hot and sour bracken recipe

How to Make Spicy and Sour Fern Salad

Spicy and sour fern salad is a popular dish that combines the unique earthy flavor of ferns with a tangy, spicy kick. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: Fresh ferns (200g), garlic (3 cloves), chili flakes (1 tsp), rice vinegar (2 tbsp), soy sauce (1 tbsp), sugar (1 tsp), sesame oil (1 tsp), and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Ferns: Soak fresh ferns in salted water for 30 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and let cool. Squeeze out excess water and cut into 3-inch segments.

2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt, chili flakes, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Combine: Toss the blanched ferns with the sauce evenly. Let them marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil before serving. Garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Tips: For a crispier texture, briefly stir-fry the ferns after blanching. Adjust the spice and sourness to your taste by varying the chili flakes or vinegar. This refreshing dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as a side with grilled meats. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this traditional delicacy!