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    See More:   Breakfast Eating after Bariatric Surgery Gluten-Free Healthy Meals Main Dishes Recipes for Beginners Side Dishes Vegetarian Weeknight Meals

    Last Modified: Aug 8, 2022 by Tara Gerner 54 Comments

    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. 

    PIN IT FOR LATER!

    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 scapes in a colanderPin

    I 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

    Easy Pasta Primavera with Pesto
    This easy pasta primavera recipe is loaded with crisp veggies, tender penne, and a delightful pesto that brings restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen. It’s a healthy garden pasta that’s dairy free, vegan-friendly, and full of fresh vegetable goodness.
    Check this out
    easy pasta primavera on a white plate
    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 this out
    zucchini eggs cooked into a frittata in a cast iron skillet
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    How to Make an Easy Summer Quiche Recipe with Scapes
    Easy summer quiche recipe using garlic scapes and ham.
    Check this out
    Shrimp and Garlic Scape Scampi
    Recipe for shrimp, garlic scape pesto, and parsley in a wine/butter/lemon sauce over pasta.
    Check this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    Garlic Scape Pasta Primavera
    It’s a fresh and easy meatless dinner… And, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
    Check this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Scapes
    Tightly wrap each of the scapes with one piece of bacon, spiraling down the scape as you go.
    Check this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    Garlic Scape Soup with Potatoes
    This light vegan soup has potatoes, spinach, and lots of garlic scapes all simmered and puréed.
    Check this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out
    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 this out

    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!

     

    garlic scapes on burlapPin

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    1. Jenna @ Newlyweds says

      July 14, 2009 at 6:34 pm

      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
    2. Lisa@Blessedwithgrace says

      July 14, 2009 at 8:26 pm

      Thanks for the recipe and sharing your summer veggie tips with us. I am glad you joined us for TMTT this week.
      .-= Lisa@Blessedwithgrace´s last blog ..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday....Black Bean Salad =-.

      Reply
    3. renee @ FIMBY says

      July 15, 2009 at 6:19 am

      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
    4. Erin @ Closing Time says

      July 15, 2009 at 8:04 am

      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
    5. melinda@mamabearscubhouse says

      July 15, 2009 at 10:19 am

      i just learned a lot. thank you:)
      love garlic!!

      Reply
    6. Jenny says

      July 15, 2009 at 10:33 am

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

      Reply
    7. renee @ FIMBY says

      July 15, 2009 at 11:19 am

      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
    8. Erin @ Closing Time says

      July 15, 2009 at 1:04 pm

      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
    9. niki says

      July 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm

      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
    10. melinda@mamabearscubhouse says

      July 15, 2009 at 3:19 pm

      i just learned a lot. thank you:)
      love garlic!!

      Reply
    11. Jenny says

      July 15, 2009 at 3:33 pm

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

      Reply
    12. Tara says

      July 15, 2009 at 7:56 pm

      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
    13. Tara says

      July 15, 2009 at 2:56 pm

      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
    14. niki says

      July 15, 2009 at 7:28 pm

      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
    15. Audrey says

      July 16, 2009 at 8:07 pm

      I've never heard of these before. I love cooking with garlic. I'll have to see if there's a place I can get these here locally
      .-= Audrey´s last blog ..Slow Cooking Thursday =-.

      Reply
    16. Audrey says

      July 16, 2009 at 3:07 pm

      I've never heard of these before. I love cooking with garlic. I'll have to see if there's a place I can get these here locally
      .-= Audrey´s last blog ..Slow Cooking Thursday =-.

      Reply
    17. freeloader80 says

      November 25, 2009 at 7:31 am

      i winder how similar they taste to cloves? - grow garlic at home

      Reply
    18. Christina Holland-Radvon says

      June 07, 2011 at 9:26 pm

      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
      • Tara @ Feels Like Home says

        June 07, 2011 at 10:52 pm

        Yes! Aren't they great? I really like them a lot, too.

        Reply
    19. Anna says

      November 24, 2011 at 5:01 am

      i don't know what a scape is, can you help me in german please?

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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