Aromatic Perilla Leaf Sprout Stir-fry Recipe
Perilla Leaf Sprout Stir-fry, Kkaesun Namul, Summer Side Dish
We made a delicious stir-fried perilla leaf sprout dish using fragrant perilla sprouts.
Main Ingredients- 300g Fresh Perilla Leaf Sprouts
- 2 Tbsp Minced Green Onion (approx. 20g)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (approx. 20ml)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Anchovy or Sand Lance, approx. 20ml)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or Syrup, approx. 10ml)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (or Mirin, approx. 10ml)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground, approx. 10g)
- A little Whole Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (approx. 20ml)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Anchovy or Sand Lance, approx. 20ml)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or Syrup, approx. 10ml)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (or Mirin, approx. 10ml)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (ground, approx. 10g)
- A little Whole Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the perilla leaf sprouts. Separate the larger, tougher leaves from the stems; these can be used for pickles or other dishes. The tender, young sprouts are perfect for stir-frying. Make sure they are clean.
Step 2
Bring about 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. Adding salt to the blanching water helps to maintain the vibrant green color and a crisp texture of the perilla sprouts.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared perilla leaf sprouts. Using chopsticks or tongs, gently stir them for about 1 to 2 minutes, flipping them over to ensure even blanching. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Blanch just until you can smell their characteristic fragrant aroma.
Step 4
After blanching, quickly rinse the perilla leaf sprouts under cold running water once or twice to cool them down. Then, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Thoroughly draining the sprouts is key to preventing a watery stir-fry and ensuring the seasonings adhere well.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the stir-fry seasoning. In a large bowl or wok, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, perilla oil, plum extract, cooking wine, and ground sesame seeds. Mix well with a spoon until you have a smooth seasoning paste.
Step 6
Add the drained perilla leaf sprouts to the prepared seasoning. Gently mix and massage the sprouts with your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and coats every leaf. This step is crucial for infusing the flavor deeply.
Step 7
Heat a pan or wok over medium heat. Add the seasoned perilla leaf sprouts and begin to stir-fry. Cook until the excess moisture evaporates and the sprouts are tender but still slightly crisp. Avoid letting too much liquid accumulate in the pan.
Step 8
Once most of the water has evaporated, add the minced green onion to the pan. Continue to stir-fry, allowing the subtle sweetness and aroma of the green onions to meld with the perilla sprouts, creating a richer flavor profile.
Step 9
After stir-frying for another minute or so with the green onions, sprinkle a generous amount of whole toasted sesame seeds over the top. This adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal, completing this delicious perilla leaf sprout stir-fry. Turn off the heat and give it a final gentle toss.
Step 10
Your fragrant and flavorful perilla leaf sprout stir-fry is ready! It’s wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice or as a standalone side dish. Add this delightful dish to your summer table for a healthy and tasty meal!
