Fragrant Perilla Leaf Stir-fry: An Easy Recipe for Beginners
Fragrant Perilla Leaf Stir-fry: An Easy Recipe for Beginners
Perilla Leaf Stir-fry
Easily create a delicious side dish with this simple perilla leaf stir-fry recipe. Its aromatic fragrance is truly delightful! Perfect for when you don’t have much appetite, this dish boasts the unique, fragrant flavor and tender texture of perilla leaves, making it a fantastic rice accompaniment. It’s also wonderful mixed into freshly cooked rice or packed as a bento side. Follow these detailed steps, perfect even for beginners.
Main Ingredients- 200g fresh perilla leaves (choose young, tender ones)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
- 500ml water (for blanching)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion (optional, enhances flavor)
Seasoning- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully prepare the fresh perilla leaves. Remove any tough stems or wilted leaves. Gently rinse them under water if they appear dirty. Be cautious not to wash too vigorously, as this can damage the delicate leaves.
Step 2
In a pot, bring 500ml of water to a boil. Add 0.5 Tbsp of coarse salt. Salt helps maintain the vibrant green color of the perilla leaves and reduces any potential gaminess. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared perilla leaves.
Step 3
Blanch the perilla leaves in the boiling water for approximately 2 minutes over high heat. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the leaves mushy and diminish their fragrant aroma. They are ready when they become tender and slightly wilted.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched perilla leaves from the hot water and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. This shock in cold water helps to stop the cooking process, preserving their crisp texture. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible by pressing down lightly with your hands. Thoroughly draining is crucial to prevent a watery final dish and allow the seasonings to absorb well.
Step 5
Place the squeezed perilla leaves into a mixing bowl. Gently spread them apart with your fingers to separate any clumps. This step ensures that the seasoning will be evenly distributed.
Step 6
Add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1 Tbsp of flavorful perilla oil to the bowl with the perilla leaves. The nutty aroma of perilla oil complements the perilla leaves beautifully.
Step 7
For a savory depth, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang). This type of soy sauce enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients while adding a rich umami taste.
Step 8
If you wish to add extra flavor, incorporate 1 Tbsp of minced green onion. Now, gently mix everything together using your hands, massaging the leaves softly to distribute the seasonings evenly. Be careful not to mash the perilla leaves.
Step 9
Finally, transfer the seasoned perilla leaves to a frying pan and stir-fry over low heat for about 1 minute. This brief stir-frying allows the flavors to meld further and awakens the aromatic notes of the perilla leaves. Once done, transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy your fragrant and delicious perilla leaf stir-fry!
