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50 Ways to Use Garlic Scapes

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What to do with garlic scapes – These simple and easy recipes will explain how to use and cook these fresh spring greens from your garden or the farmer’s market. 

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a collage of garlic scapes up close

I’ve posted a couple of recipes lately in which I used garlic scapes, and almost immediately, I got emails:

Garlic scapes? What are garlic scapes? Where do I buy them? Help!

garlic scapesI have to be honest. I never heard of garlic scapes before they came in our box from our CSA.

But they came several weeks in a row, so I had to figure out what to do with them.

Apparently, garlic scapes are the shoots that garlic bulbs send up as they’re growing. Garlic bulbs want to become garlic plants, so they send up green things like onions do. The shoots get so long that they curl.

Farmers harvest these shoots so that the plant uses its energy to make a bigger bulb instead of making a bigger plant. That’s how plants work.

Scapes appear about three weeks before garlic bulbs are ready to harvest, and that swollen bit near the end is the part that would become a flower if left on the plant. The plant is trying to flower and make seeds to make new garlic plants. Again, that’s how plants work.

Garlic is planted in the fall and grows over the winter, so scapes are common springtime sights in CSA boxes and at farmer’s markets. They are not frequently found in grocery stores.

Garlic scapes definitely taste like garlic, but the flavor is very mild and almost sweet. They’re like garlic essence, without the bite you back quality of a clove of raw garlic.

Because they’re so mild, you can use them raw or cook them. Like a green onion, you can slice them and use them to garnish an omelet or in a salad. However, the part between the swollen flower and the tip is often tough and fibrous, so you probably don’t want to use that raw. It’s okay to cook or use in purées, but it doesn’t have a particularly nice texture for salads or garnishes.

If you love garlic like I do or if you like garlic but hate to smell for days, you should definitely look for garlic scapes.

