Stir-fried Bracken Fern: Tender and Savory Delight
How to Make Ancestral Rite Bracken Fern Stir-fry: Soaking and Boiling Dried Bracken
Learn how to make delicious bracken fern stir-fry for ancestral rites at home. This recipe details how to properly soak and boil dried bracken to achieve a tender texture, then stir-fry it with sesame oil and soy sauce for a rich, savory flavor that appeals to all ages. We’ve included detailed steps and tips to make it easy for even beginner cooks.
Ingredients- 2 handfuls soaked bracken fern (approx. 100g)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Korean traditional soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds or ground sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe is dedicated to a daughter preparing for ancestral rites, with dried bracken fern thoughtfully provided by her parents. While not home-grown, the care in selecting good quality bracken is evident. Similar to dried seaweed, dried bracken fern expands significantly when rehydrated, so it’s best to start with a smaller amount than you think you’ll need. This initial soaking step is crucial for tenderizing the fern and ensuring a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Pour enough water into a bowl to completely submerge the dried bracken fern. Ensure all pieces are covered by water to allow for even rehydration.
Step 3
Soak the bracken fern until it becomes tender and pliable. It’s important not to over-soak, as this can make the texture mushy. Typically, 1-2 hours is sufficient, but this can vary depending on how dry the bracken is. Check for tenderness periodically.
Step 4
Once rehydrated, rinse the bracken fern gently under running water to remove any residual dirt or debris. Drain it well in a colander. Soaking in cool water helps to loosen and wash away impurities while beginning the tenderizing process.
Step 5
Transfer the soaked bracken fern to a pot. Add enough fresh water to fully cover the fern and place it on the stove over medium-high heat to boil.
Step 6
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, use a spoon or spatula to stir the bracken fern thoroughly, ensuring it’s agitated from top to bottom and side to side. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
Step 7
After stirring the bracken fern in the boiling water, cover the pot with a lid and turn off the heat immediately. Let the bracken fern steep and cook in the residual heat for 40 minutes to 1 hour. This steaming process allows the fern to become incredibly tender and absorb subtle flavors.
Step 8
Since there’s a stir-frying step later, it’s important to cook the bracken fern until it’s tender but not overly soft. You want it to retain a slight bite for the best texture in the final dish.
Step 9
Carefully remove the bracken fern from the hot cooking water. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to cool it down and wash away any bitterness. Drain it very well in a colander; excess moisture can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 10
Cut or tear the drained bracken fern into manageable pieces. Aim for lengths of about 4-5 cm (around 2 inches). This size makes it easier to stir-fry and eat. You can use a knife or simply tear them by hand for a more rustic feel.
Step 11
Here’s what two handfuls of the prepared bracken fern look like when held in one hand. This quantity serves as a good reference for seasoning. Two handfuls typically makes about 1-2 servings.
Step 12
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 handfuls of prepared bracken fern.
Step 13
Stir-fry the bracken fern over medium to low heat, ensuring it’s coated evenly with the sesame oil. Continue stir-frying for about 2-3 minutes, until the fern absorbs the oil and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 14
Add 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce (Korean traditional soy sauce) to the pan. Continue to stir-fry, allowing the soy sauce to season the bracken fern evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Soup soy sauce adds a deep, savory flavor that complements the bracken fern beautifully.
Step 15
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of toasted or ground sesame seeds. The residual heat will toast the seeds slightly, releasing their wonderful aroma and nutty flavor.
Step 16
Your fragrant and tender stir-fried bracken fern is ready! Enjoy this delicious dish, especially served with warm rice.
