What to Cook with Garlic Chives : Easy Recipes and Ideas

You can cook with garlic chives in so many tasty ways. Try them in stir-fries, dumplings, Pad Thai, noodles, or with tofu. These greens bring a bold flavor, like garlic and chives mixed together. Garlic chives give you vitamins A, C, and K, and you’ll find them in dishes from France to Sweden.

• Popular dishes include:

  • Garlic Chives with Tofu

  • Pad Thai

  • Dumplings

  • Noodles

  • Stir fries

Key Takeaways

• Garlic chives add a bold flavor to dishes like stir-fries, dumplings, and Pad Thai. They enhance meals with a unique garlic-onion taste.

• Incorporate garlic chives into your cooking by adding them to eggs, tofu, or chicken for a nutritious boost of vitamins A, C, and K.

• Store garlic chives like cut flowers in water or freeze them for later use. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next meal.

How to Cook with Garlic Chives

Garlic chives can turn any meal into something special. You can cook with garlic chives in many ways, from stir-fries to homemade oils. These greens work well in both vegetarian and meat dishes, and you’ll find them in Asian, European, and even fusion recipes. Let’s look at some of the most popular ways to use garlic chives in your kitchen.

Stir-Fried Garlic Chives

Stir-frying is one of the most common ways to cook with garlic chives. You just need a hot pan, a splash of oil, and a handful of chopped chives. In Asian cuisine, people often stir-fry garlic chives with soy sauce for a quick and easy side dish. You can also toss them with other veggies or proteins. Here are some popular methods:

1. Chop garlic chives into bite-sized pieces.

2. Heat oil in a pan until hot.

3. Add the chives and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

4. Season with soy sauce or a pinch of salt.

Tip: Don’t overcook the chives. You want them bright green and still a little crunchy.

You can also use garlic chives in dumpling fillings, soups, rice pancakes, and fresh noodle rolls. This makes them a great choice if you want to try a new garlic chives recipe.

Garlic Chives with Eggs

Garlic chives with eggs is a classic garlic chives dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. You get a boost of vitamins and protein in every bite. Here’s a quick and easy way to make it:

1. Wash and chop garlic chives into 1-inch pieces.

2. Crack eggs into a bowl, add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, then beat well.

3. Mix the chives into the eggs.

4. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

5. Pour in the egg and chive mixture. Let it set for a few seconds.

6. Gently stir, pushing the edges toward the center. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are just set and the chives are tender.

You can also sauté the chives first, then add them to the eggs. Both ways taste great!

Note: Garlic chives with eggs gives you more fiber and vitamins than plain scrambled eggs. It’s a healthy choice for breakfast or dinner.

Garlic Chives with Tofu

If you want a vegetarian garlic chives recipe, try garlic chives with tofu. This dish is quick and easy, and it’s packed with flavor. The sharp, garlicky taste of the chives goes perfectly with the soft texture of tofu. Here’s how you can make it:

• Slice tofu and pat it dry.

• Cut garlic chives into 2-inch pieces.

• Heat oil in a wok or skillet.

• Add tofu and cook until golden.

• Toss in the chives and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

• Add soy sauce, a little sugar, and black pepper.

• Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame oil.

This garlic chives with tofu recipe is a favorite in many Asian kitchens. It’s healthy, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Garlic Chives with Chicken

You can also cook with garlic chives and chicken for a tasty, protein-rich meal. The chives add a fresh, garlicky kick that makes the dish stand out. Here’s a simple way to make it:

• Slice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Mix a sauce with soy sauce, sake, oyster sauce, and a little chili paste.

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet.

• Sauté the chicken until golden.

• Add sliced carrots and garlic chives. Cook until the chives turn bright green.

• Pour in the sauce and stir until everything is coated and the sauce thickens.

Try serving this dish over steamed rice for a complete meal.

This garlic chives with chicken recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy nights. You get a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Garlic Chives Oil

Garlic chives oil is a fun way to cook with garlic chives and add flavor to many dishes. You can drizzle it over salads, pasta, or grilled veggies. Here’s how to make it:

• Place 1 cup chopped garlic chives, 1 cup fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup olive oil in a blender.

• Blend until smooth.

• Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate.

Use garlic chives oil within a week for the best flavor. Always keep it in the fridge to stay fresh.

You can use this oil in salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables. It’s a quick and easy way to boost the taste of any garlic chives dish.

Garlic Chives Recipe Ideas

Dumplings and Pancakes

You can make a tasty garlic chives recipe by adding them to dumplings or pancakes. Garlic chives bring a strong garlicky flavor and keep the filling moist. Try making chive pancakes with eggs, oyster sauce, and a bit of white pepper. Just mix chopped chives into beaten eggs, cook until golden, and cut into wedges. For dumplings, combine garlic chives with ground tofu for a juicy filling. The crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside make this garlic chives dish a favorite.

