Chewy and Savory Braised Ferns (Gosari Namul) – Super Simple Side Dish Recipe
How to Make Deliciously Chewy Braised Ferns (Gosari Namul) – A Super Simple Side Dish
Our family runs a farm, and we grow a lot of bracken (gosari). So, when I visited home recently, I brought back a generous amount and made this delicious braised fern side dish. It’s a perfect pantry staple that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients- 1.5 handfuls dried bracken ferns (gosari) (approx. 50-70g)
- 1.5-2 Tbsp soy sauce for seasoning (jin ganjang)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 – 1 cup water
- 2-3 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you start cooking, soak the dried bracken ferns (gosari) in lukewarm water to rehydrate them. If you’re using fresh dried gosari, about 4 hours should be enough. (If using older or tougher dried gosari, you might need to soak them for longer.)
Step 2
Once the gosari is well-soaked, rinse it thoroughly under running water 4-6 times to remove any dirt or debris. Gently squeeze out excess water and set aside.
Step 3
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil. This will give the ferns a wonderful nutty aroma.
Step 4
Add the prepared gosari to the pan and stir-fry over high heat for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to remove any raw smell and make the ferns wonderfully chewy.
Step 5
While stir-frying the gosari, add 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Continue to sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant, allowing its flavor to infuse into the bracken.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in about half of the water (approx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Stir-fry over medium heat, allowing the gosari to absorb the liquid and seasonings. Cook until the liquid has reduced.
Step 7
When most of the moisture has evaporated, drizzle another 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil around the edges of the pan. Stir-fry again briefly. This adds a lovely sheen and extra nutty flavor to the gosari.
Step 8
Pour 1.5-2 tablespoons of soy sauce (jin ganjang) around the sides of the pan and quickly toss everything to coat the bracken evenly. (Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste.)
Step 9
At this stage, if the pan seems too dry, add a little more water and continue to stir-fry. The goal is a moist, well-seasoned dish. If it already looks moist enough, you can skip this step.
Step 10
Finally, add 2 teaspoons of salt to season the dish to perfection. Taste and adjust the saltiness as needed. If you prefer less salt, use a bit less, and if it needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt.
Step 11
After adding the salt, stir-fry quickly one last time to ensure it’s evenly distributed and dissolved. Taste again and if it’s not seasoned enough, add just a tiny bit more salt. Be careful not to make it too salty.
Step 12
Transfer the perfectly cooked, chewy, and savory braised bracken ferns to a serving plate. Enjoy this wonderful homemade side dish!
