Super Simple Pickled Garlic Scapes
Super Simple Pickled Garlic Scapes
Easy Garlic Scape Pickle Recipe / No-Boil Pickling Method
Enjoy a refreshing, sweet and sour pickled side dish that perfectly complements rich, meaty meals, cleansing your palate.
Pickle Ingredients- 1 bunch garlic scapes (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 cucumber (optional)
- 2-3 green chili peppers (or spicy Cheongyang peppers)
- 1 cup sugar (200ml)
- 1 cup vinegar (200ml)
- 1 cup soy sauce (200ml)
- 1 cup soju or Korean rice wine (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the garlic scapes thoroughly. Trim off the tough, woody ends (about 1-2cm) to ensure a tender bite. This step is crucial for a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Cut the trimmed garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7cm long. Wash them again under running water and then drain them very well in a colander. Removing excess moisture is key to preventing them from becoming soggy and ensuring a longer shelf life.
Step 3
If using cucumber, wash it and slice it into thin rounds, about 0.5cm thick. Thin slices will absorb the marinade more effectively.
Step 4
Remove the stems from the green chili peppers, wash them, and slice them diagonally into about 0.5cm thick pieces. For a spicier kick, you can use Cheongyang peppers, leaving the seeds in. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5
If adding onion, peel it and slice it into thick shreds or chunks. Onion adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the pickles. (Optional ingredient)
Step 6
Layer the prepared garlic scapes, cucumber, green chilies, and onion (if using) into a clean glass jar or an airtight container. Since this recipe doesn’t involve boiling, even a sterilized plastic container is fine. Avoid packing the ingredients too tightly; leave some breathing room.
Step 7
In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar in a 1:1:1 ratio (for example, 1 cup of each). Add 1 cup of soju or Korean rice wine. The alcohol helps preserve the pickles and prevents spoilage. Whisk everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. It’s important that the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid a grainy texture.
Step 8
Pour the prepared marinade over the ingredients in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. This allows the flavors to penetrate evenly. Adjust the amount of marinade based on the quantity of ingredients. Let the jar sit at room temperature for about a day to allow the flavors to meld, then transfer it to the refrigerator. It’s best to wait 2-3 days before enjoying. These pickles are an absolute delight with grilled pork belly or other fatty meats! As long as you maintain the 1:1:1 ratio of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, you can confidently make delicious pickles with various vegetables.