• Chives Pancake

• Garlic Chives Dumplings

• Korean Buchujeon (Chive Pancakes)

Tip: Garlic chives add a punch of flavor and a healthy twist to any quick and easy recipe.

Soups and Broths

Garlic chives work well in soups and broths. You can toss them into vegetable stock or tofu soup for extra taste. Add them at the end to keep their fresh flavor and boost nutrition. Garlic chives recipe ideas for soup include tofu and garlic chive soup or a simple chive broth. These dishes give you vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.

Egg Noodles with Garlic Chives

Egg noodles with garlic chives make a great main dish. You can stir chopped chives into the noodles or use them as a topping. Try pairing this garlic chives recipe with shrimp, salmon, or veggies. For a creamy side, make sour cream and chive noodles. You get a garlic flavor that stands out in every bite.

• Garlic Chives & Egg Spaghetti

• Sour Cream and Chive Noodles

Fresh Salads and Garnishes

Fresh garlic chives shine in salads and as garnishes. Their mild onion and garlic taste lifts any garlic chives dish. Sprinkle chopped chives or their flowers over salads, rice bowls, or grilled fish. The lavender blossoms look pretty and add a fresh aroma. Try a garlic chives recipe for a spring salad or use chive oil as a dressing.

• Garlic Chives & Egg Rice Bowl

• Garlic Chives Oil Drizzle

Try mixing garlic chives into softened butter for a flavorful spread on bread or veggies.

Prep Tips for Garlic Chives

Cleaning and Chopping

You want your garlic chives to taste fresh and keep their healthy crunch. Start by removing any dry or damaged shoots. Take off any packaging, like rubber bands or plastic containers. Rinse the chives under cold running water to wash away dirt and debris. Sometimes, you might see stubborn dirt. Gently rub the chives under cool water to get it off. After rinsing, blot them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.

Tip: Dry chives chop more easily and won’t make your dish watery.

Once dry, line up the chives and slice them into even pieces. Most recipes call for 1- or 2-inch cuts. This makes them quick and easy to cook.

When to Add in Cooking

You want to keep the bright color and flavor of garlic chives. Add them toward the end of cooking. This helps them stay crisp and keeps their mild garlic taste. If you sprinkle chopped chives just before serving, you boost the aroma and freshness of your dish.

For soups or stir-fries, toss in the chives right before you turn off the heat.

Ingredient Pairings

Garlic chives go well with many ingredients. You can use them in both vegetarian and meat dishes. Try pairing them with garlic, ginger, or white mushrooms for a quick and easy stir-fry. They also taste great with beef. For a marinade, mix garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. If you want a simple combo, just use beef and chives. These pairings help you create tasty and healthy meals.

Garlic Chives Storage

Short-Term Storage

You want your chives to stay crisp and fresh as long as possible. The best way is to treat them like cut flowers. Cut the stems at an angle and place them in a glass or jar with fresh water. Pop the jar in your fridge. Change the water every couple of days. This simple trick keeps chives fresh for up to two weeks. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.

• Cut stems at an angle

• Place in a jar of water

• Refrigerate and change water every few days

Tip: Don’t wash chives until you’re ready to use them. Extra moisture can make them spoil faster.

Freezing Garlic Chives

If you have more garlic chives than you can use, freezing is a smart move. Start by washing and drying the chives well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then move them to a freezer bag or jar. This keeps the leaves from sticking together. You can also chop chives and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water. Always label and date your bags so you know how long they’ve been in the freezer. Try not to refreeze chives, since this can change their flavor and texture.

• Wash and dry chives completely

• Flash-freeze on a baking sheet

• Store in labeled freezer bags or jars

• Use ice cube trays for small portions

Spoilage Signs

You want to use your garlic chives while they’re still good. Watch for these signs:

• Wilted or slimy leaves

• Yellow or brown spots

• Strong, sour smell

If you see any of these, it’s time to toss them out. Fresh chives should look bright green and smell like mild garlic.

You can get creative with garlic chives in your kitchen. Try these ideas:

• Make garlic chive butter for bread or veggies.

• Freeze chopped chives in ice cube trays for quick use.

• Sprinkle snipped chives on soups or salads for extra flavor.

Garlic chives work in so many dishes. You can use the stems and flowers, just like onion chives. They add a mild garlic taste and make meals pop. Got a favorite garlic chives recipe or tip? Share it in the comments below!

FAQ

Can you eat garlic chives raw?

Yes, you can eat garlic chives raw. They taste great in salads, wraps, or as a garnish. The flavor is milder than raw garlic.

What do garlic chives taste like?

Garlic chives taste like a mix of garlic and onion. The flavor is fresh and mild. You get a gentle garlic kick without the sharp bite.

How do you use garlic chive flowers?

You can sprinkle garlic chive flowers on salads, soups, or noodles. The blossoms look pretty and add a light garlic flavor to your dish.