Ulleungdo Puji Na-mul (Wild Aster Vegetable) Stir-fry: A Delicate Namul Side Dish with Subtle Aroma
Ulleungdo Puji Na-mul (Wild Aster Vegetable) Stir-fry: A Delicate Namul Side Dish with Subtle Aroma
Puji Na-mul Stir-fry: A Delightful Namul Side Dish with a Tender Texture and Subtle Aroma
This is a recipe for Puji Na-mul, a wild aster vegetable, gifted by my mother who grows it in her garden on Ulleungdo Island. This namul is known for its mild and tender texture, with a delicate, not overpowering, aroma. When blanched and seasoned, it becomes incredibly delicious, stimulating the appetite. The subtle fragrance makes you reach for it again and again. It’s a wonderful side dish that brightens any meal.
Ingredients- Puji Na-mul (Wild Aster Vegetable) 250g
- Salt, a pinch (for blanching)
- Korean traditional soy sauce (Joseon Ganjang) 2-3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds (crushed) 1 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (Deulgireum) 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
My mother already did most of the cleaning and preparation, so there wasn’t much for me to do. Just trim off any tough or woody parts if you find them.
Step 2
Since this isn’t the very first sprout of spring, it has a slightly chewier texture, so it’s best to blanch it for about 2-3 minutes to achieve a tender consistency. Bring water to a boil, add a pinch of coarse salt, and blanch the Puji Na-mul until it turns a vibrant green. Immediately after blanching, rinse it under cold running water to cool it down, then gently squeeze out the excess water. Be careful not to wring it out too forcefully. If the vegetable stalks are long, cut them into bite-sized pieces. (Mine were a good length, so I cooked them as they were.)
Step 3
Now, let’s season it to perfection. Place the blanched and squeezed Puji Na-mul in a bowl. Add the Korean traditional soy sauce, minced garlic, crushed sesame seeds (sesame powder), and perilla oil. Using crushed sesame seeds instead of whole ones will give you a richer, nuttier flavor, so it’s recommended for extra savoriness. Gently loosen the bundled vegetables with your fingers and mix everything together by gently tossing and squeezing (jo-mol jo-mol). Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the namul for the best taste.
Step 4
And there you have it – the finished Ulleungdo Puji Na-mul stir-fry. It looks appetizingly green and ready to eat!
Step 5
The vibrant green color is truly captivating and sure to awaken your appetite.
Step 6
I prepared a bowl of rice and immediately tried it. The tender texture from being blanched just right was incredibly satisfying, and the subtle aroma was wonderful, filling my mouth. The namul itself has such a beautiful natural fragrance that I used minimal seasoning to let it shine.
Step 7
I seasoned it with the traditional soy sauce my mother gave me, added just a touch of minced garlic for a hint of pungency, and then finished with sesame powder and perilla oil for nuttiness and aroma. It’s seasoned with just the essentials to bring out the best in the vegetable.
Step 8
You can detect the unique aroma of the vegetable, but it’s not at all off-putting; rather, it’s a captivating scent that you want to keep smelling. Although it might look like simple greens, this Ulleungdo namul holds such a wonderful taste and aroma. It’s absolutely delicious with rice.
Step 9
The subtle, lingering aroma in my mouth was so pleasant! I finished an entire bowl of rice with just this Puji Na-mul. If you have any leftover rice, adding a little more soy sauce and mixing it in makes for an excellent simple meal. A single delicious namul dish like this means you don’t need any other side dishes.
Step 10
A comforting and healthy namul side dish. With just one flavorful namul, a bowl of rice is easily conquered.
Step 11
It’s incredibly delicious! This namul offers a surprising depth of flavor and aroma that belies its simple appearance. If you ever see Puji Na-mul at a market or grocery store, I highly recommend buying some to experience its wonderful, subtle fragrance. The aroma is truly elegant and pleasant. The taste in your mouth is soft, nutty, and wonderfully fragrant. Its unexpected deliciousness will have you reaching for it time and time again.
