Servings: 4 people
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 300 g garlic scapes, cut into 5 cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the garlic scapes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tough ends and cut the scapes into pieces about 5 cm (2 inches) long. Slice the onion and red bell pepper into thin strips and set all the vegetables aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and slightly translucent.
3. Add the garlic scapes to the pan and stir them well with the onions. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, so the scapes begin to soften and release their mild garlic aroma.
4. Add the sliced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes. The vegetables should become tender while still retaining a slight crispness and their bright color.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together carefully so the seasonings coat all the vegetables evenly. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and, if desired, drizzle the vegetables with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
7. Serve the garlic scapes stir-fry immediately while warm. It can be enjoyed as a healthy side dish or served over steamed rice alongside grilled chicken, beef, or seafood.

Tip: Garlic scapes have a delicate garlic flavor that becomes slightly sweet when cooked, making them an excellent ingredient for quick and flavorful stir-fries.