Stir-Fried Arrowroot with Perilla Powder: A Unique Holiday Side Dish with a Crunchy Texture and Nutty Flavor
A Special Treat for Chuseok! Enjoy the Delightful Crunchy Texture of Stir-Fried Arrowroot with Perilla Powder (Stem Lettuce Side Dish)
Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a popular Chuseok holiday side dish that everyone loves: Stir-Fried Arrowroot with Perilla Powder. Instead of making it into jangajji (pickled side dish), try enjoying the tender arrowroot (stem lettuce) as a namul! Its unique, satisfyingly crunchy texture combined with the rich, nutty flavor of perilla powder creates an unforgettable taste. If you’re looking to add something special to your holiday table, I highly recommend this stir-fried arrowroot with perilla powder. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Main Ingredients- 250g dried arrowroot (stem lettuce)
- 8 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1 red chili pepper
- 200cc broth or water
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 stalks green onion
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (tuna-based)
- 2 Tbsp chicken powder
- 8 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 stalks green onion
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (tuna-based)
- 2 Tbsp chicken powder
- 8 Tbsp ground perilla seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 250g of dried arrowroot (stem lettuce). It might look like stiff stems, but they become surprisingly tender after soaking and cooking.
Step 2
Rinse the dried arrowroot thoroughly under running water several times to remove any dirt or impurities. It’s important to wash it meticulously.
Step 3
Add enough cold water to cover the clean arrowroot, along with 3 bay leaves for added aroma. Now, let it soak for at least 10 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully hydrated. Soaked arrowroot expands to about 4-6 times its original size, so use a sufficiently large bowl.
Step 4
Once the arrowroot is well-soaked, it’s time to blanch it. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt, and then add the soaked arrowroot. Blanch for just about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the arrowroot under cold running water to quickly cool it down. This helps maintain its crisp texture. Drain it well by placing it in a colander.
Step 6
Cut the drained arrowroot into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Since it’s softened from soaking, it will be easy to cut.
Step 7
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp of minced garlic and the chopped green onions. Stir-fry until the fragrance of the green onions and garlic is released, being careful not to burn them.
Step 8
Once the fragrant garlic and onion oil is ready, add the cut arrowroot and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang). Stir-fry together for about 3 minutes. Then, pour in 200ml of broth or water, cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the arrowroot to absorb the flavors.
Step 9
Next, add 2 Tbsp of chicken powder and stir-fry well. The chicken powder will add a nice umami boost.
Step 10
Add 2 Tbsp of fish sauce (tuna-based) to season and enhance the flavor. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference.
Step 11
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: 8 Tbsp of ground perilla seeds! Stir them in thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined with the arrowroot. Simmer gently for about 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a nice consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 12
After ensuring the arrowroot and perilla powder are well mixed, stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This final simmer will further enhance the nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 13
Finally, garnish with finely julienned red chili pepper and give it a gentle toss. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and your delicious Stir-Fried Arrowroot with Perilla Powder is complete!
Step 14
This finished dish offers a delightful crunchy texture and the rich nuttiness of perilla, making it incredibly appealing. It’s a true appetite stimulant! The satisfying ‘crunch’ sound will have you reaching for it with your chopsticks. For this Chuseok holiday, I strongly recommend making this unique side dish. You won’t regret it!
