Sweet & Tangy Seasoned Aralia Shoots (Dureup Namul Muchim)
Sweet & Tangy Seasoned Aralia Shoots (Dureup Namul Muchim)
Making Dureup Namul Muchim Sweet and Sour
I received some wild-harvested dureup (Aralia elata shoots) as a gift. While delicious simply seasoned, today I’m making them with a delightful sweet and sour twist.
Ingredients- Fresh Aralia Shoots (Dureup) 200g
Seasoning- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 tablespoon
- Double-strength vinegar 1 tablespoon
- Sugar 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic 1 teaspoon
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 tablespoon
- Double-strength vinegar 1 tablespoon
- Sugar 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic 1 teaspoon
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
These are fresh Aralia shoots, wild-harvested and shared with me. Although a bit large, they are not tough and are perfect for blanching and seasoning. If the thick ends of the shoots are particularly woody, you can trim them slightly before proceeding.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Dip the thicker, bottom ends of the Aralia shoots into the water first, and then blanch them for about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 3
Immediately remove the blanched Aralia shoots from the hot water and immerse them in cold water to cool down. Gently swish the shoots in the cold water once or twice to rinse them thoroughly. This helps remove any remaining impurities and keeps them crisp.
Step 4
Separate the Aralia shoots into individual pieces. Squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. Removing excess moisture is key for the seasoning to adhere well and for a better flavor. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of double-strength vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Mix these ingredients well to create the flavorful seasoning sauce. You can adjust the amount of vinegar to your preference.
Step 6
Add the prepared seasoning sauce to the Aralia shoots that have been squeezed and cut. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the top.
Step 7
Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the Aralia shoots. The slightly bitter taste of the spring shoots, enhanced by the sweet and tangy dressing, creates a wonderfully appetizing side dish that truly awakens the palate. Enjoy your delicious spring creation!
