If you’ve ever spotted curly green stalks popping up at farmers markets in late spring or early summer, you’ve likely encountered garlic scapes. These vibrant shoots are not just a byproduct of garlic—they’re a culinary gem in their own right. Mild, slightly sweet, and delicately garlicky, scapes are versatile, nutritious, and easy to incorporate into everyday cooking.
Let’s dive into how to use them!
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flowering stems of hardneck garlic plants. Farmers trim them to encourage the plant to focus energy on growing larger bulbs—but instead of discarding them, we get to enjoy them in the kitchen.
They have:
- A mild garlic flavor (less pungent than cloves)
- A crisp, slightly fibrous texture
- A delightful curled, whimsical appearance
How to Prepare Garlic Scapes
Prepping garlic scapes is simple:
- Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Trim the ends:
- Remove the tough, woody base.
- Snip off the pointed tip if it feels dry.
- Chop as needed:
- Slice into small pieces for sautéing
- Leave longer for grilling or roasting
👉 Think of them as halfway between green beans and green onions in texture and use.
Delicious Ways to Use Garlic Scapes
1. Sautéed Garlic Scapes
A quick, easy way to enjoy their flavor.
How to:
- Heat olive oil in a pan
- Add chopped scapes + a pinch of salt
- Cook 5–7 minutes until tender
Great as a side dish or tossed with pasta
2. Garlic Scape Pesto
A fan-favorite and arguably the best use!
Blend together:
- Garlic scapes
- Nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Use it on pasta, sandwiches, grilled veggies, or even pizza.
3. Grilled or Roasted
Perfect for bringing out a sweet, smoky flavor.
Instructions:
- Toss whole scapes in oil + salt
- Grill or roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~10–15 minutes
- Serve as a side or chop into dishes
4. Add to Stir-Fries & Scrambles
Slice scapes into bite-sized pieces and toss into:
- Veggie stir-fries
- Egg scrambles or omelets
- Fried rice
They act like a milder garlic/onion combo.
5. Pickled Garlic Scapes
Tangy and crunchy—great for snacking or charcuterie boards.
Basic idea:
- Pack scapes into jars
- Cover with hot vinegar brine (water, vinegar, salt, sugar, spices)
- Refrigerate for at least a few days
6. Garlic Scape Butter
Upgrade your butter game:
- Finely chop scapes
- Mix with softened butter, salt, and lemon zest
- Chill and use on bread, steak, or veggies
Storage Tips
- Keep scapes in the fridge in a plastic bag
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 weeks
- You can also freeze chopped scapes for later use
Flavor Pairings
Garlic scapes work beautifully with:
- Lemon and fresh herbs
- Butter and cream
- Potatoes and eggs
- Chicken, beef, and seafood
- Cheese (especially Parmesan and feta)
Garlic scapes are a seasonal treat worth grabbing when you see them. Their mild flavor makes them incredibly versatile, whether you’re blending pesto, grilling them whole, or tossing them into everyday dishes.
Pro tip: If you love garlic but want something more subtle and fresh, scapes might become your new favorite ingredient.