Quick & Savory Steamed Perilla Leaves
Microwave Magic: Super Simple Steamed Perilla Leaves in Minutes!
This recipe is for a quick and delicious steamed perilla leaf dish, perfect for even picky eaters who don’t usually enjoy vegetables. It’s seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce and prepared using the microwave for ultimate convenience. It’s an excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice and is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Steamed Perilla Leaves
- 10 fresh perilla leaves
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (like anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide
- 4 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Gently rinse each perilla leaf under cool running water to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Shake off any excess water and place them on a colander to drain completely. Ensuring the leaves are well-drained will help the sauce adhere properly.
Step 2
2. Now, let’s prepare the seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of fish sauce, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, 2 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of sugar, 1 Tbsp of corn syrup, and 4 Tbsp of water. Add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Whisk everything together until well combined to create a smooth sauce.
Step 3
3. Take a microwave-safe dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then, carefully stack the drained perilla leaves one by one. As you stack the leaves, generously spoon the sauce over each layer, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed amongst all the leaves. Pay extra attention to coating the stems well, as they can absorb flavors beautifully.
Step 4
4. Once all the leaves are stacked, cover the dish with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes to allow steam to escape, or slightly crack the lid. Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the perilla leaves are tender and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage.
Step 5
5. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Your super simple steamed perilla leaves are now ready to be served! They are delicious served immediately, or you can let them cool slightly for the flavors to deepen. This dish makes for a fantastic rice accompaniment. For an extra kick, you can add some finely chopped fresh chili peppers or drizzle a little more sesame oil on top before serving.