Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Mussel Meat: A Delightful Mix of Textures and Flavors
Stir-fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Mussel Meat
Garlic scapes are packed with Vitamin C and plenty of dietary fiber, which are said to help prevent arteriosclerosis and cancer. They also aid in blood circulation, warming the body. This makes them a remarkably beneficial ingredient for their affordable price! In this recipe, we’ve combined these wonderful garlic scapes with dried mussel meat to create a delicious stir-fry. The chewy texture of the mussel meat adds a delightful contrast.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Garlic Scapes (approx. 2 cups after trimming)
- 100g Dried Mussel Meat
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1/2 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Stir-Fry Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Seasoned Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang Paste Syrup (or Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Grain Syrup (Jocheong)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Seasoned Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce if unavailable)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang Paste Syrup (or Plum Extract)
- 1 Tbsp Grain Syrup (Jocheong)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the garlic scapes under running water. Trim off any tough ends and then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm long. This size makes them easy to eat after stir-frying.
Step 2
If you are using dried mussel meat that has been stored in the freezer, have it ready before you start cooking. Dried mussel meat doesn’t require a separate thawing process, but we will rinse it lightly under cold water before use.
Step 3
Place the prepared dried mussel meat in a colander and rinse it gently with cold water. This step helps remove any dust or impurities. Lightly drain the water and set aside.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the seasoning mix, which is the key to this delicious stir-fry. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup, 1 Tbsp of seasoned soy sauce (or regular soy sauce), 1 Tbsp of gochujang paste syrup (or plum extract), 1 Tbsp of grain syrup, and 1 tsp of minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined. Preparing the sauce in advance will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cut garlic scapes and stir-fry them first. It’s important to maintain the crisp texture of the garlic scapes, so stir-frying quickly over medium-high heat is recommended. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic scapes are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 6
Once the garlic scapes are partially cooked, pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat and infuse the garlic scapes. Be careful not to burn the sauce as you stir.
Step 7
When the garlic scapes have absorbed most of the seasoning, add the rinsed dried mussel meat to the pan and stir-fry together. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the mussel meat is well mixed with the sauce. Once all ingredients are combined, turn off the heat. Finally, add 1 Tbsp of honey and toss everything to coat. The honey will add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. Transfer the finished stir-fry to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes with Dried Mussel Meat is now ready!