50 Ways to Use Garlic Scapes

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Primavera
Tossed in a basil pesto and packed with colorful spring and summer vegetables, this vegetarian pesto pasta primavera is a quick and easy way to use up fresh produce!
Check out this recipe
pasta primavera with pesto, zucchini, and spaghetti
Zucchini Eggs
This simple and easy zucchini and eggs recipe uses fresh veggies to make a healthy, low carb, gluten free dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheese to serve.
Check out this recipe
scrambled eggs with zucchini
Garlic Scape Pesto and Mushroom Pizza
This pizza couldn’t be easier to make, and it’s just packed with flavor. As soon as I saw it, I knew that I would have to use some garlic scape pesto to make a pizza of my own.
Check out this recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Wontons With Garlic Scapes
Mix the cream cheese with garlic scapes, green onion, sugar, and a pinch of salt, all to taste. I like my filling to lean towards sweet.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Pesto
Garlic Scape Pesto is a unique and delicious pasta sauce, packed with a bright garlic flavor. But don’t wait to make it—garlic scape season is short!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Garlic Scapes With Lemon & Parmesan
A quick summer side dish, these grilled garlic scapes garnished with lemon and Parmesan are a delicious addition to any BBQ or cookout.
Check out this recipe
How to Make an Easy Summer Quiche Recipe with Scapes
Easy summer quiche recipe using garlic scapes and ham.
Check out this recipe
Shrimp and Garlic Scape Scampi
Recipe for shrimp, garlic scape pesto, and parsley in a wine/butter/lemon sauce over pasta.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Taco Sauce
After throwing everything together in my mini food processor and adjusting the taste with a bit of lime juice and salt, I had a surprisingly good taco sauce on my hands.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Pesto Cheesy Flatbread Pizza
Mild garlic flavor from the garlic scape pesto, plus plenty of shredded cheeses, makes a Cheesy Garlic Scape Flatbread--a seasonal treat that can be enjoyed year round thanks to your freezer!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Pasta Primavera
It’s a fresh and easy meatless dinner… And, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Pistachio Pesto Hummus
Garlic scapes, basil, parsley and pistachios combined in a traditional hummus base for a fresh Spring dip. Freeze the pesto to make this year round!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scapes Hummus
It is insanely good. I don’t know if it really qualifies as hummus, it doesn’t have tahini (which I don’t care for much), but it is so good. I hope I can make some for a party or, crossing my finger here that I still have scapes, our next potluck.
Check out this recipe
garlic scape hummus
Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Scape Pesto
Ground chicken and garlic scape pesto makes a flavorful meatball. Serve this tasty Spring treat over pasta, in a meatball sub, as an appetizer or on a pizza!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Mustard
The process is so simple! Just soak the seeds in your liquid of choice, purée them with vinegar & then cook it down for a few minutes. Voila, mustard. I really expected it to be much more complicated. This batch is zesty from the brown mustard seeds, dry mustard & garlic scapes. It reminds me of a spicy brown mustard but it's not too hot.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Herbed Cream Cheese
A fast and flavorful spread for appetizers or snacks, this zesty cream cheese marries fresh herbs with garlic scapes for a Spring treat. Spread this on crackers or tortillas, pipe it into peppers, or dunk a carrot for a fresh from the farm share appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Soup
If you are lucky enough to have a lot of garlic scapes, you can make a batch of this simple but satisfying soup. Don’t let the 4 cups of scapes scare you. They are quite mellow by the time the soup is ready.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Dip
Garlic Scape Dip is the perfect dip for any garlic lover out there. Tangy and garlicky, it’s great for a snack, spread or party.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Carbonara | Garlic Scapes Recipe | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
This pasta is fantastic as a meal served with a big garden salad and some crusty bread. If desired, add a half-cup of fresh, lightly cooked peas to the mix for a little added nutrition (and sweetness).
Check out this recipe
Red Lentils and Garlic Scapes
Classic Indian spices, turmeric, cumin and coriander, flavor this vegetarian dish of red lentils and garlic scapes, with the scapes adding garlicky crunch.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
Tender garlic scapes tossed with baby greens, floated into soup, or ground as pesto are a garlic lover’s fantasy. I prefer mine paired with olive oil: pesto, vinaigrette, and flavored oil.
Check out this recipe
garlic scape vinaigrette
Garlic Scape Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
One of the most popular ways to prepare your scapes (and freeze and keep them too) is to blend them up into a pesto that I could barely help but eat off the spoon. Then, if you’re really feeling decadent… you can pull out a little sourdough and fresh mozzarella and make this sandwich.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Avocado Pasta with Garlic Scape Pesto
This garlic scape pesto avocado pasta is a healthy, vegetarian dinner the the entire family will love.
Check out this recipe
Simple Roasted Beets & Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are absolutely divine, and this recipe is a great way to serve them along with some garden beets and flakey sea salt.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Garlic Scape Compound Butter
Looking to use up your garlic scapes? Use a food processor to create garlic scape compound butter and freeze some for cold winter days.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Beef Satay
This fragrant beef skewer is a great menu item for summer grilling. The garlic flavor really shines through and you don’t have to worry about soaking skewers ahead of time. The rich peanut sauce accompanies the beef skewers well but reduce the amount of peanut butter if it seems too thick for your taste.
Check out this recipe
Steak Salad with Charred Vegetables
I hope this salad inspires you to cruise a local farmers market or co-op, call over the neighbors, and indulge in the simple flavors of the season.
Check out this recipe
One Pot Pasta with Zucchini and Leeks in White Wine Sauce
One pot pasta with zucchini, garlic scapes and leeks in white wine lemon sauce. Everything cooks at the same time in one pot. Vegan recipe.
Check out this recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Scapes
Tightly wrap each of the scapes with one piece of bacon, spiraling down the scape as you go.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Vinegar
The vinegar will be beautiful in simple vinaigrettes to dress greens and cucumbers from the garden, and also added to a marinade for grilling meat and seafood, splashed on sautéed chard, collards or kale, or for dunking crusty grilled bread.
Check out this recipe
Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Scape Pesto
This recipe is simple and farm fresh. However, If vegetable noodles are’t your thing feel free to sub with traditional pasta.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Soup with Potatoes
This light vegan soup has potatoes, spinach, and lots of garlic scapes all simmered and puréed.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Ravioli
Hubby and I devoured our ravioli with a simple sauce of olive oil, white wine, spinach and lots of Parmesan. The kids all ate the plain pasta scraps as fettuccine tossed with marinara and cheese.
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Stir-Fried Garlic Scape
In this recipe I combined garlic scapes with carrots, baby corn and shiitake mushrooms. I finished the dish with a little bit of rich savory soy based sauce to coat all the ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Garlic Scapes
The scapes mellowed to a sweet taste and the woody stalks softened to a chewy, almost crunchy texture. It was a bit like having roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, just garlic flavored.
Check out this recipe
roasted garlic scapes
Potato Salad with Garlic Scapes, Snap Peas, and Scallions
The scapes’ gentle garlic notes enhance the subtle sweetness of the potatoes and peas.
Check out this recipe
Simplicity
The presentation was almost the best part as the charred garlic scapes really catch your eye. Since mine were so large, they were a bit fibrous, but the taste – smoky, slightly sweet garlic – was outstanding!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scapes and Steak Stir Fry
Garlic scapes are a spring specialty so take advantage while you can. This steak and garlic scape recipe is simple and surprisingly full of flavor.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scapes and Roasted Beet Salad
My husband and I savored the subtle garlicky flavor of the tender garlic scapes and from now on I will grow garlic just for this meal every year.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Scape Pesto Scrambled Eggs with Asparagus and Mushrooms
I decided to just make the scrambled eggs with asparagus and mushrooms the same as usual except that I would beat the garlic scape pesto into the eggs before adding them to the pan to cook.
Check out this recipe

