Aromatic Marinated Fresh Perilla Leaves
The Ultimate Side Dish That Awakens Your Appetite! A Delicious Recipe for Marinated Fresh Perilla Leaves Everyone Will Love
While its unique aroma might be polarizing for some, this marinated fresh perilla leaf side dish, seasoned just right, is guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone! Once you make it, you won’t have to worry about side dishes for a while. Let’s start this magical recipe that enriches your meal!
Main Ingredients
- 5 bundles of fresh perilla leaves (approx. 50 leaves)
- 1/4 onion (small size)
- A little carrot (for color)
- 3 Korean chili peppers (adjust spiciness as desired)
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic
Spicy and Sweet Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 2/3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp oligodang (oligosaccharide for mild sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 2/3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp oligodang (oligosaccharide for mild sweetness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh perilla leaves under running water, rinsing both sides to remove any dirt or debris. It’s crucial to wash them meticulously. After washing, place the leaves in a colander and let them drain completely. Excess water can dilute the flavor of the seasoning.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables for the marinade. Peel the onion and finely mince 1/4 of it. Similarly, remove the seeds from the Korean chili peppers and mince them finely. If you prefer it spicier, you can leave the seeds in. Finely mince a small amount of carrot for color, or you can use 1 red chili pepper, minced, for a pretty touch. The chopped green onion and minced garlic are ready to be used.
Step 3
It’s time to make the delicious seasoning! In a wide bowl, combine 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic, 6 Tbsp soy sauce, and 2 Tbsp fish sauce. Don’t skip the fish sauce, as it adds a wonderful savory depth. Next, add 1 Tbsp of fragrant perilla oil (or nutty sesame oil), 2/3 Tbsp of crushed toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 Tbsp of oligodang for a mild sweetness. Mix everything well.
Step 4
Add the minced onion, green onion, carrot (or red chili pepper), and Korean chili peppers prepared in step 2 into the bowl with the seasoning from step 2. It’s best to mix the vegetables into the seasoning immediately after mincing to prevent them from releasing too much moisture.
Step 5
Now, gently mix the seasoning from step 3 with the prepared vegetables from step 4 using a spoon. Toss them together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning. This creates the perfect marinade for your fresh perilla leaves. Feel free to taste and adjust the soy sauce or oligodang according to your preference.
Step 6
It’s time to marinate the perilla leaves with the prepared seasoning. In a food container or a wide dish, arrange 3 perilla leaves at a time. Then, spoon about half a tablespoon of the seasoned mixture onto the leaves and spread it evenly. Be mindful not to use too much seasoning at once, as it can make the leaves too salty.
Step 7
Continue this process, layering 3 perilla leaves and then spreading a layer of seasoning on top. Repeat the pattern of ‘3 leaves -> spread seasoning’ until all the leaves and seasoning are used up. This layering technique ensures each leaf is infused with flavor, resulting in a generous and appetizing dish of marinated fresh perilla leaves. The aroma of the perilla will blend beautifully with the seasoning.
Step 8
Finally, store the finished marinated fresh perilla leaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While they are delicious immediately, allowing them to marinate in the fridge for about half a day will deepen the flavors and allow the seasoning to fully penetrate the leaves, making them even more delicious. You can substitute sesame oil for perilla oil, or use regular chili peppers instead of Korean chili peppers, depending on your preference. Enjoy your meal!
