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    Home » Recipes » BBQ Cooking & Baking

    Grilled Garlic Scapes

    Published: June 23, 2025 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 140 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
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    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”?

    Charred grilled garlic scapes recipe.

    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?

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    A pile of garlic shoots ready to be cleaned.

    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.

    Garlic scapes getting chopped ready to grill.

    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.

    Garlic stalks in a bowl, covered in olive oil and seasoned with salt.

    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!
    Garlic scapes cooking on the grill in a basket.

    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
    Grilled garlic scapes in a bowl ready to eat.

    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.

    Raw garlic scapes in a bag ready for the freezer.

    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.
    Garlic scapes cooked on the grill.Pin

    Now that grilling season is here, check out these recipe roundups. Perfect for BBQ parties!

    27 Unique Potato Salads

    23 Homemade Burgers

    Charred grilled garlic scapes recipe.

    Grilled Garlic Scapes Recipe

    Easy Grilled Garlic Scapes recipe that is a sure sign of summer. Tender, charred and perfectly seasoned. Perfect summer side dish or appetizer.
    5 from 116 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save To Your Recipe Box Saved!
    Course: bbq side
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 271kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    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)
    US Customary – Metric

    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!!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 413mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 48.3mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 2.6mg

    Notes

    If you wish, leave the garlic scapes whole and you can put them (in coiled piles) directly on the grill. We find this method a little more difficult since they tend to slip through the BBQ grates.
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

    More BBQ Cooking & Baking

    • Grilled portobello mushroom stacks with ham and cheese.
      Grilled Portobello Mushroom Stacks
    • Grilled green beans in foil.
      Foil Packet Grilled Green Beans
    • Grilled strawberries with balsamic glaze.
      Grilled Balsamic Strawberries
    • Grilled and blistered shishito peppers ready to eat.
      Togarashi Grilled Shishito Peppers

    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kushigalu

      March 28, 2021 at 10:57 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2021 at 8:55 am

        They will be available EARLY in the season. Hope you get to find some and give this recipe a try.

    2. Tristin

      March 28, 2021 at 10:49 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 29, 2021 at 8:56 am

        Grilled garlic scapes are so mild in taste. These are a great alternative to grilled asparagus.

    3. Sally Hammond

      March 27, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      I don’t have a BBQ anymore, if I roast them in the oven would the temperature be similar to roasted fiddleheads?

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 28, 2021 at 10:13 am

        I would say yes, or similar to roasted asparagus. I have also prepared garlic scapes in the oven, and they are just as delicious.

    4. Kate

      March 27, 2021 at 1:12 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 28, 2021 at 10:14 am

        I know, garlic scapes are one of those “what are these” ingredients. ENJOY!

    5. Farrukh Aziz

      March 26, 2021 at 4:52 am

      I’ve never heard of this before, but it sure looks like something I will love! Need to try this out!

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 28, 2021 at 10:14 am

        They are very seasonal, and not available everywhere. If you have a farmer that grows garlic you are in for a treat.

    6. Linda

      March 26, 2021 at 2:36 am

      It’s my first time trying garlic scapes and I really enjoy this dish! And this goes well with my grilled chicken

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 28, 2021 at 10:15 am

        Yes grilled garlic shoots are the perfect side dish to lots of meats. Glad you enjoyed the recipe.

    7. Sharon

      March 23, 2021 at 11:37 am

      This is an easy and delicious side dish. I love them with grilled steak or chicken.

      Reply
      • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

        March 24, 2021 at 10:46 am

        These truly are a seasonal gem. Grab them when you see them and enjoy.

    8. Candace

      October 04, 2018 at 3:53 pm

      I’ve nver heard of a garlic scape before but they do sound delicious though

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        October 04, 2018 at 8:49 pm

        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

        June 28, 2020 at 5:07 pm

        Hi, do they not get mushy is the freezer?

      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        June 30, 2020 at 8:52 am

        Great question. They will be the same as freezing beans or asparagus. Hope this helps.

    9. Nicole

      July 16, 2018 at 11:21 am

      I have never heard or seen this vegetable before! I love anything with the word “garlic” so I would definitely try them.

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 16, 2018 at 11:38 am

        They are very season for sure, unfortunately. Hope one day you can experience how they taste.

    10. Jyothi (Jo)

      July 16, 2018 at 9:14 am

      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

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 16, 2018 at 11:39 am

        They are so good grilled. The perfect side to a great steak.

    11. Stacey

      July 16, 2018 at 8:45 am

      I think I missed out on these, can’t find them any where. I’m so sad! Gorgeous photos!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 16, 2018 at 11:40 am

        Unfortunately, the season is very short. Hope you can find them next year.

    12. Jessica Knott

      July 16, 2018 at 12:21 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 16, 2018 at 7:04 am

        Hope you can find some….they have a very short season. ENJOY!

    13. Eileen Kelly

      July 16, 2018 at 12:18 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 16, 2018 at 7:04 am

        My first time was last year. They are so delicious…hope you get a chance to try this recipe.

    14. Andrea

      July 15, 2018 at 10:34 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 15, 2018 at 6:51 pm

        They really are delicious….and an unusual ingredient for sure.

    15. vae

      July 14, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      I still haven’t seen garlic scapes at my markets, but I’ll keep looking! This looks like a great way to prepare them

      Reply
      • Homemade & Yummy

        July 14, 2018 at 9:49 pm

        They are only available for a short time each year. Hope you can track some down and give this recipe a try.

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