Tender Stir-Fried Bracken
How to Make Deliciously Tender and Non-Bitter Bracken
Often called ‘beef of the field’ for its rich nutrients, bracken can be tricky to cook and may turn out bitter if not prepared correctly. The key to a delicious bracken dish is properly removing its inherent bitterness. This recipe will guide you to make wonderfully tender and flavorful bracken.
Ingredients- 1 bowl soaked bracken (approx. 200g)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 3 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2-3 Tbsp perilla seed powder (or rice bran powder)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Pinch of chopped scallions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thaw the frozen soaked bracken completely by soaking it in cold water. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess water and discard it. Then, trim any tough parts from the bracken stems and cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm) using scissors or a knife. This step helps ensure a tender final texture.
Step 2
In a wide pan, combine 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. While perilla oil has a low smoke point and can alter its flavor at high heat, using it with sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Heat the oils over medium-low heat. Once slightly warm, add the prepared bracken and stir-fry, tossing gently to prevent sticking, until it starts to soften.
Step 3
Once the bracken is somewhat coated with the oil, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry together. Garlic helps to eliminate any gamey taste from the bracken and enhances its overall flavor. Continue to stir-fry for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4
Add 3 tablespoons of soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) to the pan and stir-fry, allowing the bracken to absorb the seasoning. Guk-ganjang adds a savory depth of flavor. Continue to cook until the flavors meld together nicely.
Step 5
If the bracken still feels tough after stir-frying, add 2-3 tablespoons of water around the edges of the pan, avoiding direct contact with the seasoned bracken. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the bracken becomes tender. For an even softer texture, turn off the heat and let it steam, covered, for another 10 minutes. This slow cooking process is crucial for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth bracken dish.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of perilla seed powder for a nutty flavor. You can also substitute with rice bran powder if preferred. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds to complete this delicious stir-fried bracken. For a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or chili powder.
