garlic Scapes
This recipe brings you a delicious gochujang (Korean chili paste) salad made with fresh, in-season garlic scapes! The perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, combined with the refreshing crunch of garlic scapes, makes this dish an irresistible side that will have you finishing your rice in no time. Follow this simple yet special garlic scape recipe for a delightful addition to your meals.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh garlic scapes
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, add more if you like it spicier)
- 3 Tbsp rice syrup or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Blanching- Generous amount of water (enough to submerge the scapes)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, add more if you like it spicier)
- 3 Tbsp rice syrup or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Blanching- Generous amount of water (enough to submerge the scapes)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, inspect the garlic scapes for freshness. Trim off the top portion, including any packaging tape, as it can be tough or unsightly. Aim to remove about 1-2 cm from the top.
Step 2
Cut the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm long. If they are too long, they can be difficult to eat, and if too short, they might lack a satisfying crunch. Feel free to adjust the length to your preference.
Step 3
In a wide pot, add enough water to generously cover the garlic scapes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared garlic scapes. Blanch them for exactly 2 minutes. Over-blanching will make them mushy and lose their crispness, so be mindful of the timing.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the garlic scapes under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This step is crucial for maintaining their crisp texture. Drain them thoroughly to ensure the dressing adheres well and to prevent sogginess. You can use a colander or gently pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 6
In a clean mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: gochujang, gochugaru, rice syrup, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until smooth and well-incorporated. Taste the seasoning and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking for an even more delicious result.
Step 7
Add the drained garlic scapes to the prepared seasoning. Gently toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can mash the scapes. A gentle mixing motion is key to preserving their texture.
Step 8
Here’s the beautifully coated garlic scapes, ready to be enjoyed. Taste a piece and if needed, add a little more seasoning or a touch of soy sauce if it’s not salty enough.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra nutty aroma. Your crispy and flavorful garlic scape gochujang salad is now complete! Enjoy this delightful side dish.
