Fragrant Perilla Leaf Pancakes (Kkaennip Jeon): Perfect for Entertaining!
Easy and Delicious Perilla Leaf Pancake Recipe, a Hit for Guests!
Among various perilla leaf dishes, we introduce the easiest and most convenient perilla leaf pancake recipe. The harmony of fragrant perilla leaves and savory filling is exquisite, making it a charming dish perfect as a side dish or for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 10 perilla leaves
- 2 eggs
- 1 can of tuna (small size)
- 1/2 block of tofu
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 10 large perilla leaves. Wash them thoroughly under running water and pat them dry.
Step 2
Drain the oil from the canned tuna. Using a fine-mesh sieve or a kitchen towel can help you remove the oil cleanly, ensuring a less greasy filling and enhancing the delicate flavor of the pancakes.
Step 3
Squeeze out excess water from the tofu. Finely chop the green onion for added freshness and aroma. In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, squeezed tofu, and chopped green onion. Add 1 egg and mix everything well. (Tip: You can substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flour if preferred.)
Step 4
Season the filling mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper for enhanced flavor. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5
While the filling rests, spread 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour thinly on a plate or tray. (Tip: You might only need about half a tablespoon, as this is just to lightly coat the perilla leaves.)
Step 6
Place a perilla leaf, shiny side down, and lightly dust one side with the flour. Spoon about a teaspoon of the prepared filling onto the center of the floured side. (Be careful not to overfill.)
Step 7
To ensure the filling stays neatly inside, fold the perilla leaf. Starting from the stem end, bring the two sides of the leaf towards the center, over the filling.
Step 8
Fold the bottom edge of the perilla leaf up to cover the filling completely, then gently roll it up once more to secure it. This creates a compact parcel.
Step 9
Shape the perilla leaf like this to enclose the filling. This method helps prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Step 10
After filling and folding all 10 perilla leaves, you might notice some leftover filling. It’s important not to overstuff the leaves, as too much filling can cause the pancakes to burst or lose their shape during cooking.
Step 11
Beat the remaining 1 egg in a small bowl. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Once the pan is hot, reduce the heat to low and carefully place the prepared perilla leaf rolls into the pan.
Step 12
Cook the perilla leaf pancakes slowly over low heat, turning them occasionally until golden brown on both sides. This low and slow cooking method ensures the filling is cooked through without burning the outside. (Tip: Cooking over medium or high heat can burn the exterior while leaving the inside undercooked.)
Step 13
Your delicious perilla leaf pancakes are ready! They are wonderfully fragrant and savory, making them an excellent side dish for dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests. Try making these simple yet delightful perilla leaf pancakes!
