Sesame Leaf and Tofu Salad
Perilla Seed Leaf and Tofu Salad
Fragrant sesame leaves meet soft tofu in this delightful salad.
Main Ingredients
- 250g Perilla seed leaves (shiso leaves), cleaned and trimmed
- 1/2 block (approx. 150-200g) Soft tofu or regular tofu
Seasoning
- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame seeds (whole or crushed)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame seeds (whole or crushed)
- 1/3 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1/3 Tbsp Minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tofu. Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently place the tofu in it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This brief blanching helps firm up the tofu, making it easier to handle without breaking, and also removes any unwanted odors, leading to a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Using the same boiling water you used for the tofu, add the cleaned and trimmed perilla seed leaves. Blanch them for just about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make them too soft. Immediately after blanching, rinse them under cold running water to cool them down quickly. Rinse them a few more times to ensure they are thoroughly cooled and then gently squeeze out excess water. This step is crucial for retaining the fresh texture of the blanched leaves.
Step 3
Transfer the blanched tofu to a mixing bowl. Using a fork or spoon, gently mash the tofu until it’s soft and crumbly. Add all the seasoning ingredients – doenjang, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and minced garlic – to the mashed tofu and mix well to combine. Then, add the squeezed perilla seed leaves to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the delicate leaves.
Step 4
First, mix the tofu with the seasonings thoroughly. Then, gently incorporate the perilla leaves and mix them in to complete this delicious sesame leaf and tofu salad. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. This flavorful and aromatic salad is a wonderful side dish for rice and can also be enjoyed as a fresh wrap filling.
