Savory Perilla Leaf Sprout Stir-Fry: A Simple & Flavorful Spring Delicacy
Freshness of Spring Greens! Savory Perilla Leaf Sprout Stir-Fry Recipe
This is a delightful stir-fry made with tender perilla leaf sprouts, harvested from the garden and gently cooked in fragrant perilla oil. Enjoy the delicate texture and nutty aroma, a true taste of spring. This recipe is simple yet offers a special culinary experience. While we’re enjoying the young leaves now, we plan to create more substantial perilla dishes as they grow fuller, so please look forward to them!
Ingredients
- A handful of young perilla leaf sprouts (approx. 50-100g)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh, young perilla leaf sprouts. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt. Briefly blanch the prepared sprouts for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched sprouts in cold water to stop the cooking and gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands.
Step 2
Now, let’s begin the stir-frying process. Heat 1 tablespoon of perilla oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the drained perilla leaf sprouts and stir-fry lightly for about 1 minute until they begin to wilt. Once they’ve softened slightly, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang). Continue to stir-fry until the seasonings are incorporated. Reduce the heat to very low to prevent burning, add 1-2 tablespoons of water (or broth), cover the pan, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. This steaming process will make the sprouts even more tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
This is the final stage. Remove the lid and add another 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Increase the heat to medium-high and quickly stir-fry for about 30 seconds to maximize the fragrant aroma of the perilla oil. Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor. Give everything a final gentle toss to combine. Your delicious perilla leaf sprout stir-fry is now ready!
Step 4
Serve the finished perilla leaf sprout stir-fry attractively on a plate. This dish, with its savory perilla oil aroma and tender texture, makes an excellent side dish for rice or a light accompaniment to drinks. Savor the fresh taste of spring in every bite!
