Savory and Tender Stir-fried Sweet Potato Stems with Perilla Seeds
How to Make Delicious Stir-fried Sweet Potato Stems with Perilla Seeds
Experience the delightful soft and nutty flavor of stir-fried sweet potato stems, prepared by blanching them in boiling saltwater, marinating briefly, and then stir-frying them with fragrant perilla seeds. This dish is a wonderful side for any meal, offering a unique texture and a rich, comforting taste that’s sure to become a favorite.
Main Ingredients
- 400g Sweet potato stems
- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse sea salt (for blanching)
Seasoning (measured with a tablespoon)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil (Deulgireum)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped green onion
- 4 Tbsp Ground perilla seeds (Deulkkae garu)
- 10 Tbsp Water (7 Tbsp for perilla paste, 3 Tbsp for stir-frying)
- 0.3-0.5 Tbsp Salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil (Deulgireum)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped green onion
- 4 Tbsp Ground perilla seeds (Deulkkae garu)
- 10 Tbsp Water (7 Tbsp for perilla paste, 3 Tbsp for stir-frying)
- 0.3-0.5 Tbsp Salt (to adjust seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by selecting fresh sweet potato stems. Choose ones that are plump, firm, and have a vibrant purple hue. If the purple skin is present, it’s best to peel it off for a milder, more tender result (though I often buy them pre-prepped). Rinse the prepared sweet potato stems thoroughly in cold water about twice.
Step 2
Bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil in a pot, enough to fully submerge the sweet potato stems. Once boiling, add half a tablespoon of coarse sea salt and the rinsed sweet potato stems. Blanch for about 5 minutes. Blanching with salt helps to remove any bitterness and enhances the crisp texture.
Step 3
Quickly rinse the blanched sweet potato stems under cold running water to cool them down. Drain them well in a colander, allowing all excess water to drip away. Then, cut them into bite-sized, roughly chopped pieces. Cutting them slightly thicker rather than too thin will give a more satisfying chew.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the prepared sweet potato stems with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 0.5 tablespoon of Korean soup soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This marination step infuses the stems with delicious umami flavors.
Step 5
While the stems are marinating, prepare the seasonings. Finely chop about 2 tablespoons worth of the white parts of a green onion. In a separate small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of ground perilla seeds with 7 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Mixing the perilla seeds with water beforehand prevents them from clumping during cooking and creates a smoother sauce.
Step 6
Transfer the marinated sweet potato stems to a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. During this process, taste the stems and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. (You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce or Korean soup soy sauce to your preference.)
Step 7
Once the sweet potato stems are cooked and seasoned to your liking, add the prepared perilla seed mixture and the chopped green onion. Gently stir-fry for about 1 more minute, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Your delicious stir-fried sweet potato stems with perilla seeds are now ready!
Step 8
If the sauce reduces too quickly while stir-frying, feel free to add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. You can also adjust the amount of ground perilla seeds to your taste; add more if you love a rich, nutty flavor!
Step 9
Following this recipe and stir-frying for about 5 minutes after blanching will yield a wonderfully tender texture. If you prefer a chewier, more ‘kko-dok kko-dok’ (crunchy yet yielding) texture, simply extend the stir-frying time to evaporate more moisture. Cook it until it’s just right for you!
Step 10
Enjoy your perfectly tender and savory stir-fried sweet potato stems with perilla seeds! May your meal be delicious and healthy.
