Spicy and Sweet Seasoned Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) – A Delightful Spring Vegetable Recipe
Flavorful and Spicy-Sweet Seasoned Chwinamul
This is a wonderfully seasoned dish of Chwinamul, a vibrant spring vegetable, prepared with a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors. It’s a fantastic side dish that will awaken your appetite and complement any meal. Follow this detailed recipe for a simple yet delicious result, perfect even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) 2 handfuls (approx. 200g)
Spicy and Sweet Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or soy sauce for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp honey or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or soy sauce for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp honey or corn syrup (adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh Chwinamul thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the Chwinamul for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched Chwinamul under cold water to cool it down, then squeeze out as much water as possible.
Step 2
After squeezing out the excess water, cut the Chwinamul into bite-sized pieces (about 5cm or 2 inches long) and place them in a mixing bowl. You can chop it now as it will be stir-fried later. Ensuring you squeeze out enough water is crucial to prevent the dish from tasting watery.
Step 3
Before adding the seasonings, it’s beneficial to quickly stir-fry the Chwinamul in a dry pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. This helps to remove any raw, grassy taste and enhances its aroma. It also helps to evaporate excess moisture, allowing the seasonings to adhere better.
Step 4
After the initial dry stir-fry, you can either transfer the Chwinamul to a separate bowl or leave it in the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or any cooking oil) to the pan. Using olive oil can add a nice nutty flavor. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the dish greasy.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the key flavorings. To the pan, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of honey (or corn syrup), and 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce. Stir-fry over high heat for about 1 minute, mixing well to coat the Chwinamul. Be careful not to burn the seasonings. Anchovy sauce provides a deeper umami flavor compared to regular soy sauce, but soy sauce can be used as an alternative.
Step 6
Using a spatula or chopsticks, thoroughly mix the Chwinamul with all the seasonings until evenly coated. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its fragrant aroma. Gently mix it in using the residual heat from the pan after turning off the stove.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty crunch. This completes your delicious Spicy and Sweet Seasoned Chwinamul! Don’t add too many sesame seeds, as it can make the texture a bit dry. This dish is perfect served with warm rice or as a refreshing accompaniment to various wraps and other Korean dishes. Enjoy the taste of spring with this delightful Chwinamul!
