Garlic scapes are seasonal gems that often get overlooked, but their mild garlic flavor and tender but crisp texture make them a perfect addition to any summer menu or barbecue. You can find them at the farmers market when they are in season, during late spring and early summer. If you’ve never tried them before, this simple recipe for sautéed garlic scapes is an excellent way to start. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a quick and delicious side dish ready quickly. This sautéed garlic scapes recipe makes a great complement to any main course, adding a burst of fresh flavor and texture.
What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that sprout from garlic bulbs. They have gained popularity for their unique combination of mild garlic flavor, subtle sweetness, and earthy notes. They offer a more delicate taste compared to traditional garlic bulbs or cloves. Their tender yet slightly crunchy texture makes them versatile for both raw and cooked dishes.
This sautéed garlic scapes recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this seasonal ingredient. With just four ingredients—garlic scapes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt—you can create a dish that’s both quick and delicious. When cooked, the scapes become tender and slightly crispy, and the red wine vinegar adds a tangy contrast that elevates their subtle flavor. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the unique flavor of the garlic scapes to shine through, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why you’ll love sautéed garlic scapes
- Just 4 ingredients: that’s right, this recipe has just 4 ingredients: garlic scapes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sea salt.
- Quick to assemble: The total cooking time for this recipe is under 10 minutes, meaning you can get dinner on the table quickly on a weeknight or can spend more time on the entree if you are entertaining.
- Crispy Texture: these sauteed garlic scapes have a tender and crispy texture similar to green beans that will make everyone reach for seconds.
Ingredients (and substitutes)
- Garlic Scapes – the tender stem of the garlic plant has a beautiful bright green color and mild garlicky flavor. They can be found at the farmer’s market in late spring or early summer. The best substitute is green beans, which may need slightly longer to cook.
- Olive Oil – extra virgin olive oil is best but can be substituted for avocado oil or another neutral oil if needed.
- Red Wine Vinegar – this adds a tangy contrast to the mild garlic flavor of the garlic scapes. You can easily substitute balsamic vinegar or rice wine vinegar, both of which will give a different flavor but will add the desired tanginess.
- Sea Salt – it is best to use good quality flaky sea salt or kosher salt, this will add a bit of texture to the dish and balance out the olive oil. You could also try substituting soy sauce, however this will not add any texture.
How to sauté garlic scapes
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the pan is hot add olive oil and ensure the bottom of the pan is fully coated. Prepare the raw garlic scapes by cutting them into the desired size. Whole garlic scapes will have a more elegant presentation but 2-inch pieces will be easier to cook and to eat.
Add the garlic scapes to the preheated frying pan and cook for 5-7 minutes tossing or stirring them every 45 seconds. If the pan becomes dry drizzle a little olive oil. The scapes are done when they are tender and crispy.
When the sauteed scapes are cooked to the desired doneness remove the pan from the heat. While still in the pan toss the scapes in the red wine vinegar, be careful it may sputter in the hot pan. Immediately sprinkle with the salt and give another good toss to ensure everything is evenly coated in olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Questions about making Sautéed Garlic Scapes
How do you store sauteed garlic scapes?
Freshly sautéed garlic scapes are best enjoyed immediately to fully appreciate their tender-crispy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until reheated. You can also enjoy them cold, tossed into a salad or as part of a grain bowl.
When are garlic scapes in season?
Garlic scapes are in season during late spring and early summer, typically around May and June, and will be available at your local farmer’s market. Anyone growing their own garlic should harvest their scapes around this time, as it not only provides a delicious treat but also encourages larger bulb growth.
Where can I buy garlic scapes?
When garlic scapes are in season, you can find them at your local grocery store or farmers’ market.
Sautéed Garlic Scapes
Ingredients
- 8 oz garlic scapes trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat: heat a large heavy bottomed skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the pan is hot add olive oil and ensure bottom of the pan is fully coated.
- Sauté: add the garlic scapes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes tossing or stirring them every 45 seconds. The scapes should be tender and crispy.
- Toss: remove the pan from the heat. While still in the pan toss the scapes in the red wine vinegar, be careful it may sputter in the hot pan. Immediately sprinkle with the salt and give another good toss to ensure everything is coated in olive oil, vinegar and salt.
I cooked scapes up for the first time with your recipe. Thank you for sharing.