• 🧾 🌿 steamed or stir-fried edible fern

    young edible fern shoots quickly steamed or stir-fried β€” tender, earthy, and rich in minerals, perfect as a fresh seasonal side.
  • 🍴 meal/type

  • πŸƒ ingredients

  • πŸ”§ equipment needed

    • knife
    • steamer basket or steaming setup
    • pot with lid
    • pan (optional for stir-fry)
    • spoon or spatula
  • πŸ“ step-by-step instructions

    • 1. prepare the fern

      • rinse fern shoots thoroughly under cold water
      • trim any tough or brown parts
    • 2. boil briefly (if needed)

      • optional: blanch fern shoots in boiling bottled water for 1–2 minutes
      • drain immediately and rinse with cold water to set color
    • 3a. steam version

      • place fern shoots in a steamer basket
      • steam for 5–7 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green
    • 3b. stir-fry version

    • 4. serve

      • serve warm as a side dish
      • optionally drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with herbs
  • ⏳ timing

    • prep time: 5–10 minutes
    • cooking time: 5–10 minutes
    • total: ~15–20 minutes
  • πŸ”₯ nutrition (per 100 g)

    • calories: ~35 kcal
    • protein: ~4 g
    • fat: ~0.4 g
    • carbohydrates: ~6 g
  • πŸ§ͺ variations & substitutions

    • mix steamed fern shoots with blanched greens for a wild green salads
    • add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for brightness
    • stir-fry with garlic or ginger for a more aromatic dish
  • 🧭 food pairing

  • ♻️ waste use

    • tough stems: compost
    • blanching water: compost watering after cooling
  • πŸ’‘ tips

    • do not overcook: fern shoots should stay bright green and slightly crisp
    • store raw fern shoots wrapped in a damp cloth in the fridge for up to 1 day
  • enjoy your meal! 🌿πŸ₯’