Shake up the BBQ season with these Grilled Garlic Scapes . A fun and delicious side dish that has a mild garlic flavour. You might even have your guests asking “What the heck is a garlic scape”?
These tasty seasonal delights are in the same category as fiddlehead ferns. You know that unusual ingredient category. The thing you see at the market or the store and ask yourself, “What is that”?
Grilled garlic scapes are tender crisp with a smoky garlic flavour. Quick, easy and bold summer side dish. Makes a great appetizer too.
Also, known as the garlic stems, garlic tops, or garlic shoots. Similar to the texture of grilled asparagus. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a sure-fire conversation starter. Have you tried them before?
What Are Garlic Scapes?
They are only available for a few short weeks at the beginning of summer. Until just a few years ago, I had no idea these existed. One day while at the Farmer’s Market I was super excited to pick up a big basket. Then I had to figure out how I was going to cook them.
Scapes are the tender stem and bud of the hardneck garlic, usually grown in Canada and the northeastern part of the USA.
Scapes appear before the garlic matures. Farmers remove them to allow the bulbs to thicken. This happens about 3 weeks before harvesting usually in June-July each year.
They sort of resemble long, curly green beans. You can eat the entire stem (except for the very top part that looks like dried grass).
The texture is similar to asparagus. The taste is along the lines of green onion or scallion. Certainly not as strong as raw garlic cloves.
Summer Grilled Garlic Scapes
Grilling these garlic shoots was the name of the game. Read on, and you will see how easy that is to do. I also froze some for enjoy when they are not in season.
The first time we placed them whole, directly on the BBQ grates. The second time (our preferred method) we used a grill basket. Here is all you have to do:
- Wash and dry the garlic scapes.
- Cut off the dry ends and thick stalks.
- Cut into long pieces (or leave whole if you prefer).
- Massage in some olive oil (I used butter flavoured).
- Season with salt (smoked sea salt is awesome here).
- Cook in a (affiliate) grill basket over medium heat.
- They are done when they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from the heat.
- Add more seasoning (OMG (affiliate) black truffle salt is the best)
- ENJOY!
How To Use Garlic Scapes
Don’ stop with grilling (although this recipe is so good), there are lots of ways to enjoy these tender stalks:
- make compound butter
- sautee and use as a pizza topper
- great used in garlic hummus
- pickled garlic shoots are a fun foodie treat
- you can never go wrong with homemade soup
- use them in omelettes
- add them to salads
How Long Will They Last? If you get them fresh, you can store them in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Place them in water (similar to fresh herbs or asparagus), and change the water daily. You can also keep them in the crisper.
They also freeze well too. Wash and cut them into pieces and place in freezer bags. Some people prefer to blanch them, but this step is not necessary.
Love grilling? Give these recipes a try this summer:
- Hakurei turnips and radishes are grilled to tender perfection. A great side dish.
- Grilled Shishito Peppers are a fun and tasty appetizer. Let’s see who gets the hot ones?
- Looking for something simple and delicious? Grilled veggies are always a hit.
- Did you know you can grill fruit? Grilled balsamic strawberries are perfect for dessert.
- Move over apple pie, smoked apples are taking over.
- Grilled portobello mushrooms are great as a starter or light meal.
- Foil packet green beans are no fuss, no mess, and super delicious.
Now that grilling season is here, check out these recipe roundups. Perfect for BBQ parties!
Grilled Garlic Scapes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds garlic scapes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( I used butter flavoured)
- 1 teaspoons smoked sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black truffle salt (to garnish/optional)
Instructions
To Prepare The Garlic Scapes:
- Wash and pat dry garlic scapes.
- Cut off dry ends and thick stalk ends (the bulb at the end).
- You can choose to leave them whole if you wish, or cut them into long pieces. Place in a bowl.
- Massage them with the olive oil, and season with the smoked sea salt. You can also add pepper if you wish.
To Grill The Garlic Scapes:
- Heat the BBQ to medium.
- Oil a grill basket, and add the prepared garlic scapes.
