Campfire Fiddlehead Recipe (with kimchi, fried egg and chili crisp oil)

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Maine Fiddlehead Recipes

This campfire fiddlehead recipe is a perfect recipe for the spring outdoor cooking season. Fiddleheads are a hearty, earthy and a bright vegetable that are both beautiful and nutritious!

Fiddleheads are one of the most popular foods to forage in Maine. They are abundant and easy to identify. Ostrich fern fiddleheads emerge in the spring, typically from late April to early June, depending on your location. Harvest them when they are young and tightly coiled, usually about 2 to 4 inches in length. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fiddleheads close to the base of the stem. Leave some fiddleheads behind to ensure the fern can continue to grow. Only harvest fiddleheads that are tightly coiled and bright green.

Read on to learn more about this campfire fiddlehead recipe, along with tips for safety in cooking, freezing and finding these little gems.

Japanese Fiddlehead Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fiddleheads (washed, cleaned and cut)
• Butter
• Kimchi
• Fried egg
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chili crisp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish with micro greens, sprouts or green onion 

Instructions:

1. Make ahead: black forbidden rice, per the instructions on the packaging.
2. Wash, clean and cut the fiddleheads and then boil for 3 minutes or steam them for 10-15 minutes as a safety precaution before sautéing with other ingredients.  (more info in section below; how to cook fiddleheads safely)
3. Add the fiddleheads to a cast iron pan or other heavy bottomed skillet and sauté with butter garlic and ginger for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Timing will depend on how hot your cooking source is.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Add in your desired amount of kimchi and toss to incorporate.
5. Fry an egg to your desired doneness.
6. Plate the rice, fiddleheads, fried egg on top and drizzle with chili crisp oil.  Garnish with micro greens, sprouts, herbs or green onions. 

@mole.in.the.wall

campfire fiddlehead kimchi rice

♬ original sound – Molé

How to Cook Fiddleheads Safely

Cooking fiddleheads safely involves proper cleaning and cooking techniques to ensure they are safe for consumption. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking fiddleheads:

1. Selection and Cleaning:
   • Choose fresh fiddleheads with tightly coiled heads and bright green color.
   • Remove any brown or mushy fiddleheads.
   • Rinse the fiddleheads thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
   • Trim the ends of the stems, discarding any discolored or woody parts.
2. Blanching:
   • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
   • Add the cleaned fiddleheads to the boiling water.
   • Boil them for 2-3 minutes to blanch them. Blanching helps remove any bitterness and potential toxins.
   • Drain the fiddleheads and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain again.
3. Cooking Method:
   • There are various cooking methods you can choose from depending on your preference. Here are a few popular options:
     • Sautéing: Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched fiddleheads and sauté them for 5-7 minutes until tender.
     • Steaming: Place the blanched fiddleheads in a steamer basket and steam them for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
     • Roasting: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the blanched fiddleheads with some oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly browned and tender.
   • Once cooked, season the fiddleheads according to your taste. You can add salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, or your preferred herbs and spices.

Remember to always cook fiddleheads thoroughly and avoid eating them raw or undercooked. Also, if you have any specific health conditions or concerns, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before consuming fiddleheads.

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Tips for Freezing Fiddleheads

If you want to freeze fiddleheads to preserve them for later use, here are some tips to follow:

1. Freshness: Freeze fiddleheads as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing them to maintain their quality.
2. Cleaning and Blanching: Follow the cleaning and blanching steps mentioned earlier to prepare the fiddleheads. Blanching is especially important when freezing as it helps retain their color, texture, and flavor while also ensuring any potential toxins are neutralized.
3. Cooling and Draining: After blanching, cool the fiddleheads quickly by transferring them to a bowl of ice water. Allow them to cool for the same amount of time as the blanching process. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
4. Packaging: Proper packaging is essential for freezing fiddleheads. There are a couple of options you can choose from:
   • Freezer Bags: Place the drained fiddleheads in airtight freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. Label the bags with the date to keep track of their freshness.
   • Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, it’s an excellent option for fiddleheads. Vacuum-sealed bags help minimize the risk of freezer burn and keep the fiddleheads fresh for longer.
5. Freezing: Lay the bags flat in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. This allows them to freeze quickly and prevents them from sticking together. Once partially frozen, you can stack the bags in your freezer.
6. Storage Time: Fiddleheads can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to use them within 6-8 months.
7. Thawing and Cooking: When you’re ready to use the frozen fiddleheads, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can cook them using your preferred method, such as sautéing, steaming, or roasting.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the taste of fiddleheads even when they are out of season.

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Fiddleheads are not only delicious but also offer several nutritional benefits. Here is an overview of the nutrition content of fiddleheads per 100 grams:

• Calories: Approximately 34 calories
• Carbohydrates: Around 7 grams
• Protein: Roughly 4 grams
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Fiber: Approximately 3 grams

Fiddleheads are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A: Fiddleheads contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
• Vitamin C: Fiddleheads are a decent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals and supports immune function.
• Vitamin K: Fiddleheads are rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health.
• Iron: Fiddleheads provide a moderate amount of iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body and maintaining energy levels.
• Potassium: Fiddleheads contain potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

It’s worth noting that the nutritional content may vary slightly depending on the specific species of fiddleheads and the cooking method used. Nevertheless, fiddleheads are generally considered a nutritious addition to a well-rounded diet.

If you’re looking for a Fiddlehead recipe with vinegar. Pickled Fiddlehead recipe or Japanese fiddlehead recipe this is the perfect recipe for you to give a try. I think this is the best Fiddlehead recipe I have ever had, I can’t wait for you to try it.

If you enjoyed this fiddlehead recipe, you may also love these other recipes; Spicy Mediterranean Cauliflower, Crispy roasted Hen of the Woods Mushrooms or homemade chimichurri sauce.

I’d love to hear about your favorite variations of your favorite sautéed fiddlehead recipe, so please leave a comment below. If you try out my recipe and make any changes or additions, feel free to share those as well! You can also find more of my food journey on Pinterest at Molé in the Wall, where I share my favorite recipes.

tags: Fiddlehead recipe bbq, grilled fiddleheads, Fried Fiddleheads