Nutty and Savory Stir-Fried Ferns with Perilla Seeds
Stir-Fried Ferns with Perilla Seeds
Experience a deeply nutty and flavorful stir-fried fern dish, elevated by toasted perilla oil and ground perilla seeds. Seasoned with savory Korean soy sauce and fermented crab sauce for a delightful umami kick, this recipe ensures tender ferns coated in a luscious, moist sauce, perfect as a side dish or for special occasions.
Main Ingredients- 250g blanched fiddlehead ferns (store-bought)
- 3 stalks scallions
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp fermented crab sauce (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp soju (or cooking wine)
- 1/4 cup water (approx. 50ml)
- 3 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp fermented crab sauce (or fish sauce)
- 2 Tbsp soju (or cooking wine)
- 1/4 cup water (approx. 50ml)
- 3 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the store-bought blanched fiddlehead ferns thoroughly under running water. Ensure any dirt or impurities are completely washed off.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the prepared fiddlehead ferns and boil for about 3 minutes to remove any bitterness and potential toxins.
Step 3
Drain the boiled ferns and rinse them under cold water a couple of times. This step helps to firm up the texture of the ferns.
Step 4
Examine the rinsed ferns and discard any that are excessively soft or mushy. Select ferns with a pleasant, slightly firm texture.
Step 5
Cut the prepared ferns into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them too short can make them fall apart when stir-fried, while cutting them too long might be awkward to eat. Aim for lengths of about 5-7cm.
Step 6
Wash and finely chop the scallions. Scallions add a lovely aroma and delicate flavor to vegetable dishes.
Step 7
Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil in a pan over low heat. Perilla oil has a low smoke point, so avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Step 8
Once the perilla oil is warm, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté over low heat until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn. This step infuses the oil with a gentle garlic aroma.
Step 9
When the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared fiddlehead ferns to the pan. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soju to help remove any gamey odors and tenderize the ferns. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, allowing the ferns to lightly absorb the flavors.
Step 10
Now, it’s time for seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of Korean soup soy sauce. This type of soy sauce adds a deep, savory flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the ferns.
Step 11
Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of fermented crab sauce. Fermented crab sauce offers a richer umami and depth of flavor compared to regular fish sauce, significantly enhancing the dish. (You can substitute with anchovy or pollock fish sauce if preferred.)
Step 12
Stir-fry the ferns to distribute the seasonings evenly. Then, add 1/4 cup (approx. 50ml) of water, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently until the ferns are very tender and have absorbed the liquid. This braising process ensures the ferns become soft and moist.
Step 13
Once the ferns are completely tender and the liquid has reduced to a simmer, stir in 3 tablespoons of ground perilla seeds. The perilla seeds will add a wonderful nutty depth and creamy texture.
Step 14
Immediately after adding the ground perilla seeds, stir vigorously with a spatula or spoon to prevent clumping. Ensure the perilla seeds are well incorporated and coat the ferns evenly, creating a luscious sauce.
Step 15
Continue to stir-fry gently, ensuring the perilla seeds coat the ferns without sticking to the pan. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Step 16
When the sauce is slightly reduced and has a moist consistency, add the chopped scallions and turn off the heat. Stir gently, allowing the residual heat to cook the scallions just enough to retain their vibrant color and a slight crispness. Mix everything together until well combined. Garnish with a pinch of sesame seeds, if desired. Your delicious stir-fried ferns with perilla seeds are ready!