- Grill for about 10 minutes, turning several times. Garlic scapes are done when they are slightly browned on the outside, and tender on the inside. Very similar to asparagus.
- Remove from grill, and season with black truffle salt.
- ENJOY!!
Julie
I always toss mine in the food processor to make garlic scape pesto. I made so much last summer I still have a few batches left a year later!
Homemade & Yummy
I will have to try making pesto….that sounds delicious.
Carolyn
These would be perfect with any meal!
Homemade & Yummy
I totally agree. I would eat it all day long.
Dominique
I had NO idea that garlic scapes existed! I know you said they have a mild flavor, but is that a milk garlic flavor? I love garlic and I’m so intrigued by this. Sounds amazing!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes when they are grilled it is a very mild garlic flavour. Think…grilled asparagus with a hint of garlic!!
Kitty
Your husband loves your neck! Hahaha, you’re so funny! I’ve never had garlic scapes. Will have to check out the farmers market this weekend!
Homemade & Yummy
Yeah….what can I say…he is a CARZZYYYY guy!! Hope you get to try some garlic scapes one day.
Jenni
I LOVE garlic scapes! I think I need to plant some garlic just so I can harvest some scapes!
Homemade & Yummy
HAHAH….well I guess that is always option to make sure you get some!!
Jersey Girl Cooks
These look so good! I have not made these before, but now I want to make them very soon!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you can still find some and give this recipe a try.
Amanda
I LOVE garlic scapes! We’ve been fortunate to have an abundance of them in our local farm markets. Your grilled recipe looks absolutely delectable! I’ve actually never frozen them, but that’s a brilliant idea. How great it would be to enjoy garlic scapes year round. I’m going to load up my basket when I go to the market!
Homemade & Yummy
I agree…I need to check out the market and grab some more before they are gone.
Elena
I have to confess I’ve never tried garlic scapes and I have no idea why. I love garlic and I’m sure I will love garlic scapes as well. Next time I go to the farmer’s market, I’ll buy them and make your recipe! Hope the season is not yet over. Fiddleheads will be the next ones in line 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
I hope you can still track some down. They are so delicious, and this is such an easy way to prepare them too.
Linda
Wow I’ve never tried garlic scapes before and it looks like an interesting dish to try. Especially for Summer!
Homemade & Yummy
They are so delicious. Unfortunately they are only available for a few short weeks each year. Hope you can track some down and give this recipe a try.
Megan
I have not had any this year, but this looks like a recipe I should use for some! Yum!
Homemade & Yummy
This really is a simple and delicious way to enjoy them!!
Sean
I have a bunch of scapes in the fridge right now, and I’ve been trying to decide what to do with them. I have to say, I think that this is the way to go! Simple and delicious! I don’t have the truffle salt but man, does that ever sound like a good idea. Perhaps I’ll shave a little parmesan over the top for an extra umami-hit! Thanks for the recipe and the inspiration.
Homemade & Yummy
I think the cheese would be a delicious addition too. The truffle salt is AMAZING with this.
Donna
I managed to snag some garlic scapes at the farmers market last year and they were just delicious. I havent come across any this year yet, but il be keeping an eye out. Especially now that you have mentioned truffle salt – yes please!! Thanks for the tips on freezing, I always love buying produce with a short season in bulk and saving for the rest of the year (we currently have a freezer bursting with cherries!)
Homemade & Yummy
I sure wish the season was much longer….and YES the truffle salt is amazing with this recipe.
Betsy
I’ve never made or eaten garlic scapes. Thanks for explaining what they are and how best to prepare them!
Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome. Hope you can give this recipe a try.
Heather
This is so clever!! I have never thought to grill garlic scapes…and this is coming from a person who is a big supporter of the “grill everything and anything” mentality haha! I need to try this the next time I see garlic scapes in the store!!
Homemade & Yummy
This is the perfect way to use/enjoy them. Hope you can give this recipe a try.
Stephanie Simmons
These certainly look yummy! I need to find some at our farmer’s market!
Homemade & Yummy
YES for sure….hurry the season is coming to an end very soon.