Shake up the BBQ season with this grilled Garlic Scapes Recipe. 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”?
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”?
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?
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for these grilled garlic shoots can be found at the bottom of the post.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Until just 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 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.
Cooking Garlic Scapes On The Grill
Grilling these garlic shoots was the name of the game. We actually did it twice since the basket was HUGE. I also put some in the freezer. Read on, and you will see how easy that is to do.
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 Long Will They Last?
If you get them really 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.
How To Use Garlic Stems
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
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.
So if you have never tried them before, give this grilled Garlic Scapes Recipe a try at your next BBQ party. You just might turn some garlic haters into garlic lovers. Grab them before it’s too late!
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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 teaspoons 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!!
Kushigalu
Never tried garlic scapes before. Sounds interesting and would be perfect for any meal. I will have to check this soon next time I visit market. Thanks for sharing.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
They will be available EARLY in the season. Hope you get to find some and give this recipe a try.
Tristin
My love for garlic knows no bounds! I just know my whole family would love these, I wonder if I can find them at the Farmer’s Market down here in the South.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Grilled garlic scapes are so mild in taste. These are a great alternative to grilled asparagus.
Sally Hammond
I don’t have a BBQ anymore, if I roast them in the oven would the temperature be similar to roasted fiddleheads?
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I would say yes, or similar to roasted asparagus. I have also prepared garlic scapes in the oven, and they are just as delicious.
Kate
I have seen these a few times in my local farmers market. I just didn’t know what they are. I will try check them out at the market next week because this recipe looks delicious. I will serve them alongside some grilled meat.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I know, garlic scapes are one of those “what are these” ingredients. ENJOY!
Farrukh Aziz
I’ve never heard of this before, but it sure looks like something I will love! Need to try this out!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
They are very seasonal, and not available everywhere. If you have a farmer that grows garlic you are in for a treat.
Linda
It’s my first time trying garlic scapes and I really enjoy this dish! And this goes well with my grilled chicken
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Yes grilled garlic shoots are the perfect side dish to lots of meats. Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sharon
This is an easy and delicious side dish. I love them with grilled steak or chicken.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These truly are a seasonal gem. Grab them when you see them and enjoy.
Candace
I’ve nver heard of a garlic scape before but they do sound delicious though
Homemade & Yummy
They can be a little difficult to find…only available in for a few short weeks a year right at the beginning of the market season.
Judy
Hi, do they not get mushy is the freezer?
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Great question. They will be the same as freezing beans or asparagus. Hope this helps.
Nicole
I have never heard or seen this vegetable before! I love anything with the word “garlic” so I would definitely try them.
Homemade & Yummy
They are very season for sure, unfortunately. Hope one day you can experience how they taste.
Jyothi (Jo)
I only can imagine how delicious these garlicky scapes would be. These on the sides of grilled meat would be perfect meal for my family. Delicious
Homemade & Yummy
They are so good grilled. The perfect side to a great steak.
Stacey
I think I missed out on these, can’t find them any where. I’m so sad! Gorgeous photos!
Homemade & Yummy
Unfortunately, the season is very short. Hope you can find them next year.
Jessica Knott
I love cooking for the family and I love buying fresh produce to fix with our main meal. I bet this will be amazing with grilled steak or chicken and even more delicious as a simple, healthy snack!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you can find some….they have a very short season. ENJOY!
Eileen Kelly
I have not tried garlic scapes but that ends now! I need to try these scapes. A hearty snack and versatile and I love that the entire veggie is being used. A great way to be economical, healthy and eating deliciousness!
Homemade & Yummy
My first time was last year. They are so delicious…hope you get a chance to try this recipe.
Andrea
I never tried garlic scapes, I’m so curious! Bookmarking the recipe, as I’m sure I’ll give it a try next time I find these beauties at the local market 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
They really are delicious….and an unusual ingredient for sure.
vae
I still haven’t seen garlic scapes at my markets, but I’ll keep looking! This looks like a great way to prepare them
Homemade & Yummy
They are only available for a short time each year. Hope you can track some down and give this recipe a try.