Laba Garlic Recipe - How to Make This Popular Chinese Treat

Laba garlic is a sweet garlic snack that is traditionally eaten during the Laba Festival in China. These caramelized garlic cloves coated in a sticky syrup are savory, sweet, and utterly addictive! Follow this authentic recipe to learn how to make laba garlic at home to celebrate the holiday or enjoy anytime.

Overview of Laba Garlic

Laba garlic (làbá sùan) gets its name from the Laba Festival, a Chinese holiday that falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. On this day, Buddhists prepare offerings of laba porridge and laba garlic to commemorate the enlightenment of Buddha. The origins of laba garlic can be traced back centuries, but it remains a favorite Laba Festival treat to this day.

Characteristics of Laba Garlic:

• Made from whole garlic cloves
• Coated in a sticky sugar syrup
• Sweet and savory flavor
• Chewy, gummy texture
• Dark caramelized exterior

Ingredients for Laba Garlic

Making authentic laba garlic at home is simple with these ingredients:

For the Garlic:

• 1 lb fresh garlic cloves, peeled
• Water for blanching
• Salt
• Cooking oil for frying

For the Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄4 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make homemade laba garlic:

Prep the Garlic

• Peel 1 lb of fresh garlic cloves.
• Blanch the garlic in boiling salted water for 1 minute to soften slightly.
• Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry.

Fry the Garlic

• Heat 1⁄2 inch oil in a wok or skillet to 300°F.
• Fry garlic in batches for 2-3 minutes until starting to brown but still undercooked inside.
• Drain on paper towels.

Make the Syrup

• Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water and 1⁄4 tsp salt in a saucepan.
• Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
• Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Coat the Garlic

• Add fried garlic to the syrup and toss to coat evenly.
• Return to medium heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The garlic should darken in color and the syrup will thicken.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Perfect Laba Garlic

• Choose fresh, firm garlic heads and peel each clove.
• Blanching helps soften garlic before frying.
• Fry at 300°F to partially cook garlic before adding to syrup.
• Cook garlic slowly in syrup for full flavor development.

How to Store and Serve

Coated in syrup, laba garlic keeps for up to one month stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy laba garlic:

• As a snack or appetizer
• Added to stir fries and other savory dishes
• Served alongside Laba porridge
• Given as a Laba Festival gift or offering

The History and Significance of Laba Garlic

Laba garlic has been part of the Laba Festival for centuries. Traditionally:

• It was made by Buddhist temples as an offering or to raise funds.
• The garlic was thought to have medicinal properties.
• Eating laba garlic brought good luck and fortune for the coming year.

Today, laba garlic remains an important Laba Festival food in China and for Chinese communities worldwide.

Conclusion

With its glistening amber coating and caramelized nubs of garlic, laba garlic is a divine treat that balances sweet and savory flavors. Making this traditional Chinese delight at home is easy with just a few ingredients. Enjoy laba garlic as part of your own Laba Festival celebration or as a unique sweet-savory snack all winter long. The combination of fried garlic and sticky syrup is sure to delight people of all ages.

FAQs

What is Laba garlic called in Chinese?

Laba garlic is called "làbá sùan" in Mandarin Chinese. "Làbá" refers to the Laba Festival and "sùan" means garlic.

What does Laba garlic taste like?

Laba garlic has a sweet, garlicky, umami flavor from the fried garlic cloves coated in sugar syrup. It is both savory and sweet.

Is Laba garlic crunchy?

No, laba garlic has a chewy, gummy, sticky texture from being cooked down in syrup. The interior is soft while the exterior is caramelized.

How do you make Laba garlic vegan?

To make a vegan laba garlic, use a vegan sugar such as coconut sugar and fry the garlic in oil like avocado or coconut oil instead of lard.

Can you eat Laba garlic year round?

Yes, you can absolutely enjoy laba garlic any time of year! It keeps for up to a month stored at room temperature.