What are your favorite garlic scape recipes? I only have one, grilled garlic scapes. They are incredibly simple to make, and it doesn’t matter what kind of grill you have, because nothing fancy is required. When we lived in Philly, our only backyard space was a fire escape five floors up. And our grill was a camping apparatus from the eighties that my dad found when he was cleaning out his attic.
This was the first grill I cooked garlic scapes on, so like I said, nothing fancy. A few moves and cities later and now we’re living in Dallas. Garlic scape season is short here since our winters are mild and short, and spring transitions to summer by April. So I love to make the most of them as best I can.
Grilled garlic scapes are my favorite.
If you’ve never worked with or eaten garlic scapes before, grilled garlic scapes are the best way to enjoy them. I feel pretty strongly that the best garlic scapes recipes are ones that leave the garlic scape whole. In my humble opinion, scapes have no business in pesto, hummus or compound butter. Okay, maybe compound butter.
Garlic scapes have a texture similar to asparagus with a pleasant garlicky flavor. If you love garlic you will love garlic scapes. If you don’t love garlic, you will probably still like garlic scapes because their garlic flavor is less pungent and more tolerable to appreciate.
What are garlic scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flowering bud and whiplike stalk that grows out of the the top of the garlic plant. The bud and stalk is removed to encourage the bulbs to thicken up. Garlic scapes aren’t usually found at grocery stores, but you can find them at farmers’ markets or if you’re lucky in your CSA box.
The season for scapes is usually late spring to early summer. If you’re having a hard time locating them or if you feel lost in the process you can ask a farmer at your market how to track these babies down. Grilled garlic scapes are fun to cook, and super delicious to eat. I hope you love them as much as I do.
As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases.Grilled Garlic Scapes with Sea Salt
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Anne says
I received garlic scapes in my CSA, but I’m hesitant to use them because I always reek of garlic whenever I eat it. Do you know if eating the scapes has a similar effect?
Sher says
Hi Anne – so garlic scapes taste a lot like garlic. I would suggest giving them a try but eating them at at your own risk (and maybe away from other lol).
Anne says
Maybe I’ll give them a try when I don’t have to be around people or better yet, if I want to repel obnoxious coworkers lol.
Grace says
Summer in the city and grilled garlic scapes – girl, you’re living the good life! I’m right there with you. I love pesto but these garlic scapes are like something out of a fairytale – way too pretty to be ground up!
Susan says
Wow! This is a great post and a great way to treat scapes! Thank you!
Amy says
I love your description of grilling in the city. My sister lives there, and its always fun to hear her and her friends talk about their cooking adventures in small kitchens and out-of-the-way places. I’m going to have to search out scapes so I can try this recipe.
Olga says
I am new at this. Where can I order garlic scape seeds or plants to grow? Thank you for your time in replying.
Sher says
Hi Olga – garlic scapes are harvested from the garlic bulb during spring. I find them at local farmers’ markets and in my CSA box. I hope this helps!
Charlotte says
I love them! I have a new baby so am (sadly) not making it to any markets to procure them this year. My standbys used to be salad dressing – just a simple vinaigrette with scapes done in a food processor. So good.
Christine says
I recently tried garlic scapes for the first time. I’m so glad I ate them simply grilled and salted because I was able to really taste them that way. I am in love!
Lauren says
Tried these tonight — they were a BIG hit, even with my grandson who regarded then with suspicion until I compared them with eating snakes. Then, they were suddenly delicious!
Sher says
Amazing – lol, I love that Lauren!
Alisa says
I am going to try it when my garlic scapes gets there. In the meantime, I will try it with my leek scapes!