Savory Braised Perilla Leaves
Easy Microwave Perilla Leaf Kimchi-style Pickle with Soy Sauce (Homemade Side Dish, Great for Dorm Living)
Let’s make a simple and delicious perilla leaf dish using the microwave.
Ingredients- 20 perilla leaves
- 1/2 cup water (approx. 100ml)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small carrot (approx. 30g)
- 1/2 stalk green onion (approx. 50g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re going to make ‘Perilla Leaf Soy Sauce Pickle’, a dish that’s so flavorful it’ll make you want to eat two bowls of rice! It’s an incredibly easy recipe, perfect even for those living alone.
Step 2
First, wash the perilla leaves thoroughly under running water. After washing, place them in a colander to drain completely. (Draining well prevents the seasoning from becoming too diluted!) Next, let’s make the sauce. In a microwave-safe dish, combine 1/2 cup of water, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tsp chili powder. Mix well. Then, add thinly julienned or finely chopped carrot and green onion to the mixture.
Step 3
This recipe is designed with a good amount of water to allow the savory sauce to soak beautifully into the perilla leaves. If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings more directly to the leaves, you can reduce the water to about 1/4 cup or omit it entirely, adding a little more soy sauce instead.
Step 4
Now, take the perilla leaves one by one and spread the prepared sauce evenly between them as you stack them. Apply a generous amount of sauce every 3-4 leaves, then stack another 3-4 leaves on top. Repeat this layering process. Stacking them this way ensures the flavors permeate evenly, making them even more delicious.
Step 5
Once all the perilla leaves are stacked, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. If you have plastic wrap, poke 2-3 small holes in it with a chopstick or fork. (These holes allow steam to escape. It’s okay to skip this if you don’t have wrap, but covering helps retain moisture.) Now, microwave for about 2 minutes. The perilla leaves will soften and absorb the delicious seasoning. (Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s power.)
Step 6
Voila! Your delicious Perilla Leaf Soy Sauce Pickle is ready. Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal. It’s a fantastic homemade side dish and a great staple for anyone living independently!
