Stir-Fried Ostrich Fern

If you are looking for an easy way to get more greens in your diet then try this simple stir-fried wild fern shoots recipe. You can get the wild ostrich fern from any wet market or tamus here in Malaysia.  I never get tired of eating this vegetable. Don’t overcook them. If you don’t have access to dried shrimp, you can substitute with dried anchovies. 

It’s my not-so-secret mission to convert everyone in my family to loving their greens. My children are not that much of a vegetable eater. Baby steps people…baby steps.

This is quick and easy to prepare so I hope you give it a try.

Stir-fried Ostrich Fern

Ingredients

A bunch of ostrich fern    –      separate the leaves and the stems. The softer 

                                          part of the stems can be included in this dish.

1 tbsp dried shrimp - soak in hot water for 5 minutes and drain

3 garlic

1 shallot

1 tsp shrimp paste

1 tbsp of chili paste

1 tsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp of plain water

½ red chili – for garnish

Directions

Rinse the veg and soak in water for 5 minutes. Drain it and set aside.

Using a pestle and mortar, pound the shallot and garlic into a paste. Then add the dried shrimp and pound it lightly to break it.

Heat up a wok and add about 3 tbsp of oil then sauté the pounded ingredients until fragrant.

Add the chili paste and shrimp paste and continue to sauté until the oil separates.

Add the veg then stir to coat with the oil and the pounded ingredients. Keep turning until the veg begins to wilt. Lower the heat and add water and oyster sauce then stir in. 

Let it simmer for about 30 seconds then dish out. Serve.