Spicy Perilla Leaf Kimchi (Kkaennip Kimchi)
Spicy Perilla Leaf Kimchi (Kkaennip Kimchi)
The Ultimate Perilla Leaf Kimchi Recipe: Guaranteed Success!
I was craving my mother’s homemade perilla leaf kimchi today and decided to make it myself since I can’t always rely on her cooking! It’s surprisingly simple; once the seasoning paste is ready, it comes together in a flash. The taste is simply the best! Here’s my recipe for this addictive, spicy perilla leaf kimchi that will have you reaching for more rice.
Main Ingredients- Approximately 40 fresh perilla leaves
- 1/4 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 Korean green chili peppers, thinly sliced
Spicy Seasoning Paste- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp anchovy fish sauce (for umami)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion (white parts preferred)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp anchovy fish sauce (for umami)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion (white parts preferred)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the perilla leaves. Gently rinse them under running water, wiping both sides to remove any dust or impurities. Be thorough but gentle. Lightly pat them dry.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning paste. In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp water, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, and 3 Tbsp anchovy fish sauce. Mix them well. Add 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp chopped green onion, the sliced green chili peppers, and chopped onion. Stir everything together until the paste is smooth and well combined.
Step 3
Prepare a clean container for your perilla leaf kimchi. A glass or plastic container with a good seal will work well. Make sure the container is completely dry before use.
Step 4
It’s time to assemble the kimchi! Lay one perilla leaf flat in the container. Spread a thin layer of the prepared seasoning paste over it. Continue layering, alternating between perilla leaves and the seasoning paste (‘Perilla Leaf → Paste → Perilla Leaf → Paste’). Repeat this zig-zag layering until all the perilla leaves are used up. The fragrant leaves and the spicy paste will create a wonderful flavor combination.
Step 5
Your homemade perilla leaf kimchi is delicious right away, but for an even richer flavor, refrigerate it for about a day. This allows the seasoning to seep deeper into the leaves. Enjoy your wonderfully spicy and aromatic perilla leaf kimchi – it’s a true rice-lover’s dream!
