Aromatic Spring Delight: 10-Minute Seasoned Fern Salad with Doenjang
Easy 10-Minute Recipe for Seasoned Fern Salad with Doenjang
Wondering what spring vegetables to enjoy? How about this seasoned fern salad, heralding spring with its unique aroma! It’s seasoned with savory soybean paste (doenjang) to enhance its fragrant flavor, making it a perfect spring vegetable side dish!
Ingredients- 150g fresh fern (gosari)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp medium-grind gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2.5 Tbsp rice syrup (or corn syrup)
- 2.5 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fern thoroughly under running water. Pay special attention to the roots, as they can retain soil. Gently scrape off any tough outer layers from the fern roots with the back of a knife; this will make them more tender.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared fern and blanch for about 20 seconds. Be cautious not to over-blanch, as this can make the fern mushy and diminish its delicate aroma.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched fern to a bowl of cold water. This shock helps to stop the cooking process, preserve the fern’s crisp texture, and maintain its vibrant green color.
Step 4
Once cooled, gently squeeze the fern with your hands to remove as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted and watery.
Step 5
Cut the de-watered fern into bite-sized pieces, approximately 3-4 cm (about 1.5 inches) in length. This ensures a pleasant texture and makes the salad easy to eat.
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of doenjang, 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of medium-grind gochugaru, 2.5 tablespoons of rice syrup, and 2.5 tablespoons of water. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined seasoning paste. The addition of syrup and water helps to create a balanced and harmonious flavor.
Step 7
In a larger mixing bowl, place the cut fern. Add the prepared seasoning paste, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 8
Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the fern evenly. Continue to toss until the flavors are well distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; a little more doenjang can be added if you prefer a stronger flavor. This delicious fern salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can also be chilled for a short while for the flavors to meld further.
