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Fresh Grilled Garlic Scapes Recipe with Easy Creamy Lemon Aioli

fresh grilled garlic scapes - featured image

A simple and flavorful recipe featuring smoky grilled garlic scapes paired with a creamy, tangy lemon aioli. Perfect as a summer side or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound garlic scapes, trimmed and washed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, to smooth out the aioli
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Dash of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse about 1 pound (450g) of garlic scapes under cold water and pat dry. Trim the tough ends, and if any scapes are exceptionally long, cut them in half for easier handling.
  2. In a bowl, toss the scapes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each scape is lightly coated.
  3. Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan, place it on the stove over medium-high heat and let it get hot—about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the scapes directly on the grill grates or in the grill pan. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning with tongs until they’re tender and have light char marks. Total grilling time is roughly 7-8 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes while you prepare the aioli.
  6. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as you prefer.
  7. Plate the grilled garlic scapes and drizzle or serve alongside the creamy lemon aioli for dipping. Best enjoyed warm but still delicious at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the garlic scapes to avoid bitterness; aim for bright green with light char marks. Brushing with olive oil prevents sticking and enhances flavor. The aioli tastes better if chilled for 10 minutes before serving. You can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for dietary preferences. If no grill is available, roasting at 425°F for 12-15 minutes is a good alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scapes, grilled vegetables, lemon aioli, summer recipe, easy appetizer, smoky flavor, creamy dip