Savory Stir-Fried Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) Salad: A Healthy Spring Delicacy
Recipe for Savory Stir-Fried Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) Salad
This recipe features Aster Scaber (Chwinamul), a delightful spring vegetable, gently stir-fried before being seasoned into a salad. This process softens the texture and enhances its natural aroma, creating a wonderfully flavorful and healthy side dish that is perfect for any meal.
Main Ingredients- Aster Scaber (Chwinamul), 4 handfuls (prepared)
- 1/2 Korean green chili pepper
- 1/4 Korean leek
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the prepared Aster Scaber and blanch for just 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too soft.
Step 2
Remove the blanched Aster Scaber from the hot water and immediately plunge it into cold water to cool it down. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water about 4 times, ensuring all dirt and impurities are removed. It’s important to rinse until the water runs clear.
Step 3
When rinsing, gently swirl the Aster Scaber with your fingers, allowing any settled dirt at the bottom to wash away with the water. Make sure to clean between the stems as well.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the thoroughly washed Aster Scaber using your hands. Place the drained Aster Scaber in a frying pan and stir-fry quickly over high heat. This brief stir-frying step helps reduce any slight bitterness and makes the vegetable more tender.
Step 5
Once the Aster Scaber is lightly stir-fried, add the minced garlic, thinly sliced leek, and finely chopped Korean green chili pepper (seeds removed). Drizzle a little olive oil to help the ingredients meld together and enhance the flavor. Reduce heat to medium and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6
Turn off the heat. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Gently mix and toss the stir-fried Aster Scaber with the seasonings until well combined. You can use soy sauce instead of anchovy sauce, but anchovy sauce adds a richer umami flavor.
Step 7
Finally, transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious and aromatic Stir-Fried Aster Scaber Salad is ready! It makes a wonderful side dish for rice and pairs perfectly with a glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
