Nutty and Delicious Seasoned Fernbrake (Gosari Namul)
A Delectable Side Dish for Any Meal: Aromatic Fernbrake
This is one of my eldest daughter’s favorite side dishes. I made it specifically to enjoy with bibimbap. It’s wonderfully flavorful and brings a taste of home.
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful Dried Fernbrake (approx. 20-30g, yielding about 1.5-2 cups after soaking)
Seasoning & Aromatics
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce; adjust if using homemade soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Canola Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (Ggaesogum)
- 1/2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Chamgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce; adjust if using homemade soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Canola Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (Ggaesogum)
- 1/2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Chamgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin, let’s get an idea of the amount of dried fernbrake you’ll be using. One handful of dried fernbrake typically fills about two-thirds of a regular soup bowl before soaking. Once hydrated, it becomes significantly softer and plumper. The bowl shown in the reference image is slightly larger than a standard soup bowl.
Step 2
It’s crucial to soak the dried fernbrake thoroughly to soften it. I soaked mine overnight in water, and by morning, it had become wonderfully plump and tender. It’s recommended to soak for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 3
After soaking, rinse the fernbrake thoroughly under running water several times to remove any dirt or debris. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Then, cut the fernbrake into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Pieces that are too long can be awkward to cook and eat.
Step 4
Place the cut fernbrake in a large bowl or pan. Add 1 tablespoon of Guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce) for the initial seasoning. (The recipe creator mentioned using homemade soy sauce, which can be saltier than store-bought Guk-ganjang. It’s important to adjust the amount based on the saltiness of the soy sauce you are using.)
Step 5
Gently massage the fernbrake with your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let it marinate for about 1-2 minutes. After marinating, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Stir-frying quickly over medium-high heat helps maintain the fernbrake’s texture and prevents moisture loss.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low. Now, add 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1/2 tablespoon of perilla oil. Continue to stir-fry for about 1 minute more to infuse the flavors. Finally, turn off the heat and generously sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds (ggaesogum) over the top to finish. Your delicious seasoned fernbrake is ready!
