Savory Perilla Leaves Salad with Doenjang Dressing
Flavorful Perilla Leaves Salad with Doenjang
A delightful and healthy side dish made by seasoning fresh perilla leaves with savory doenjang (Korean soybean paste). The aromatic perilla leaves combined with the rich flavor of doenjang create a dish that will surely stimulate your appetite.
Main Ingredients
- 300g fresh perilla leaves (trimmed and thoroughly washed)
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium traditional doenjang (Korean soybean paste, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma and richness)
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium traditional doenjang (Korean soybean paste, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma and richness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully prepare the perilla leaves. Remove any tough stems or wilted leaves. Gently wash off any soil attached to the roots under running water. This preparation step ensures a clean taste without any unpleasant earthy flavors.
Step 2
Blanch the prepared perilla leaves in boiling water very briefly. Perilla leaves are tender and cook quickly. Blanching for just 10-20 seconds helps retain their crisp texture and nutrients. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy and lose their deliciousness.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, drain the perilla leaves and rinse them under cold or running water to cool them down. This helps keep the leaves fresh and vibrant, preserving their beautiful green color during the cooking process.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out excess water from the perilla leaves and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Place the cut leaves into a mixing bowl. Cutting them to a manageable size will make them easier to eat.
Step 5
Now it’s time to mix in the delicious seasoning. Add the low-sodium doenjang, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil to the bowl with the perilla leaves. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. You can adjust the amount of doenjang based on its saltiness. Adding a generous amount of sesame seeds and oil will enhance the nutty and aromatic flavors. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed without bruising the leaves.
