Crispy Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry with Soy Sauce
Crispy Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry with Soy Sauce
Seasonal Garlic Scapes Recipe, Garlic Scape Stir-fry, Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry, Easy Side Dish
Hello everyone, this is Luna, your culinary guide! Today, I’m bringing you a delicious stir-fry using garlic scapes, known for their wonderfully crisp texture. While garlic scapes are often stir-fried whole or with dried shrimp, we’re going to try something a little different today! I found some small dried anchovies in my freezer and decided to pair them with the garlic scapes for a unique flavor. This savory and sweet stir-fry with anchovies is a universally loved side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. Anchovies are rich in calcium, which is great for children’s growth, making this a popular choice for lunchboxes as well. I packed some for my husband’s lunch! Garlic scapes are in season right now, offering a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness. It’s the perfect time to enjoy them! Let’s get cooking and make this flavorful garlic scape and anchovy stir-fry together!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch garlic scapes
- 100g small dried anchovies
- 4 cloves garlic (sliced or minced)
Seasoning- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon each)
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon each)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First step in preparing the garlic scapes: trim off the tough, fibrous ends. We’ll only be using the tender parts. The garlic scapes usually start to get tough from the tip where the garlic flavor is strongest, so focus on the tender stalk below that.
Step 2
If your garlic scapes are bundled, don’t untie them yet. Trim them to about 4cm (1.5 inches) length while still bundled. This keeps the pieces uniform and makes stir-frying easier. Cutting them while bundled prevents them from scattering.
Step 3
We’ll be stir-frying the garlic scapes directly without blanching. After cutting, wash the garlic scapes thoroughly under running water. Then, drain them well in a colander. Any remaining water can cause oil to splatter, so it’s best to pat them dry with paper towels for safety.
Step 4
The first trick to removing any fishy smell from the anchovies is to use plenty of garlic! For stir-fries, I prefer using fresh garlic that I mince myself rather than pre-minced garlic. This enhances the garlic’s aroma and makes the final dish look more refined and neat.
Step 5
The second trick for eliminating fishy odors from anchovies: dry-roast them in a hot pan to remove moisture. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat, add the anchovies, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they feel dry. This process makes them crispier and more flavorful. Transfer the roasted anchovies to a plate.
Step 6
Now, let’s start the main stir-fry. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Once the garlic is fragrant, reduce the heat to medium, add the cut garlic scapes, and stir-fry them.
Step 7
Add the anchovies (with the fishy smell removed) to the pan and stir-fry them together with the garlic scapes. Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the anchovies.
Step 8
Stir-fry until the garlic scapes start to turn translucent and slightly tender. Then, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide, and continue to stir-fry until glossy. Keep an eye on it during this step to prevent burning. Once the garlic scapes are cooked through and look translucent, turn off the heat.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything together gently to finish. Your delicious Garlic Scape and Anchovy Stir-fry is ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of warm rice!
