Aromatic Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves: Soft, Delicious, and Perfect with Rice
How to Make Aromatic Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves: Soft, Delicious, and Perfect with Rice
Enjoy the delightful aroma and tender texture of this stir-fried perilla leaf dish. It’s seasoned perfectly to become a favorite side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice.
Ingredients- 120g fresh perilla leaves (깻잎순)
- Coarse salt (for blanching)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (approx. 15ml)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (국간장, approx. 10ml)
- Crab broth soy sauce or fish sauce (to adjust seasoning, to taste)
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder (approx. 10g)
- Ground sesame seeds
- Whole sesame seeds
- Perilla oil or sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To preserve the fresh aroma, it’s crucial to wash the perilla leaves thoroughly. Submerge the leaves in water briefly, then gently separate each leaf and rinse them multiple times to remove any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to the underside of the leaves. Trim off any long stems.
Step 2
Bring a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the prepared perilla leaves and stir them gently with chopsticks or a spatula for about 1 minute. Blanching them quickly helps maintain their crisp texture; avoid overcooking.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched perilla leaves to cold water to quickly cool them down. This helps retain their vibrant green color and crispness. Once cooled, gently press the leaves with your palms to squeeze out excess water, but don’t wring them out too tightly, as this can diminish their flavor.
Step 4
In a large bowl or frying pan, combine the blanched and squeezed perilla leaves with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Olive oil adds a smoother, richer dimension to the perilla’s unique fragrance.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce (국간장) and gently toss the leaves to coat them with the seasoning. Once evenly mixed, turn the heat to medium-low and stir-fry. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding crab broth soy sauce or fish sauce if needed.
Step 6
Cover the pan with a lid for a short while, then uncover. This step allows the seasonings to penetrate the perilla leaves and tenderize them further.
Step 7
Covering the pan and simmering on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully into the perilla leaves, making them exceptionally tender and deeply savory. This process mellows any slight bitterness and enhances the aromatic qualities, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Step 8
Just before turning off the heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of perilla seed powder and some ground sesame seeds. Finish with a drizzle of perilla oil (or sesame oil) for added aroma and flavor. Toss gently to combine everything. Garnish with whole sesame seeds for a final touch.