10 more easy ways to use garlic scapes

Remember, if you’re using them raw, you will want to trim off and discard everything above (and including) the swollen flower part.

  • Slice and add to any stir fry.
  • Slice and add to any sauce, especially red or white spaghetti sauce.
  • Slice and use as a garnish for anything savory – omelets, pasta, guacamole, salsa, meat. They go with just about everything.
  • Chop and add to softened cream cheese.
  • Chop and add to garlic bread.
  • Chop and sprinkle on bruschetta or pizza.
  • Slice or chop and throw into a green salad.
  • Sauté until tender and add to mashed potatoes.
  • Toss in olive oil and pressed garlic and grill them.
  • Toss in olive oil and pressed garlic, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and roast them in the oven.

Garlic scapes are a wonderful treat to enjoy in the late spring and early summer, and you’ll wish that they were available all year round. Maybe you’ll even take up growing garlic in your own yard! It’s easy!

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garlic scapes on burlapa collage of garlic scapes

garlic scapes on burlap

© 2009 – 2020, Tara Ziegmont. All rights reserved.

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Comments

  1. Melissa says

    I’d never heard of garlic scapes, either. I’ve grown garlic a few times, but I just let the tops grow. I’ll have to try clipping them off to use.
    .-= Melissa´s last blog ..Cucumber Salad =-.

    Reply

  2. Melissa says

    I’d never heard of garlic scapes, either. I’ve grown garlic a few times, but I just let the tops grow. I’ll have to try clipping them off to use.
    .-= Melissa´s last blog ..Cucumber Salad =-.

    Reply

  3. TooManyHats says

    Never heard of them. Now I am going to have to look for them. Thanks for the lesson.
    .-= TooManyHats´s last blog ..Recipe Swap 7/13/09 =-.

    Reply

  4. Nicole Feliciano says

    Thanks for this info. I see these at the farmer’s market and will try them.
    .-= Nicole Feliciano´s last blog ..Kickboard USA Scooter Giveaway =-.

    Reply

  5. Robyns Online World says

    I had never heard of them either – but heck they taste like garlic so they must be good! I will be on the lookout for them when I get to a farmer’s market.
    .-= Robyns Online World´s last blog ..What a Man! =-.

    Reply

  6. anissa says

    I’ve never heard of that! Sounds pretty good because I love to cook with garlic. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= anissa´s last blog ..Toddler Virtue Tees Reviews =-.

    Reply

  8. TooManyHats says

    Never heard of them. Now I am going to have to look for them. Thanks for the lesson.
    .-= TooManyHats´s last blog ..Recipe Swap 7/13/09 =-.

    Reply

  9. Nicole Feliciano says

    Thanks for this info. I see these at the farmer’s market and will try them.
    .-= Nicole Feliciano´s last blog ..Kickboard USA Scooter Giveaway =-.

    Reply

  10. Ann Kroeker says

    Ya learn something new every day! Thanks for educating us!
    .-= Ann Kroeker´s last blog ..Make-Do Mondays: Make-Do Mousepad =-.

    Reply

  11. rachel-asouthernfairytale says

    How neat!!! I had never heard of these before and they sound great for lovers of Garlic!

    Thanks for sharing this info!!!

    Reply

  12. rachel-asouthernfairytale says

    How neat!!! I had never heard of these before and they sound great for lovers of Garlic!

