Deliciously Tangy and Sweet Stir-Fried Laver (Parae Muchim) Recipe
Winter’s Seasonal Delicacy: Make Healthy and Tasty Side Dish with Stir-Fried Laver
Introducing a delightful winter seasonal delicacy, full of the fresh aroma of the sea – Stir-Fried Laver (Parae Muchim)! Laver is a precious ingredient only available in winter, boasting a unique, fresh scent and chewy texture. It’s packed with iron, making it excellent for preventing anemia, and rich in dietary fiber and minerals, which are great for your health. When your refrigerator is short on vegetables during winter, a plate of this sweet and tangy stir-fried laver will be a perfect side dish that makes you want to eat more rice! Make this healthy and delicious winter side dish with stir-fried laver right away!
Main Ingredients- 2 bundles of laver (parae)
- 1/3 medium radish
- Coarse salt, to taste
Radish Brining Ingredients- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salt
Laver Salad Seasoning- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salt
Laver Salad Seasoning- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 bundles of fresh laver (parae). (They are very affordable, often 3 bundles for 1,000 KRW at the market!) Place the laver in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, and gently rub it between your palms to wash. This process helps remove any dirt or impurities from the laver.
Step 2
Rinse the washed laver under running water one or two more times to thoroughly remove any remaining debris. Laver is exceptionally rich in iron among seaweeds, making it highly effective for preventing anemia. Additionally, its abundant minerals and dietary fiber support gut health and help alleviate constipation. The high calcium content also benefits bone health, especially in preventing osteoporosis. Given its nutritional benefits, why not incorporate this nutritious laver into your winter meals more often?
Step 3
Let’s prepare the radish to add a crunchy texture to the stir-fried laver. I used about 1/3 of a medium-sized radish, which is roughly what you can hold with two handfuls. Wash the radish, peel it, and then julienne it into thin, bite-sized strips. Thinly sliced radish absorbs the seasoning well and offers a pleasant texture.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, combine the julienned radish with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix them well and let it brine. If you start this step before preparing the laver, the radish can marinate for about 20 minutes, significantly shortening your overall cooking time. Pre-brining makes preparing delicious radish effortless.
Step 5
This is what the radish looks like after being brined for about 20 minutes. The radish is perfectly pickled when it bends naturally without breaking when you gently fold it. This texture provides the ideal balance of crunchiness and tenderness for the stir-fried laver dish.
Step 6
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the washed laver by hand. Excess water can dilute the flavor of the dish. Once squeezed, cut the laver into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Laver tends to clump together, so cutting it into smaller pieces makes it easier to eat.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning for the stir-fried laver. (Ratio: 2 bundles laver, 1/3 radish). In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of plum extract (maesilcheong), 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. This is a golden ratio for a sweet and tangy flavor, so follow it for a perfectly seasoned dish.
Step 8
Pour the pre-made seasoning over the prepared laver and brined radish. I prefer mixing the seasoning separately before adding it to the ingredients. This method ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed and prevents clumping, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
Step 9
Now, gently toss everything together until well combined. This is a winter delicacy that’s both affordable and simple to make with just a few ingredients! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If it’s too bland, add a little more soy sauce or salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar. For a tangier taste, add more vinegar. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a fragrant finish. Your delicious Stir-Fried Laver (Parae Muchim) is ready! Enjoy your meal!
