Stir-Fried Dried Fern Brake: A Delicious Recipe for Lunar New Year’s Eve
Lunar New Year’s Eve Special: Delicious Stir-Fried Fern Brake Made with Dried Fern
When you think of Lunar New Year’s Eve, stir-fried dried vegetables always come to mind! Among them, fern brake was always my favorite, so I decided to make this stir-fried fern brake dish. Made with precious, home-dried fern, this recipe offers a deeper flavor and fragrant aroma, perfect for celebrating special occasions. Enjoy this healthy and delicious side dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 80g Dried Fern Brake
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3-4 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
These are precious dried fern brakes, sun-dried and personally gathered by my elder brother! They boast a freshness and flavor incomparable to the regular fern you buy at the market. Thanks to him, this dish will be even more delicious and made with great care.
Step 2
Soak the dried fern brake in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes. Then, place the soaked fern brake in boiling water and boil for 5-10 minutes. It’s crucial to remove any astringency or bitterness during this step. After boiling, soak the fern brake in cold water for another 20 minutes to completely eliminate the bitter taste. This ensures a clean and delicious stir-fried dish.
Step 3
Once the water is drained, cut the fern brake into bite-sized pieces, typically about 5-7 cm long. Cutting them too long can be inconvenient for stir-frying, and too short might cause them to break apart, so aim for a moderate length.
Step 4
Heat a pan with a generous amount of sesame oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Once the garlic aroma rises, add the prepared fern brake and stir-fry together. Sautéing the garlic first enhances its flavor.
Step 5
Stir the fern brake well in the pan to ensure it’s evenly coated with the sesame oil and garlic aroma.
Step 6
Add the soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) and gently toss the fern brake as if marinating it. Guk-ganjang enhances the natural flavor of the fern and adds a savory depth. Stir-fry thoroughly so the seasoning is well absorbed by the fern.
Step 7
Now, turn up the heat to high and stir-fry quickly. Since the fern brake has already been soaked and boiled, it doesn’t require long cooking. Stir-frying briefly over high heat preserves the texture of the fern and prevents it from breaking apart, making it more delicious. Taste as you stir-fry and, if it’s too bland, season with a pinch of salt to finish. Be careful not to overcook, as the fern might become mushy!
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously for a nutty aroma, and serve elegantly on a pretty plate. Your delicious stir-fried dried fern brake is complete! #Thanks to my brother, I’ve made a truly delicious fern brake dish. Thank you so much for the fern!
