Seomcho Stir-fry: A Quick & Delicious Southeast Asian Twist
Simple Southeast Asian-style Stir-fried Seomcho (Winter Greens)
We’re giving winter’s sweet seomcho a vibrant Southeast Asian makeover! This stir-fry is incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up the naturally sweet and flavorful seomcho that’s in season during winter. Its clean yet addictive taste will have you coming back for more. A delightful dish for any occasion!
Ingredients- Seomcho (Korean winter greens) 170g
- Garlic 2 cloves
- Red and green chili peppers 1 each
- Cooking oil, a drizzle
- Fish sauce 1.5 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh seomcho several times to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the roots lightly, then chop the greens into bite-sized pieces, about 5-7 cm long.
Step 2
Finely mince the garlic cloves. Remove the seeds from the red and green chili peppers and thinly slice them for a beautiful presentation and a hint of spice. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can leave some of the seeds in.
Step 3
Heat a wide pan (a Wok or large skillet is recommended) over medium heat. Add a drizzle of cooking oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. As soon as the garlic aroma is released, proceed to the next step.
Step 4
Add the prepared seomcho to the pan and stir-fry quickly. Seomcho wilts very fast, so avoid overcooking it.
Step 5
Once the seomcho starts to soften slightly, add 1.5 teaspoons (tsp) of fish sauce. The fish sauce is key to adding that delicious umami flavor and Southeast Asian flair to the dish.
Step 6
Toss in the sliced red and green chili peppers and stir-fry gently until everything is well combined. The chili peppers add a vibrant color and a pleasant spiciness that enhances the overall flavor.
Step 7
Keep the heat on high and stir-fry briskly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed. The goal is to cook the seomcho until it’s tender yet still retains a slight crunch. Be careful not to cook for too long, as this can release excess moisture.
Step 8
Transfer the beautifully stir-fried seomcho to a serving plate. Enjoy this dish immediately while it’s warm to savor the perfect balance of the seomcho’s sweetness, fragrant garlic, and savory fish sauce.
