Fragrant Perilla Kimchi: A Summer Delight
Perilla Kimchi: A Perfect Side Dish for Summer Meals
Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for ‘Perilla Kimchi,’ a delightful dish that’s perfect for beating the summer heat and boosting your appetite. The fresh, aromatic flavor of perilla leaves makes this kimchi so irresistible that you won’t need any other side dishes when served with a bowl of warm rice. It’s also incredibly delicious when paired with grilled meats, and it’s a fantastic staple to keep in your refrigerator. Perilla leaves are rich in iron, making this kimchi a healthy choice for the summer season. I highly recommend you give this recipe a try!
Main Ingredients
- 50-60 perilla leaves
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 onion
- Green onions, to taste
Seasoning Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin or cooking wine)
- 5 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 4 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin or cooking wine)
- 5 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the perilla leaves. Gently wash 50-60 perilla leaves under running water multiple times. To ensure thorough cleaning and sanitization, soak the washed leaves in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes. After soaking, carefully remove the leaves and drain them thoroughly in a colander. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent the kimchi from becoming soggy.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables for the kimchi. Peel the carrot and julienne it thinly. Peel the onion and also julienne it thinly. Wash the green onions, trim the roots, and chop them into approximately 2-3 cm lengths. These julienned vegetables will blend well with the seasoning and add a pleasant texture to the kimchi.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning for the perilla kimchi. In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 5 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of plum extract. Add a generous amount of sesame seeds. (For an extra savory flavor, you can optionally add a splash of fish sauce.) Mix all the seasoning ingredients well and let them sit for a moment to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
Check the seasoning. Ensure the seasoning has a good color and aroma, indicating that the ingredients are well combined. Taste a small amount of the seasoning; if it’s not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce, or if it needs more sweetness, add a touch more plum extract.
Step 5
Carefully spread the prepared seasoning onto the perilla leaves. You can either spread the seasoning on each leaf individually or layer two leaves together and coat them with the seasoning. Make sure to apply the seasoning evenly on both the top and bottom sides of each leaf for consistent flavor. You can also mix the julienned carrots, onions, and green onions into the seasoning mixture before applying.
Step 6
Once all the perilla leaves are coated with seasoning, your fragrant perilla kimchi is complete! You’ll notice the delightful aroma of the perilla leaves. Carefully pack the kimchi into a storage container.
Step 7
While the perilla kimchi is delicious to eat immediately, it tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator for about a day, allowing the flavors to deepen. This kimchi makes an excellent side dish for rice, is wonderful served on top of warm rice, or can be enjoyed as a flavorful accompaniment to meat dishes. Enjoy your delicious mealtime with this delightful perilla kimchi!
