Spring Delight: Seasoned Aron Tree Sprout (Eunggae Namul) with Doenjang
Savory Doenjang-Seasoned Aron Tree Sprout (Eunggae Namul)!
As one of the many spring wild vegetables, I’ve made a simple and savory seasoned dish using Eunggae Namul, also known as Aron Tree Sprout. This recipe highlights the fresh, clean flavors of the season with a comforting doenjang dressing.
Main Ingredients- Aron Tree Sprouts (Eunggae Namul) 250g
- Minced Green Onion 1.5 Tbsp
Seasoning- Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste) 1 Tbsp (heaping)
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste) 1 Tbsp (heaping)
- Minced Garlic 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Aron Tree Sprouts (Eunggae Namul) by cleaning them thoroughly. Remove any tough outer skins or hard parts from the base of the sprouts. Focus on using the tender new shoots for the best flavor and texture.
Step 2
The leaves of the Aron Tree Sprouts resemble fresh, green maple leaves, carrying the vibrant essence of spring.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. Adding salt helps the sprouts maintain their bright green color and subtly seasons them.
Step 4
Carefully place the prepared Aron Tree Sprouts into the boiling water, positioning them with the stem ends down. Using a ladle, gently press the leafy tops down. Blanch for only 30 to 40 seconds – it’s crucial to blanch them very briefly to preserve their crisp texture. Overcooking will make them mushy.
Step 5
Immediately transfer the blanched sprouts into a bowl of cold water. Rinse them under cool running water or swirl them in the cold water 2 to 3 times to shock them and halt the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color and crispness.
Step 6
Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the Aron Tree Sprouts by hand. Excess water can dilute the seasoning. If any sprouts are particularly long or thick, you can tear them in half or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7
In a mixing bowl, add the minced green onion, doenjang, minced garlic, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds to the prepared sprouts.
Step 8
Now, gently mix and knead the ingredients together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sprouts. This ‘massaging’ technique helps the flavors meld beautifully. Mix until well combined.
Step 9
Your delicious Doenjang-Seasoned Aron Tree Sprout (Eunggae Namul) is now ready! This dish allows you to fully appreciate the natural, fresh taste of the Aron Tree Sprouts, complemented by the savory doenjang. It’s a wonderfully light and flavorful spring wild vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm rice.
