Savory Stir-Fried Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) Recipe
Savory Stir-Fried Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) Recipe
3 Times the Calcium of Spinach! Make a Healthy and Fragrant Side Dish with Seasonal Chwinamul
Introducing a chwinamul stir-fry recipe that captures both delicious flavor and nutrition, using this spring delicacy. With 3 times the calcium content of spinach, it’s a healthy side dish perfect for everyone from growing children to the elderly. Its fragrant aroma and tender texture make it the ultimate vegetable dish to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients- 150g Chwinamul (Aster Scaber)
- 1.5 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder OR Shiitake Mushroom Powder OR Garlic Powder (optional)
- 2-3 Scallions
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 150g of cleanly trimmed chwinamul. If using fresh chwinamul, briefly blanch it in boiling water, then rinse under cold water and thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture. (If using pre-blanched chwinamul, you can use it as is.) Now, let’s season the chwinamul. Gently mix it with the seasonings: 1.5 Tbsp perilla oil, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, and any chosen powders for added flavor.
Step 2
At this stage, adding 1/4 tsp each of onion powder, shiitake mushroom powder, or garlic powder can further enhance the chwinamul’s aroma. If you don’t have these powdered vegetable seasonings, feel free to skip this step. The basic seasoning alone will result in a delicious dish.
Step 3
Next, stir-fry the seasoned chwinamul over high heat. Gently mix and toss for about 1 minute to ensure the seasonings coat the greens evenly. After stir-frying, reduce the heat slightly, cover the pan, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the seasonings to fully penetrate the chwinamul.
Step 4
After 5 minutes, uncover the pan and adjust the heat to medium. Now, add 3 Tbsp of water to make the chwinamul moist. Mix well; moist greens absorb seasonings better, leading to a more flavorful dish. Cover the pan again and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
Step 5
Once 5 minutes have passed, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce to adjust the seasoning. Instead of pouring the soy sauce directly over the chwinamul, push the greens to one side of the pan to create a space. Pour the soy sauce into this empty space and let it sizzle. Once the soy sauce is bubbling, stir it into the chwinamul and continue to stir-fry together. This method helps to bring out the rich flavor of the soy sauce.
Step 6
Finally, add a pinch of minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor. The subtle pungency of garlic complements the unique aroma of chwinamul, making it even more delicious.
Step 7
Chop 2-3 scallions into large pieces and add them to the stir-fry. The crisp texture and refreshing taste of the scallions bring a bright note to the dish.
Step 8
Now, turn off the heat and drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil. It’s crucial to add sesame oil after turning off the heat to preserve its fragrant aroma, ensuring it remains potent and doesn’t dissipate.
Step 9
Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. For an even richer flavor, lightly crush the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling them over the dish.
Step 10
Your fragrant and healthy chwinamul stir-fry is ready! Enjoy your delicious meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
