Savory Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves
#[Immunity Boosting Side Dish] Deliciously Savory Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves Recipe
A side dish that will have you reaching for your chopsticks again and again! Packed with iron, these stir-fried perilla leaves are excellent for preventing anemia. Their nutty flavor and refreshing aroma intensify as they cook, making them a wonderfully healthy and simple dish. We’re sharing the easiest recipe for this flavorful perilla leaf stir-fry – it’s a guaranteed rice-stealer!
Main Ingredients- Perilla leaves (깻잎순) – 2 large bowls, heaping
- Minced garlic – 1/2 Tbsp
- Scallions (green onions) – 2 Tbsp, finely chopped
- Sesame oil – 1.5 Tbsp
Seasoning Ingredients- Korean soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) – 1.5 Tbsp
- Plum extract (Maesilcheong) – 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or similar) – 1 Tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Korean soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) – 1.5 Tbsp
- Plum extract (Maesilcheong) – 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin or similar) – 1 Tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your perilla leaves. You’ll need about two large bowls, heaping full. Trim away any tough stems or wilted leaves, ensuring they are clean.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the Korean soy sauce for soup (1.5 Tbsp), sugar (1 tsp), plum extract (2 Tbsp), and cooking wine (1 Tbsp). Whisk everything together to create a delicious seasoning sauce. Set aside.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed perilla leaves to the boiling water and blanch for just about 30 to 40 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched perilla leaves from the hot water and rinse them quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them well in a colander, then gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Excess moisture can make the stir-fry watery.
Step 5
Place the squeezed perilla leaves into a larger mixing bowl. Pour all of the prepared seasoning sauce over them. Gently separate the leaves with your fingers, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed by tossing them lightly.
Step 6
Now it’s time to stir-fry. Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned perilla leaves to the pan. Add the finely chopped scallions and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the perilla leaves have wilted and most of the excess liquid has evaporated.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil (1.5 Tbsp) and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Continue to stir-fry over low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. Your healthy and incredibly savory stir-fried perilla leaves are now ready to enjoy! They make a wonderful accompaniment to a warm bowl of rice.
