Savory Stir-fried Fern with Perilla Oil (Gosari Namul Bokkeum)
Mastering the Art of Delicious Stir-fried Fern: A Flavorful Side Dish for Bibimbap and More, Without the Fishy Taste
Experience the comforting taste of home cooking! This stir-fried fern dish is perfect mixed into bibimbap or enjoyed simply as a side. We’ll guide you through making it wonderfully savory with perilla oil, ensuring it’s free from any unpleasant smells. Even beginners can achieve a delicious result with these detailed steps.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch of pre-boiled fern (purchased from the market)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1/3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 Tbsp perilla oil (essential for flavor!)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Our star ingredient today, the pre-boiled fern, was picked up from the market. Since it’s already boiled, this recipe is quick and easy! (If boiling yourself, soak the dried fern in cold water, then boil in hot water for about 10 minutes until tender.)
Step 2
First, rinse the pre-boiled fern thoroughly under cool running water. This step removes any residual impurities or potential bitterness.
Step 3
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the rinsed fern with your hands. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can make the fern dry and tough. Squeeze just enough so that water doesn’t drip out excessively. A little moisture will help keep the fern tender as it cooks.
Step 4
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 4 tablespoons of fragrant perilla oil. Once the oil is warm, add the prepared fern. Stir-fry gently to coat the fern with the oil, then cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 7-8 minutes. The fern itself contains plenty of moisture, so it’s unlikely to burn even if you don’t stir frequently. This cooking process will tenderize the fern and allow it to absorb the rich perilla oil flavor.
Step 5
Once the fern has softened a bit, it’s time to add the seasonings. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion, and 1/3 tablespoon of sugar to add a touch of sweetness. The garlic and green onions are particularly important for neutralizing any earthy or ‘fishy’ taste that ferns can sometimes have. Mix all the ingredients well with the fern.
Step 6
Taste the fern at this point! If it’s not salty enough for your liking, add a pinch of salt to adjust the seasoning. Getting the seasoning just right is key to a delicious side dish.
Step 7
After mixing in the seasonings, stir-fry over medium heat for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld. Then, cover the pan again and let it steam for another 3 minutes. This steaming process further enhances the tenderness. If the fern still feels a bit tough, you can add about 4-5 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook a little longer until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for both visual appeal and a nutty finish. Your delicious and savory stir-fried fern is now ready! It’s wonderful served over warm rice for bibimbap or enjoyed as a standalone side dish.
