Crispy Lettuce Stem Salad with Perilla Seeds
Crispy Lettuce Stem Salad with Perilla Seeds
Homemade Lettuce Stem Salad: Achieving a Crunchy Texture
Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home! The delightful chewiness and crisp texture of lettuce stems combined with the nutty flavor of perilla seeds make this the ultimate side dish for rice. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to eat it every day.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch dried lettuce stems (approx. 2 servings)
- 1 stalk green onion
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil or sesame oil
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil or sesame oil
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 bunch of dried lettuce stems. Soak them in cold water for at least 1 hour. They will expand significantly, becoming about 2 servings in volume. Rinse the soaked stems thoroughly.
Step 2
Let’s make the seasoning for this delicious lettuce stem salad. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, a pinch of salt, 3 Tbsp ground perilla seeds, 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil), and finally 1 Tbsp of perilla oil (or sesame oil) for extra aroma. Mix well.
Step 3
Gently squeeze out excess water from the soaked lettuce stems. Rinse them one more time under running water to ensure no debris remains. Arrange them neatly, making sure not to break their shape.
Step 4
Cut the lettuce stems into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into lengths of about 5-7 cm will provide a pleasant chewing texture and make them easy to eat. You can adjust the length according to your preference.
Step 5
Heat 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil (or olive oil) in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared lettuce stems and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. We want to maintain their crispness.
Step 6
Once the lettuce stems are lightly stir-fried, add the minced garlic and 2 Tbsp of anchovy sauce from the prepared seasoning. Continue to stir-fry for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the anchovy sauce has infused its savory flavor. Then, add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil (or sesame oil) to enhance the aroma.
Step 7
Now, add 2-3 Tbsp of ground perilla seeds, the key ingredient for that rich, nutty flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking. Stir well to combine the perilla seeds with the other ingredients and continue to cook briefly until everything is well incorporated.
Step 8
Finally, add the finely chopped green onion and mix gently one more time. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat and finish.
Step 9
And there you have it – a savory and crunchy lettuce stem salad generously flavored with perilla seeds! Elevate your dining table with this nutritious and special side dish.
