Quick & Easy 5-Minute Perilla Kimchi
Whip Up Delicious Perilla Kimchi in Just 5 Minutes! A Perfect Side Dish, Even Better with Meat!
This perilla kimchi is incredibly delicious wrapped around a spoonful of white rice, and it’s also a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, cutting through the richness beautifully. It’s so simple and quick to make that anyone can master it, making it the perfect go-to side dish recipe.
Main Ingredients- 200g fresh perilla leaves (approx. 30-40 leaves)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 stalk green onion
Spicy & Sweet Kimchi Seasoning- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds more flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for umami)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds more flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, select fresh perilla leaves, ensuring none are wilted or damaged. Gently wash each leaf under running water. Be sure to wash the undersides thoroughly to remove any debris. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels; this is crucial to prevent the kimchi from becoming soggy and to ensure proper fermentation.
Step 2
Prepare the red chili pepper and green onion to add a fragrant kick to the seasoning. For the red chili pepper, remove the seeds. For the green onion, use both the white and green parts and finely chop them. Mincing them as finely as possible using a knife or a mandoline will help the seasoning penetrate the perilla leaves better, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious kimchi seasoning. In a bowl, combine the gochugaru, minced garlic, plum extract, sesame seeds, and anchovy sauce. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no clumps. The plum extract adds a pleasant sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 4
Add the finely chopped red chili pepper and green onion to the kimchi seasoning mixture you just prepared. Stir everything together thoroughly. The addition of these vegetables will enrich the seasoning’s flavor and add a delightful texture, making the kimchi even more enjoyable.
Step 5
It’s time to assemble the kimchi! Take the washed and dried perilla leaves and arrange them one by one in a serving dish. Carefully spread a generous amount of the delicious seasoning mixture (prepared in step 3) onto each perilla leaf. Make sure to coat the edges well for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 6
For the best flavor distribution, alternate the direction you spread the seasoning. For instance, spread the seasoning from top to bottom on one leaf, and then from bottom to top on the next leaf you layer on top. This ensures that both sides of each perilla leaf are evenly coated with the seasoning, allowing the fragrant perilla aroma and the seasoning’s savory taste to meld perfectly.
Step 7
Once all the perilla leaves are seasoned, arrange them neatly in a serving dish. While it’s delicious to eat immediately, allowing the kimchi to marinate in the refrigerator for about half a day to a full day will develop deeper flavors, where the perilla’s freshness harmonizes with the seasoning’s umami. Enjoy your homemade perilla kimchi as a versatile side dish with various meals, especially in ssam (lettuce wraps) or with rice!
