Crisp Sweet and Spicy Maneuljjong Muchim (Seasoned Garlic Scapes)
A spring side dish of lightly blanched garlic scapes tossed in a sweet and spicy gochujang seasoning.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
This side dish lightly blanches seasonal garlic scapes in salted water to remove their harsh bite while preserving their unique aroma and crispness. Tossed in a sweet and spicy seasoning of gochujang and gochugaru, it makes a wonderful appetite-boosting side dish.
- Servings
- about 4–5 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Mildly spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Garlic scapes400 g (after trimming)
- Coarse sea salt1 tbsp
Seasoning
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)1 1/2 tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)3 tbsp
- Regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang) (or brewed soy sauce (yangjo-ganjang))2 tbsp
- Minced garlic1 tbsp
- Corn syrup (mulyeot)1 tbsp
- Green plum syrup (maesil-cheong)1 tbsp
- Salta little
- Toasted sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
- One small bunch is usually around 450 to 500g, and this garlic scape muchim recipe is based on 400g after cutting off the flower buds.
- You can substitute 1/2 tbsp of sugar for 1 tbsp of green plum syrup.
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
Here is one bunch of garlic scapes.
One small bunch is usually about 450 to 500g.
This garlic scape muchim recipe is based on 400g after trimming away the flower buds.
Trim the garlic scapes
Cut around the flower bud section in the middle of the garlic scapes...
Trim off the tips and cut them into bite-sized pieces about 3 to 4 cm long.
Rinse them clean in water.
Blanch the garlic scapes
Pour in enough water to submerge the garlic scapes, add 1 tbsp of coarse sea salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Add the garlic scapes and blanch them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Once the color turns deep and they become tender yet crisp to the bite, take them out. Avoid blanching them too long so they retain both their aroma and texture once seasoned.
Rinse them immediately in cold water to remove any residual heat from inside, and drain well in a colander.
Make the garlic scape seasoning
In a bowl, combine 1+1/2 tbsp gochugaru, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp corn syrup, and 1 tbsp green plum syrup (= 1/2 tbsp sugar), and mix well.
Let the chili flakes bloom so the seasoning blends together well.
Toss and season
Add the drained garlic scapes and toss gently by hand.
Taste, and if it is slightly bland, add a little salt to season; you can also add more sweetness to your taste.
Finish by adding toasted sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds at the end.
Complete
Garlic scape muchim is truly simple to make.
It is such a rewarding side dish that tastes far better than the effort it takes.
Tossing the whole bunch yielded quite a good amount, filling two side dish containers.
For a family of 3 to 4 people, making half of my recipe will give you enough for about two meals.
If you like a tart flavor, you can also toss in a little vinegar.
Just as clothes that fit comfortably feel great, seasonal side dishes bring comfort, great flavor, and nourishment to your mouth and stomach.
Ppunwife's tips
- Avoid blanching them too long so they retain both their aroma and texture once seasoned.
- If you like a tart flavor, you can also toss in a little vinegar.
FAQ
How long should garlic scapes be blanched?
Blanch them briefly in boiling salted water for 30 seconds to under 1 minute while stirring to preserve their natural flavor and crisp texture.
If I don't have green plum syrup, can I substitute it?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding half a tablespoon of sugar instead of 1 tablespoon of green plum syrup.
What should I do if I want to add a tangy flavor?
You can enjoy it with a refreshing finish by tossing in a little vinegar with the base seasoning according to your taste.
How many garlic scapes should I prepare for a single meal for a family of 3 to 4?
If you cut the recipe amount in half, it is just right for a family of 3 to 4 to share across two meals.