    Thanks for sharing this info!!!

    Reply

  13. Robyn's Online World says

    I had never heard of them either – but heck they taste like garlic so they must be good! I will be on the lookout for them when I get to a farmer’s market.
    .-= Robyns Online World´s last blog ..What a Man! =-.

    Reply

  14. anissa says

    I’ve never heard of that! Sounds pretty good because I love to cook with garlic. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= anissa´s last blog ..Toddler Virtue Tees Reviews =-.

    Reply

  18. Ann Kroeker says

    Ya learn something new every day! Thanks for educating us!
    .-= Ann Kroeker´s last blog ..Make-Do Mondays: Make-Do Mousepad =-.

    Reply

  27. Wendy says

    I love Garlic, I am actually growing some now. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= Wendy´s last blog ..Factory Outlets in Pa Dutch Country =-.

    Reply

  28. Jenna @ Newlyweds says

    I’ve never grown garlic, but I do grow shallots and we cut the greens off the top and use them all the time, delicious!! Thank for sharing.
    .-= Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog ..Multiples and More Interview =-.

    Reply

  30. Wendy says

    I love Garlic, I am actually growing some now. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= Wendy´s last blog ..Factory Outlets in Pa Dutch Country =-.

    Reply

  31. Jenna @ Newlyweds says

    I’ve never grown garlic, but I do grow shallots and we cut the greens off the top and use them all the time, delicious!! Thank for sharing.
    .-= Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog ..Multiples and More Interview =-.

    Reply

  33. renee @ FIMBY says

    I love those little scrapes and I too had never heard of them before they arrived in our csa share.
    .-= renee @ FIMBY´s last blog ..Oh my. It’s so hot and dry =-.

    Reply

  34. Erin @ Closing Time says

    Wow! I’ve never heard of or seen these before. I’ll have to keep an eye out for them, and I’m looking forward to trying your recipes!
    .-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..WFMW: Sensitive Skin Products That Work! =-.

    Reply

  36. Jenny says

    are those the same as the cloves? Or do they taste different?
    .-= Jenny´s last blog ..A Whole New Start =-.

    Reply

  37. renee @ FIMBY says

    I love those little scrapes and I too had never heard of them before they arrived in our csa share.
    .-= renee @ FIMBY´s last blog ..Oh my. It’s so hot and dry =-.

    Reply

  38. Erin @ Closing Time says

    Wow! I’ve never heard of or seen these before. I’ll have to keep an eye out for them, and I’m looking forward to trying your recipes!
    .-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..WFMW: Sensitive Skin Products That Work! =-.

    Reply

  39. niki says

    Wow, you learn something new every day! I have never ever heard of these!

    🙂
    .-= niki´s last blog ..WFMW…Frugal or Free Pet Toys =-.

    Reply

  41. Jenny says

    are those the same as the cloves? Or do they taste different?
    .-= Jenny´s last blog ..A Whole New Start =-.

    Reply

  42. Tara says

    Jenny – The taste is very similar to the cloves, but when it’s cooked, it is much more mild. I’ve heard that they’re nasty when raw. 🙂

    Reply

  43. Tara says

    Jenny – The taste is very similar to the cloves, but when it’s cooked, it is much more mild. I’ve heard that they’re nasty when raw. 🙂

    Reply

  44. niki says

    Wow, you learn something new every day! I have never ever heard of these!

    🙂
    .-= niki´s last blog ..WFMW…Frugal or Free Pet Toys =-.

    Reply

  48. Christina Holland-Radvon says

    I just got my first batch of garlic scapes in my CSA share yesterday. I was like…”WTH is a garlic scape?!” I just diced some up and put it in my chicken salad sandwich (along with some CSA-provided red bib lettuce) for lunch. It was awesome! I’m a scape convert!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  2. […] I went to the market this morning, I had no idea what garlic scapes were. At five cents a pop, though, how could I resist? They’re […]

    Reply

  3. […] (and the fish as well) is that instead of using regular garlic cloves, I used garlic scapes.  The scape is the green shoot of the garlic plant, and it has a fairly mild garlicky taste to it.  It’s […]

    Reply

  4. […] at the farmers’ market at Thompkins Square Park yielded a bounty of fava beans, shell peas, garlic scapes, and dinosaur kale (characterized by its slightly sweeter flavor and noted lack of […]

    Reply

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