Stir-Fried Fern Shoots (Tumis Pakis)
A simple, vibrant and delicious traditional dish made from young fern shoots or fiddleheads. Quickly stir-fried over high heat so they stay crisp-tender and bright green, tossed with aromatic garlic, fresh chilli and a rich savoury sauce. The flavour is fresh, earthy and slightly nutty with a gentle heat — wonderful served alongside steamed rice or as a colourful side dish.
Shared by jessy
Time
15 min
Serves
3
Difficulty
easy
🛒 Ingredients
- #Main Ingredient;
- 300 grams young fern shoots or fiddleheads — washed thoroughly, tough ends trimmed
- #Aromatics;
- 3–4 cloves garlic — thinly sliced or minced
- 2–3 fresh red chillies — sliced diagonally, adjust heat to taste
- 1 shallot — thinly sliced (optional)
- 1–2 slices fresh ginger — julienned (optional)
- #Savoury Sauce;
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegan version) OR 1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sugar or maple syrup.. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water.. Pinch of white pepper
- #For Cooking;
- 1–2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil — such as sunflower, canola or peanut oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare fern shoots: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim away any woody or fibrous ends. If the shoots are long, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute then drain and rinse with cold water — this removes any bitterness and keeps them bright green. Drain well.
- 2
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, water and white pepper. Stir well and set aside — having the sauce ready saves time during cooking.
- 3
Heat the wok: Place a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat. When oil is hot and shimmering, add garlic, chilli, shallot and ginger. Stir-fry for 15–20 seconds until fragrant — do not burn.
- 4
Stir-fry fern shoots: Add the fern shoots to the pan. Toss and stir rapidly for 1–2 minutes until they are heated through and still crisp-tender. Do not overcook or they will become soft and dark.
- 5
Sauce and serve: Pour the sauce over the fern shoots. Toss quickly to coat everything evenly. The sauce will bubble and cling lightly. Turn off heat immediately. Serve hot with steamed rice.