Crispy Dried Shrimp and Garlic Scape Stir-fry: May’s Seasonal Side Dish
Crispy Dried Shrimp and Garlic Scape Stir-fry: May’s Seasonal Side Dish
Chewy Dried Shrimp Meets Crunchy Garlic Scapes! A Perfect May Seasonal Side Dish: Delicious Soy-Glazed Stir-fried Garlic Scapes and Shrimp Recipe
Introducing a delicious side dish recipe made by stir-frying savory dried shrimp with fragrant garlic scapes, which are in season. Garlic scapes, a May seasonal food, have an excellent crunchy texture and pungent flavor, while dried shrimp add a rich umami. The soy-based sauce, enhanced with allulose (or corn syrup) for a glossy finish, creates a perfect sweet and savory balance. This stir-fry is easy to make and makes for an excellent side dish or even a snack. Let’s get started! (Measurements: 1 Tbsp = 15ml, 1 tsp = 5ml, 1 Cup = 200ml)
Main Ingredients- Blanched Garlic Scapes 200g
- Dried Shrimp 25g
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- Allulose (or Corn Syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Coarse Salt 2/3 Tbsp
- Allulose (or Corn Syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Coarse Salt 2/3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the garlic scapes. If they are sold bundled, rinse them under running water without unbundling them. Then, align the ends and trim off about 1cm from the tips.
Step 2
Trim off the upper part of the garlic scape where the flower bud forms (the bulbous part), as it’s less crunchy. Cut the remaining scape into manageable pieces, about 4-5cm long. Focus on cutting the thicker stem portions for the best texture.
Step 3
After trimming, rinse the garlic scapes two to three times under running water. Then, soak them in water with a splash of vinegar for about 5 minutes. This step helps maintain freshness and removes any raw flavor. (This step is optional but recommended.)
Step 4
Drain the garlic scapes and blanch them in boiling water with a pinch of coarse salt for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid overcooking, as they can become too soft. Once they turn a vibrant green, immediately remove them, rinse under cold water, and drain thoroughly. (Blanching removes the pungent taste, enhances the color, and reduces cooking time. You can also stir-fry them directly without blanching.)
Step 5
Prepare the seasoning sauce. Combine 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of fish sauce (or tuna extract), and 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (like mirin or sake) in a bowl and mix well.
Step 6
For convenience during cooking, mix all the seasoning ingredients except for the sesame oil and sesame seeds in advance. The sesame oil and seeds will be added at the very end.
Step 7
Heat a dry pan (without oil) over medium heat. Add the dried shrimp and stir-fry until they lose their moisture and any fishy aroma dissipates. Sift the toasted shrimp to remove any powder and wipe away any crumbs from the pan with a paper towel. Now, add the blanched garlic scapes and the toasted dried shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry briefly over low heat to evaporate any remaining moisture. (Be cautious, as residual moisture in the garlic scapes can cause oil splattering.) Next, add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil (like canola oil) and 1 Tbsp of cooking wine, and continue to stir-fry.
Step 8
Once the ingredients are slightly combined, add the prepared soy sauce mixture. Stir-fry while allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the ingredients evenly.
Step 9
When the soy sauce has thickened and become syrupy, add 1 Tbsp of allulose (or corn syrup) for a glossy finish. Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of ground sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and mix gently to finish.
Step 10
Your delicious Dried Shrimp and Garlic Scape Stir-fry is complete! The soy sauce-based seasoning is absorbed beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor profile. This is a side dish you’ll never get tired of making!
Step 11
Plate the finished stir-fry attractively and sprinkle with some whole sesame seeds for a garnish. You have now created a flavorful May seasonal dish and a simple side dish that is both savory and crunchy. However, it’s so delicious that it might disappear in just one meal! Be sure to try making it.
Step 12
Garlic scapes are readily available at markets this season. Enjoying seasonal ingredients cooked deliciously is the best way to nourish yourself! You don’t need fancy health foods; simply savoring the best of what’s in season is the key to well-being. Enjoy it healthily and deliciously!
