Savory Stir-Fried Fern with Perilla Oil Recipe
Savory Stir-Fried Fern with Perilla Oil Recipe
Fern, known as ‘beef from the mountains,’ stir-fried with plenty of onions.
A special occasion dish, this tender and flavorful fern side dish is a must-have.
Ingredients- 300g rehydrated fern
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp bamboo salt (juyeom)
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 onion
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Place the rehydrated fern in a pot and generously cover with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and boil for 30 minutes. After boiling, turn off the heat and let the fern sit in the cooking water for at least 2 hours. This process will tenderize the fern significantly, improving its texture for the stir-fry.
Step 2
Once tender, soak the fern in cold water for over an hour to remove any bitterness. After soaking, thoroughly remove any tough fibrous parts and trim the ‘feet’ or the tough stem ends of the fern. Clean preparation is key to a delicious final dish.
Step 3
Slice the green onions diagonally about 0.5cm thick. Slice the onion into pieces about 0.7cm thick, not too thinly. Ensuring uniform sizes for your vegetables helps them cook evenly.
Step 4
In a bowl, gently massage the prepared fern with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of bamboo salt until well combined. Let it marinate for a bit to absorb the flavors. Then, add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil and mix again. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fern pieces.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated fern and begin to stir-fry. A pinch of black pepper is recommended to eliminate any potential gamey or fishy odors from the fern. Pepper acts as a great natural deodorizer for fern dishes.
Step 6
Once the fern is partially cooked, add the sliced onion and continue to stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent. Onions not only add a natural sweetness but are also known for their health benefits, including aiding sleep, reducing fatigue, and improving blood circulation.
Step 7
Finally, add the sliced green onions and stir-fry just until they slightly wilt. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the dish. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch of nutty flavor.
Step 8
This finished fern stir-fry offers a delightful combination of the nutty aroma of perilla oil, the subtle sweetness of onions, and the tender texture of the fern itself. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, especially for special occasions. Enjoy this healthy and delicious specialty!
