Savory Steamed Perilla Leaves with Seasoning
Quick and Easy Side Dish: Flavorful Steamed Perilla Leaves
When you find yourself with no side dishes, or when you want to reignite your appetite, these fragrant and delicious seasoned steamed perilla leaves are the perfect choice! Placing them on top of freshly steamed white rice will make a bowl disappear in no time – it’s that magical. Whether you’re a beginner cook, a busy professional, or just looking to stock up on hearty side dishes, this recipe will enrich your table. Especially if you had takeout yesterday, impress your family today with these fresh and healthy steamed perilla leaves!
Main Ingredients- 50 fresh perilla leaves
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- 1/4 green onion
Flavorful Seasoning Ingredients- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust for spice preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (about 1/2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for exquisite aroma)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust for spice preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (about 1/2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for exquisite aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the fresh perilla leaves thoroughly under running water several times. This step is crucial to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring they are safe and clean to eat.
Step 2
Gently pat the washed perilla leaves dry by shaking off excess water or by using paper towels to lightly press them. Excess moisture can dilute the seasoning, so this step is important for optimal flavor.
Step 3
Finely mince the onion, carrot, and green onion. Finely chopped vegetables add a pleasant texture when mixed with the seasoning between the perilla leaves, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to make the sweet and spicy seasoning that will make the perilla leaves so delicious. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oligodang, gochugaru, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Stir well with a spoon until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Ensure the seasoning is thoroughly blended.
Step 5
Lay out one perilla leaf at a time and spread a thin layer of the prepared seasoning over it. Stacking two perilla leaves and then applying the seasoning helps prevent the filling from falling out and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply.
Step 6
Stack the seasoned perilla leaves as you prefer. You can stack all 50 leaves in pairs, or create 25 pairs by overlapping two leaves. Arrange them neatly so they look appealing and are easy to eat.
Step 7
Place the prepared perilla leaf stacks in a pot. Steam over high heat for 3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and steam for an additional 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit until the perilla leaves naturally wilt. Your delicious seasoned steamed perilla leaves are now ready! The fragrant perilla combined with the savory seasoning is truly a rice-lover’s dream.
