Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Perilla Oil and Perilla Leaves
Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Perilla Oil and Perilla Leaves
Dietitian’s Delight! Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Perilla Oil and Perilla Leaves
A unique noodle dish made from spaghetti squash that transforms into strands when cooked. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with the aromatic blend of perilla leaves and nutty sesame oil. It’s a perfect low-calorie option for your diet.
Ingredients- 1 Spaghetti squash
- 5 Perilla leaves
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil
- A pinch of shredded roasted seaweed (gim)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly. Cut it in half and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and pulp from the center. Removing the seeds makes it easier to create the noodle strands.
Step 2
Place the prepared spaghetti squash halves into boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, while it’s still hot, use a fork or your fingers to gently scrape the flesh from the rind. The flesh will naturally separate into noodle-like strands. Be careful not to mash it too vigorously, as this can affect the texture and flavor.
Step 3
Rinse the spaghetti squash noodles under cold running water to cool them down and give them a firmer, more al dente texture. Gently loosen the strands in the cold water, then drain them very well using a colander. Excess water can dilute the dressing and make the dish taste bland.
Step 4
Wash the fresh perilla leaves and pat them dry. Stack a few leaves on top of each other, roll them up tightly like a cigar, and then thinly slice them into fine shreds. The fresh, slightly peppery aroma of the perilla leaves will add a wonderful dimension to the dish.
Step 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (1 Tbsp), sugar (1/2 Tbsp), mirin (1/2 Tbsp), and the nutty perilla oil (2 Tbsp). Stir until the sugar is dissolved to create a flavorful dressing. You can substitute sesame oil for perilla oil if preferred.
Step 6
Place the drained spaghetti squash noodles into a mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the noodles and gently toss to coat evenly. Be careful not to break the strands. Transfer the dressed noodles to a serving plate and generously top with the shredded perilla leaves.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of shredded roasted seaweed (gim) over the top for garnish. Your healthy and delicious Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Perilla Oil and Perilla Leaves are now ready to be enjoyed!
