stir-fried bacon with garlic sprouts

How to Stir-Fry Garlic Scapes with Preserved Bacon

Garlic scape stir-fry with preserved bacon is a savory, quick Chinese dish that balances crisp-tender vegetables with rich, smoky flavors. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g garlic scapes, trimmed and cut into 3-inch segments

- 150g preserved bacon, sliced thinly

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance saltiness)

- A pinch of white pepper

Steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Rinse garlic scapes and pat dry. Soak preserved bacon in warm water for 5 minutes to reduce saltiness, then drain.

2. Stir-fry the bacon: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add bacon and stir-fry until crispy and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the garlic scapes: In the same wok, add minced garlic and stir until aromatic. Toss in garlic scapes, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until they brighten but remain crisp.

4. Combine and season: Return bacon to the wok. Add soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry for 1 more minute, ensuring everything is coated evenly.

Serving Tip: Enjoy this dish hot with steamed rice—the smoky bacon and crunchy garlic scapes create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a versatile side that complements any meal!