Aromatic & Quick Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip Namul Bokkeum)
[Side Dish] Simple & Fragrant Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves – Ready in Minutes!
Discover the delightful fragrance and taste of stir-fried perilla leaves! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick and delicious side dish. The aromatic perilla leaves combined with savory seasoning make it a hit for the whole family. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients
- 2 bundles fresh perilla leaves (approx. 200g)
- 1 tsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (boosts flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (key to richness)
- Salt to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (boosts flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (key to richness)
- Salt to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh perilla leaves under running water several times to remove any dirt or dust. Drain them well in a colander. If the leaves are very large, you can cut them in half for easier handling.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Blanching with salt helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the perilla leaves and reduces any potential bitterness.
Step 3
Carefully add the washed perilla leaves to the boiling water and blanch for exactly 3 minutes. Overcooking can make the leaves mushy, so be sure not to exceed this time. A quick blanch is the key to retaining their texture!
Step 4
Once blanched, immediately remove the perilla leaves from the hot water and rinse them under cold running water. This rapid cooling helps to preserve their crispness.
Step 5
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the rinsed perilla leaves using your hands. Excess water can make the dish watery or dilute the seasoning, so a good squeeze is essential.
Step 6
Loosen the squeezed perilla leaves with your fingers so they are separated. In a pan, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Gently mix the perilla leaves with the seasoning until evenly coated. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 7
Finally, transfer the stir-fried perilla leaves to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Your delicious and aromatic Kkaennip Namul Bokkeum is ready to enjoy!
