Spring Delight: Fresh Pickled Perilla (Deulkkae) Leaf & Stem Salad
Spicy & Tangy Pickled Perilla Leaf & Stem Salad (Serves 3-4)
Among spring vegetables, pickled perilla leaves (Deulkkae leaves) are considered the most delicious when preserved. While preparing them for pickling, I decided to make a fresh salad too, and it turned out incredibly tasty! This recipe offers a vibrant and refreshing way to enjoy this seasonal gem.
Perilla Stem Salad- 100g perilla stems (cleaned)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or honey/corn syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- Sesame seeds to taste
Perilla Leaf Salad- 100g perilla leaves (cleaned)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract (or honey/corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/sugar)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- Sesame seeds to taste
- 100g perilla leaves (cleaned)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp plum extract (or honey/corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/sugar)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- Sesame seeds to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
When preparing perilla leaves for pickling, you typically separate the stems from the leaves. This is because dirt can accumulate where the leaves sprout from the stems, so thorough cleaning is essential.
Step 2
While perilla stems are also excellent for pickling, today we’re going to make a simple, refreshing salad with them. The slightly bitter yet uniquely aromatic stems promise a delightful dish!
Step 3
First, in a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients for the perilla stem salad: gochujang, plum extract, gochugaru, and perilla oil. Mix them thoroughly until well blended. Ensuring the paste is smooth will help distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 4
Cut the cleaned perilla stems into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Avoid cutting them too thinly, as this can affect the crisp texture.
Step 5
Add the prepared seasoning mixture to the cut perilla stems. Gently toss and mix using a spoon or your hands until every piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Be sure to mix well for optimal flavor.
Step 6
Voila! Your appetizing perilla stem salad is ready. The vibrant green color is truly inviting and promises a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 7
This well-seasoned perilla stem salad offers a satisfying crunch along with a subtle garlicky aroma from the gochujang base, making it incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect side dish for rice or even a tasty accompaniment to drinks.
Step 8
Now, let’s prepare the salad using the perilla leaves. For the leaf salad dressing, mix the ingredients (gochujang, plum extract, oligosaccharide, gochugaru, perilla oil) in a bowl. Perilla leaves absorb seasoning more readily than stems, so mix them carefully but thoroughly.
Step 9
The perilla leaf salad is also a unique delicacy! The fragrant leaves combined with the sweet and spicy dressing create a wonderfully appetizing dish. Personally, I find the stem salad slightly more to my liking, but the leaf salad is equally charming and definitely worth trying!
