Sautéed Malva Nut Noodles: A Delightful Spring Dish
Flavorful Malva Nut Stir-Fried Noodles
Malva Nut, also known as ‘Bireum’ or ‘Hyeonchae’, is a nutritious wild vegetable often found growing along roadsides and in fields. Its tender young shoots are a delicacy, perfect for simple side dishes, while its roots have medicinal uses. This recipe elevates it into a delicious noodle dish, offering a taste of spring. (Please refer to the video from 00:11 onwards.)
Ingredients
- Malva Nut (Bireum Namul), 60g (cleaned)
- Thin Wheat Noodles (Somen), 80g
- Onion, 1/4 medium (thinly sliced)
- Cooking Oil, 3 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce, 1.5 Tbsp
- Sugar, 0.5 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil, 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the Malva Nut (Bireum Namul) and gently patting it dry. If the stems are long, you can trim them slightly for easier eating. Its fresh, earthy aroma is key to this dish.
Step 2
Next, prepare the thin wheat noodles (Somen). Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, as they will be stir-fried further.
Step 3
Peel the onion and slice it thinly into strips. Sliced onions will soften and sweeten as they cook, adding a lovely depth of flavor to the noodles.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully add the somen noodles and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook for about 80% of the time indicated on the package – you want them slightly undercooked as they will finish cooking in the pan. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Step 5
Once the noodles are about 80% cooked, drain them and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them very well in a colander, shaking off as much excess water as possible. Excess water can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 6
Now, let’s stir-fry! Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil, followed by the sliced onions. Stir-fry the onions until they become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Once the onions are softened, add the prepared Malva Nut, the drained somen noodles, soy sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry over medium-high heat, tossing everything together vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors and the Malva Nut to wilt slightly.
Step 8
When the Malva Nut is tender and the noodles are well-coated and heated through, reduce the heat to low. Drizzle in the sesame oil and give it one final quick toss. Your delicious Sautéed Malva Nut Noodles are ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while warm.
