Soft Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip)
Soft Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip)
Tender Stir-Fried Perilla Shoots: Blanch then stir-fry for a soft texture!
Perilla leaves are delicious, but simply blanching and seasoning them can result in a chewy texture. This recipe teaches you the secret to making wonderfully soft and flavorful stir-fried perilla shoots by lightly blanching them, seasoning them, and then stir-frying them with perilla oil at the end. They make a perfect side dish!
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh perilla shoots (approx. 150-200g)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil or perilla oil (for finishing)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1-2 Tbsp soup soy sauce or fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully sort through the fresh perilla shoots, removing any tough stems or wilted leaves. If the leaves are particularly large, you can cut them in half. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Briefly blanch the perilla shoots in the salted boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched shoots to cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid squeezing too tightly, as this can diminish the flavor and aroma of the perilla leaves. Squeeze just enough to remove excess water, leaving them slightly moist.
Step 3
Place the lightly squeezed perilla shoots in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1-2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce (or fish sauce). Gently mix and massage the ingredients into the perilla shoots with your hands until well combined. Adjust seasoning to your preference. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned perilla shoots and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for added aroma and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Stir-fry briefly to incorporate. Be mindful of not burning them. Your delicious stir-fried perilla shoots are ready!
