Savory Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves: A Flavorful and Healthy Side Dish Recipe
How to Make Delicious Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite side dishes: savory stir-fried perilla leaves! There are various ways to prepare perilla leaf dishes, but today I’ve chosen to make them stir-fried. This dish highlights the fresh, aromatic quality of perilla leaves, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh perilla leaves (kkaennip)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
Seasoning Ingredients- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp ‘Yeon-du’ (fermented vegetable liquid or substitute with dashi/vegetable broth)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp ‘Yeon-du’ (fermented vegetable liquid or substitute with dashi/vegetable broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before we begin stir-frying, the first step is to prepare the perilla leaves. This involves trimming them properly. Remove the tough stems and any wilted or damaged leaves. While it might seem a bit tedious, this careful preparation is key to achieving a tender and delicious dish.
Step 2
Once the perilla leaves are cleaned and trimmed, briefly blanch them in boiling water. Since they will be stir-fried later, you don’t need to cook them thoroughly here. Just enough to wilt them slightly, about 15-20 seconds, is perfect. Immediately rinse the blanched leaves under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Thoroughly draining the water will prevent the dish from becoming soggy and ensure the seasoning coats the leaves evenly.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the flavor-packed seasoning for our perilla leaves. In a bowl, combine the squeezed perilla leaves with minced garlic, chopped green onion, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of ‘Yeon-du’ (a fermented vegetable liquid, or you can use a light dashi or vegetable broth as a substitute), and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds.
Step 4
Gently mix the perilla leaves with the seasoning ingredients using your hands until everything is well combined. Ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed is crucial for the best flavor. While you can stir-fry them immediately, allowing them to marinate in the seasoning for about 10 minutes will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeper taste.
Step 5
After marinating for 10 minutes, it’s time to stir-fry the perilla leaves. Place the marinated leaves in a pan over medium heat and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Cook until the garlic and green onions are fragrant and cooked through, and the perilla leaves are tender. If you enjoy the aromatic flavor of perilla oil (deulgireum), feel free to substitute it for sesame oil for a delightful variation!
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds over the top of the stir-fried perilla leaves for an enhanced aroma and nutty flavor. And there you have it – a delicious and fragrant dish of stir-fried perilla leaves! Enjoy this wonderful side dish with a bowl of warm rice.
