Aromatic Perilla Leaf and Tofu Steamed Dish
The Perfect Harmony of Perilla Leaves and Soft Tofu: Steamed Tofu with Abundant Perilla Flavor
Tofu, a high-protein food, is excellent for muscle building and weight management. It aids in lowering cholesterol thanks to its linoleic acid content, and oligosaccharides stimulate bowel movements, facilitating digestion and absorption. Perilla leaves are rich in minerals like potassium and calcium, along with vitamins A and C. Their high vitamin C content makes them particularly beneficial for individuals who smoke, experience high stress, or have elevated cholesterol levels. Today, we’ll be making Perilla Leaf and Tofu Steamed Dish, a meal that’s gentle on your stomach while being packed with flavor and nutrition. The refreshing aroma of perilla leaves blended with the soft texture of tofu creates a delightful, healthy side dish.
Basic Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 6 fresh Perilla Leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu and perilla leaves for the dish. Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Select fresh perilla leaves.
Step 2
Place the whole block of tofu in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the tofu is tender. Steaming it whole makes the tofu warm and soft all the way through, significantly improving its texture.
Step 3
Once steamed, let the tofu cool slightly. Then, cut it into four thick, bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into larger pieces allows them to meld beautifully with the perilla leaf seasoning.
Step 4
Soak the perilla leaves in cold water for about 10 minutes to refresh them. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly under running water. It’s important to drain the leaves completely by placing them in a colander.
Step 5
Trim the tough stems from the drained perilla leaves. Stack the leaves and roll them up tightly. Then, thinly slice them into fine shreds. If the shreds are too thin, they might become mushy when tossed with the seasoning; if they’re too thick, they won’t absorb the flavor well, so aim for an appropriate thickness.
Step 6
To add a nutty aroma, coarsely grind the sesame seeds yourself. Place a moderate amount of sesame seeds in your palm and gently rub them with your other palm to break them down coarsely. This coarse grind enhances their flavor.
Step 7
In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of Korean soybean paste, 1/2 Tbsp of mirin, 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 2/3 Tbsp of coarsely ground sesame seeds. Stir well until all the seasonings are evenly mixed. Add the shredded perilla leaves and gently toss them to ensure they are coated with the seasoning. Allow the fresh aroma of the perilla leaves and the savory taste of the seasoning to meld together.
Step 8
Arrange the steamed tofu pieces attractively on a serving plate. Generously top the tofu with the seasoned perilla leaf mixture. The vibrant colors make for a visually appealing dish.
Step 9
Your healthy and delicious Perilla Leaf and Tofu Steamed Dish is now ready! The combination of soft tofu and fragrant perilla leaves makes for a wonderful meal.
