Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls: A Flavorful and Healthy Lunch Box
Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls: A Flavorful and Healthy Lunch Box
Hearty Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls Lunch Box
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to introduce a nourishing dish from our home: Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls. This recipe combines nutrient-rich duck meat with fresh perilla leaves, fragrant chives, and a hint of spicy chili for a meal that’s both delicious and beneficial for your health.
Main Ingredients- 1 duck breast
- 1 bunch of chives
- 20 perilla leaves
- 2 small hot chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
Duck Marinade- 2 Tbsp soju or rice wine
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Duck Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soju or rice wine
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp minced ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Duck Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by understanding the benefits of duck meat. Duck is not only a great source of lean protein but also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. It’s known to help prevent circulatory diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cerebrovascular disorders. Since duck is readily available in markets, we often enjoy it in our meals.
Step 2
If using frozen duck, thaw it by soaking it in cold water until completely defrosted. It’s important to rinse away any blood residue during this process for a cleaner flavor.
Step 3
If you’re using a whole duck, you can divide it into breast, leg, and wing portions for various dishes. Today, we’ll be using the breast meat for our rice rolls.
Step 4
Any leftover parts like bones, legs, or wings can be portioned and stored in the freezer. This makes them convenient to use whenever you need them for stocks or other recipes.
Step 5
Finely chop one duck breast into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped duck in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of soju or rice wine to help eliminate any gamey odor.
Step 6
Next, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently massage the marinade into the duck meat with your hands. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Step 7
Wash the chives thoroughly, pat them dry, and finely chop them into about 1cm lengths.
Step 8
Perilla leaves work best when they are larger for rolling. Prepare 20 leaves. Briefly blanch them in boiling water, then immediately rinse them under cold water and drain well. Blanching softens the leaves and enhances their aroma, making them easier to roll.
Step 9
Add the marinated duck to a preheated pan. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 10
Follow with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir-fry the duck meat until it’s well coated with the sauce and slightly caramelized. You’ll notice a nice sheen as the sugar melts.
Step 11
Once the duck is partially cooked, add the chopped chives to the pan and stir-fry them with the duck. Cook just until the chives wilt slightly.
Step 12
Add the 2 finely chopped chili peppers for a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Continue to stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Step 13
When the sauce has slightly thickened and the ingredients are well integrated, turn off the heat. Your delicious stir-fried duck is ready.
Step 14
Now it’s time to assemble the rice rolls. Mix glutinous rice and regular rice in a 2:1 ratio, and cook them together in an electric pressure cooker until done. Once the rice is cooked, scoop a portion into your hand and flatten it into a patty. Generously top this with the stir-fried duck mixture.
Step 15
Place another thin layer of rice on top of the duck mixture to cover it. This helps to bind the ingredients together neatly within the roll.
Step 16
Place the prepared rice and duck filling onto the back side of a blanched perilla leaf. The perilla leaf will impart its wonderful aroma to the rice. Gently fold the perilla leaf around the filling to form a compact roll.
Step 17
Your appetizing Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls are now complete. Rolling them into bite-sized portions makes them even more appealing.
Step 18
These are perfectly sized for a single bite. You’ll experience the rich flavor of the duck, the freshness of the chives, and the crispness of the perilla leaf, all enhanced by the sweet and savory sauce with a hint of chili spice. It’s a delightful combination that fills your mouth with healthy flavors.
Step 19
Today, I’ve prepared these Duck and Perilla Leaf Rice Rolls specifically as a lunch box. They make an excellent choice for picnics, outings, or simply a satisfying and nutritious meal.
