Dairy-Free Stir-Fried Jungle Fern
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and flavorful Dairy-Free Stir-Fried Jungle Fern recipe, a quick and nutritious side dish inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. Featuring tender jungle ferns—also known as fiddlehead ferns or pakis—this plant-based dish is packed with aromatic shallots, garlic, and a touch of red chili for a subtle kick. A savory, tangy sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh lime juice brings everything together in just minutes. Cooked in rich coconut oil, the ferns retain their natural crispness while absorbing the fragrant flavors of the stir-fry. Perfect as a gluten-free and dairy-free option, this exotic recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own—an easy, wholesome addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams jungle fern (fiddlehead ferns or pakis)
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece red chili, sliced thinly (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2 stalks scallions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the jungle fern thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim any tough stems or wilted parts and cut into manageable pieces, about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) long. Set aside.
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and let it melt.
Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced shallots, minced garlic, and red chili. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the aromatics are fragrant and the shallots begin to soften.
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the jungle ferns to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the ferns are evenly coated with the aromatics.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and water. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir well to combine.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jungle fern is tender but still slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking, as the ferns can become mushy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Remove the stir-fry from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Serve immediately as a side dish or with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
558 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.2 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.4 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2401 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 18.3 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1644 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
