Stir-Fried Perilla Shoots: A Fragrant and Tender Delight
How to Cook Tender Perilla Shoots (Ggaennip Sun Bokkeum): A Guide to Sprouting Perilla Greens
Enjoy this tender and fragrant stir-fried perilla shoot dish. Packed with nutrients and boasting a delicate texture, it’s a healthy side dish that even children will love.
Main Ingredients- 220g young perilla shoots (trimmed weight)
Seasonings & Other Ingredients- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (approx. 10ml)
- 1 tsp salt (approx. 5g, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (approx. 10ml)
- 1 tsp salt (approx. 5g, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 220g of fresh, young perilla shoots. Rinse them gently under running water twice to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Pour 500cc of water into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared perilla shoots.
Step 3
Blanch the perilla shoots in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. To ensure even cooking, gently flip them over once using tongs. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become too soft.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched perilla shoots with a sieve and transfer them into a bowl of cold water. This step helps maintain their vibrant green color and creates a crispier texture.
Step 5
Rinse the perilla shoots in the cold water once or twice more to cool them down completely. After the final rinse, gather the shoots and firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Excess moisture can make the final dish watery.
Step 6
Cut the squeezed perilla shoots into bite-sized pieces. For easier eating, cutting them into 2-3cm lengths is recommended.
Step 7
Begin the stir-frying process. Heat a pan over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of nutty perilla oil.
Step 8
Once the perilla oil is lightly warmed, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor.
Step 9
With the fragrant garlic oil ready, add all the chopped perilla shoots to the pan. Stir-fry them together gently until they are well combined with the garlic.
Step 10
Add 1 teaspoon of salt for initial seasoning. It’s best not to over-salt at this stage, as you can adjust the flavor later with the soup soy sauce. Taste and add more if needed.
Step 11
To ensure the perilla shoots become tender and moist, add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, allowing the steam to gently cook the shoots. This step makes them exceptionally tender.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce for a savory depth of flavor and adjust the overall seasoning. Continue to stir-fry until most of the liquid has evaporated and the ingredients are well incorporated. Your delicious stir-fried perilla shoots are now ready!
Step 13
Turn off the heat. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and attractive finish. You can also lightly crush the sesame seeds before sprinkling.
