Fragrant Perilla Leaf and Bean Sprout Salad
A Special Bean Sprout Salad Enhanced with Perilla Leaf Flavor
The perfect harmony of crunchy bean sprouts and aromatic perilla leaves! Elevate your meal with this delightful Perilla Leaf and Bean Sprout Salad, made even richer and more delicious with the addition of perilla. It’s a simple yet exceptional side dish that will have you reaching for more.
Main Ingredients- 570g fresh, crunchy bean sprouts
- 2 bunches fresh perilla leaves
- 1/2 Korean green onion (scallion), for aroma
- 1 Korean chili pepper (Cheongyang pepper for spice)
- 1 red chili pepper, for color
- 1 cup (approx. 200ml) water, for blanching bean sprouts
Flavorful Seasoning- 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce (Jinganjang)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 1 Tbsp dried anchovy soy sauce (Hongge ganjang) (If unavailable, substitute with 1 Tbsp tuna extract without smoky flavor)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong) for sweetness and tang
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce (Jinganjang)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 1 Tbsp dried anchovy soy sauce (Hongge ganjang) (If unavailable, substitute with 1 Tbsp tuna extract without smoky flavor)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (Maesilcheong) for sweetness and tang
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Select and prepare 570g of fresh, crisp bean sprouts. The bean sprouts are crucial for the texture of the salad.
Step 2
Rinse the prepared bean sprouts thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain them well in a colander; excess water can make the salad watery.
Step 3
Place the bean sprouts and 1 cup of water in a pot, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once steam begins to rise, let them blanch for an additional 2 minutes. Immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Blanching and then cooling in cold water helps maintain the bean sprouts’ crisp and firm texture. (Although missing from the photo, this cooling step is vital!) Squeeze out any excess water from the cooled bean sprouts.
Step 4
Prepare 2 bunches of fresh perilla leaves. Perilla leaves are the special ingredient that adds aromatic depth, so choose ones that are in good condition.
Step 5
Soak the perilla leaves in a bowl of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar for about 5 minutes. Then, wash each leaf individually under running water. After draining, fold them in half and thinly julienne them. Cutting them too finely might reduce the enjoyable chewiness.
Step 6
Finely mince the red chili pepper, Korean green chili pepper, and green onion after washing them. You can remove the seeds from the chili peppers to adjust the spiciness.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of regular soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of dried anchovy soy sauce (if you don’t have dried anchovy soy sauce, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of tuna extract, ensuring it doesn’t have a smoky flavor. If using tuna extract, choose one without a distinct smoky aroma!). Add 2 tablespoons of plum extract, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. Mix well. Letting the seasoning sit for a bit will deepen the flavors. Finally, add the minced chili peppers and green onion, and mix again to complete the seasoning.
Step 8
Add the well-drained bean sprouts to the prepared seasoning and gently toss to combine. Mix them tenderly so the bean sprouts are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 9
The bean sprouts are now nicely coated with the seasoning. Can you already smell the deliciousness?
Step 10
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of fragrant perilla oil. If you don’t have perilla oil, you can use sesame oil instead. The subtle aroma of perilla oil will further enhance the flavor of the bean sprout salad.
Step 11
Since julienned perilla leaves can become mushy if mixed too vigorously, add them last and toss gently. It’s important to preserve the fresh aroma and texture of the perilla leaves.
Step 12
Carefully and gently mix, ensuring the perilla leaves don’t break apart, allowing their fragrance to meld beautifully with the seasoning.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish and an appealing presentation.
Step 14
A fantastic combination of crunchy bean sprouts and aromatic perilla leaves! Your Perilla Leaf and Bean Sprout Salad is ready. It’s a delicious side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 15
The ‘secret ingredient’ in this recipe is definitely the perilla leaves! Their unique fragrant flavor elevates the bean sprout salad to a whole new level. If you’re tired of the same old bean sprout dishes, try adding perilla leaves for a delightful change. It’s truly an outstanding side for any meal!
