Stir-Fried Pickled Mustard Greens with Sesame Oil & Garlic
#KoreanFood #MustardGreens #PickledMustardGreensRecipe #CookingWithMustardGreens #BaekJongWonRecipe
Inspired by the diverse mustard greens dishes featured on ‘Delicious Rendezvous’ (Matnamui Gwjang), this recipe transforms simple, salt-pickled mustard greens into a delightful side dish. Traditionally made by fermenting mustard greens with coarse salt at room temperature, these pickles are perfect as a topping for kimbap or bibimguksu. Here, we’ll stir-fry them with fragrant sesame oil and garlic for a flavorful accompaniment to rice. The tangy, savory, and crisp texture makes it a wonderful addition to bibimbap, and the subtle garlic aroma complements bibimguksu beautifully. Discover the versatile charm of mustard greens with this easy stir-fry!
Ingredients- 1/2 bunch mustard greens
- 2/3 cup coarse salt (for pickling)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the mustard greens. Trim away any wilted or damaged leaves. Wash them thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, then gently pat dry. Proper preparation ensures a clean and fresh start to your dish.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to pickle the mustard greens. To achieve a satisfying crunch and preserve their texture, use a generous amount of coarse salt. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the mustard greens, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 3 days, or until the greens are wilted and have developed a crisp texture. The exact pickling time may vary depending on the amount and thickness of your mustard greens, so check them periodically. Thorough pickling is key for a crisp texture that holds up well in various dishes.
Step 3
After 3 days of pickling, the mustard greens will be quite salty. To reduce the saltiness, submerge them in clean, fresh water. This process typically takes about a day. If they still taste too salty after 24 hours, you can change the water and let them soak for another day, or change the water multiple times. This step is crucial for bringing the greens to your desired saltiness level.
Step 4
Once the saltiness has been adjusted, your pickled mustard greens are ready. Even after rinsing, they retain a pleasant salty undertone and a delightful crispness, making them enjoyable to eat as is. They are already a delicious side dish in this state!
Step 5
Next, prepare the pickled mustard greens for stir-frying. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the greens by hand to ensure they sauté rather than steam. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 cm in length. Cutting them into manageable pieces will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
Step 6
Now, let’s transform the pickled greens into a flavorful stir-fry. Heat a pan and add a generous amount of perilla oil. The nutty aroma of perilla oil will enhance the flavor of the mustard greens beautifully. If perilla oil is unavailable, good quality sesame oil can be used as a substitute.
Step 7
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped pickled mustard greens to the pan. Stir-fry them continuously, ensuring they don’t stick to the bottom. As the greens begin to release their characteristic aroma, get ready to add the other ingredients.
Step 8
Add the minced garlic, chopped green onion, and plum extract to the pan. Stir well to combine everything and continue to stir-fry. This process helps to mellow out any pungent smell from the pickled greens, infusing them with a savory garlic aroma and a hint of sweetness. Cook over medium-low heat until well combined and fragrant.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fried greens to finish. This adds a final touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal, making your dish complete.
Step 10
Your delicious Stir-Fried Pickled Mustard Greens are ready! This dish is a fantastic side for rice, or you can serve it over a bowl of warm rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. It also makes an excellent filling for kimbap. Don’t limit yourself to just kimchi when it comes to mustard greens; explore the endless possibilities with pickled greens, stir-fries, wraps, and pickles. Enjoy the amazing versatility of mustard greens!
