What are garlic scapes and how do you grill them?

Garlic scapes are the curly, green flower stalks that grow from garlic bulbs. To grill them, trim the ends, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.

How long should I grill garlic scapes?

Grill garlic scapes for about 4 to 6 minutes total, turning them every 2 to 3 minutes to achieve even cooking and light charring without burning.

What do grilled garlic scapes taste like?

Grilled garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness and a smoky char from the grill, making them a flavorful and crunchy vegetable side dish.

Can grilled garlic scapes be stored and reheated?

Yes, grilled garlic scapes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture and flavor.

Are grilled garlic scapes healthy to eat?

Yes, grilled garlic scapes are low in calories and rich in vitamins such as vitamin C and A, as well as antioxidants. Grilling them with minimal oil keeps them a nutritious choice.

What are some serving suggestions for grilled garlic scapes?

Grilled garlic scapes can be served as a simple side dish, chopped into salads, blended into pestos, or added to pasta and grain bowls for extra flavor and crunch.

Grilled Garlic Scapes: A Smoky Side You’ll Want All Summer 2026

Grilled Garlic Scapes

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Grilled garlic scapes are a quick and smoky summer side dish that transforms a seasonal vegetable into something sweet and nutty. They cook in minutes with just a few simple ingredients and pair beautifully with steak, pasta, or as an appetizer with goat cheese and honey.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 5min
Cook Time: 8min
Total Time: 15min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: side dish
Method: grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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1 bunch fresh garlic scapes (about 20 to 25 scapes)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional for brightness
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

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Instructions

Rinse the garlic scapes under cool water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off the very tip where the bud starts to open, about an inch from the top. Trim the bottom ends as well, just like you would with green beans.
Place the scapes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything with your hands until each scape is lightly coated.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a gas grill, let it warm up for 10 minutes with the lid closed. For charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with white ash.
Lay the scapes directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs. You want visible grill marks and slight charring, but not blackened. The scapes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Transfer the grilled garlic scapes to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while still warm.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the scapes in a 425 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in a skillet or microwave. For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 80
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 300
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 1
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 7
Fiber: 2
Protein: 2
Cholesterol: 0

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/grilled-garlic-scapes/