Perilla Leaf Stir-fry with Wasabi Greens
A Taste of Spring: Savory Perilla Leaf Stir-fry and Fresh Perilla Wraps
As spring emerges, so do the vibrant greens from the earth. This recipe celebrates the unique, slightly bitter flavor of perilla greens, transforming them into a delicious side dish with a savory sesame oil stir-fry. Enjoy the freshness of perilla leaf wraps too! This guide will walk you through every step, making it easy for even beginner cooks.
Spring Bounty: Perilla Greens
- 1 bunch Perilla Greens (choose tender, fresh ones)
Flavor Enhancers (Tablespoon Measurements)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce (enhances the natural taste of the ingredients)
- 0.2 Tbsp salt (for final seasoning adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor)
- 1 Tbsp water (prevents sticking while stir-frying)
- 2 Tbsp ground perilla seeds (the key to a rich, nutty taste! Use generously)
- 2 Tbsp water (to adjust consistency with ground perilla seeds)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor)
- 0.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce (enhances the natural taste of the ingredients)
- 0.2 Tbsp salt (for final seasoning adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor)
- 1 Tbsp water (prevents sticking while stir-frying)
- 2 Tbsp ground perilla seeds (the key to a rich, nutty taste! Use generously)
- 2 Tbsp water (to adjust consistency with ground perilla seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start preparing these spring treasures, the perilla greens! For the stems, gently snap off the very ends and pull downwards to remove the outer skin. This will make them wonderfully tender. If the shoots are very young and tender, you can often leave the skin on.
Step 2
Separate the leaves and stems of the prepared perilla greens, tearing them into bite-sized pieces. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Once prepared, we’ll start by blanching the slightly firmer stems first.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the prepared perilla stems and blanch for about 5 minutes. Immediately rinse them under cold water to cool them down, then gently squeeze out any excess water.
Step 4
In the same boiling water you used for the stems, add the perilla leaves and blanch for just about 40 seconds. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy! Quickly rinse the blanched leaves under cold water, drain them, and set them aside in a colander to let any remaining water drip off.
Step 5
Place the blanched perilla stems in a large bowl or the pot. Add 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp soup soy sauce, and 0.2 Tbsp salt. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the stems evenly. Let this marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6
While the stems are marinating, heat 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and 1 Tbsp of water in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated perilla stems and stir-fry, mixing well, until evenly cooked. This method helps keep the greens moist and prevents burning.
Step 7
As the greens cook and the liquid begins to reduce, add the star ingredient for that rich, nutty flavor: 2 Tbsp ground perilla seeds and another 2 Tbsp of water. Continue to stir-fry until everything is well combined and slightly thickened. Your delicious perilla stem stir-fry is ready! ♡ Taste and adjust with a little more salt if needed.
Step 8
Enjoy these delicious perilla stems as a flavorful side dish. The separately prepared perilla leaves, which are perfect for wrapping, can be enjoyed as fresh wraps for a more complete and satisfying meal.
Step 9
The nutty richness of the ground perilla seeds envelops your palate, followed by the subtle, delightful bitterness of the perilla stems. This unique combination is truly what makes this dish special!
Step 10
To preserve the vibrant green color of the perilla leaves, blanching them briefly as shown is much better than steaming. This method keeps their beautiful hue intact.
Step 11
Did you know that perilla is considered a powerful health food with potential anti-cancer properties? Make sure to enjoy plenty of it while it’s in season and still tender. Boost your health with this wonderful spring vegetable!
