Mary Berry Stir Fried Garlic Scapes (Quick & Easy Asian-Style Recipe)

Plate of green vegetables and meat

This stir fried garlic scapes recipe is a quick and flavourful side dish made with tender garlic scapes tossed in a sweet and savoury Asian sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect way to enjoy this seasonal ingredient with minimal effort.

With a mild garlic flavour and crisp texture, garlic scapes are ideal for stir-frying and pair beautifully with rice or your favourite protein.

Stir Fried Garlic Scapes (Quick & Easy Asian-Style Recipe)

Course: SidesCuisine: British
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups garlic scapes (cut into 2-inch pieces)

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

  • Sauce:

  • 4 tsp soy sauce

  • 2 tsp rice vinegar

  • 2 tsp brown sugar

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

Directions

  • Mix sauce ingredients
  • Heat oil in a pan
  • Cook garlic scapes until tender-crisp
  • Add sauce and stir fry 1 minute
  • Serve immediately

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the curly green stalks that grow from garlic plants. They have a mild, slightly sweet garlic flavour that’s less intense than garlic cloves, making them perfect for stir-fries and side dishes.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in 10 minutes
  • Simple ingredients – Pantry-friendly sauce
  • Healthy and vegan
  • Crisp and tender texture
  • Perfect side dish or banchan

Ingredients

Main

  • 2½ cups garlic scapes (cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

Sauce

  • 4 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds
Fresh garlic scapes on wooden board

How to Make Stir Fried Garlic Scapes

  1. Make the sauce
    Mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds in a bowl.
  2. Heat the pan
    Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook garlic scapes
    Add garlic scapes and sauté for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Add sauce
    Pour in the sauce and stir fry for 1 minute until thickened and evenly coated.
  5. Serve
    Serve immediately as a side dish with rice or your favourite meal.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry

  • Cook on high heat for best texture
  • Don’t overcook—keep a slight crunch
  • Cut scapes evenly for uniform cooking
  • Add sauce at the end to avoid sogginess

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with steamed rice
  • Pair with tofu, chicken, or beef
  • Add to noodle dishes
  • Use as a Korean-style side dish (banchan)

garlic scapes

Variations

  • Add garlic or ginger for extra flavour
  • Toss in mushrooms or bell peppers
  • Make it spicy with chili oil
  • Add tofu or shrimp for protein

FAQ

What do garlic scapes taste like?

Garlic scapes taste like a mild version of garlic with a slightly sweet and fresh flavour. They are less pungent than garlic cloves and perfect for stir-frying.

How do you cook garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are best sautéed or stir-fried over high heat. This keeps them tender while maintaining a slight crunch.

Can you eat garlic scapes raw?

Yes, garlic scapes can be eaten raw. They are often chopped into salads or used as a garnish.

How long should you cook garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes should be cooked for about 4–5 minutes. They should be tender but still slightly crisp.

Where can I buy garlic scapes?

Garlic scapes are usually found at farmers’ markets or Asian grocery stores in late spring and early summer.

How do you store garlic scapes?

Store garlic scapes in the refrigerator in a loose bag for up to one week.


Green scapes and cooked garlic scapes.

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