Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves: A Fragrant and Tender Delight
How to Make Tender Stir-Fried Perilla Leaves: A Weekend Garden Gem
I harvested lush perilla leaves from my weekend garden and made this wonderfully fragrant stir-fry. The subtle aroma of perilla makes it a side dish you can’t stop reaching for. Enjoy the fresh taste of garden-picked perilla, prepared to be tender and delicious.
Main Ingredients
- 450g fresh perilla leaves (깻잎순)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
- 1/2 stalk green onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and umami)
- 1/2 Tbsp perilla oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweetness and umami)
- 1/2 Tbsp perilla oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the perilla leaves. Discard any tough or wilted parts, using only the fresh leaves and stems. Garden-grown perilla can be quite earthy, so soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften, then rinse them thoroughly 2-3 times. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt, and blanch the perilla leaves for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become mushy.
Step 2
Immediately after blanching, rinse the perilla leaves under cold water to cool them down. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Try to gently loosen them rather than squeezing them too tightly, to avoid crushing the leaves.
Step 3
Slice the green onion in half lengthwise and then thinly chop it. This slicing method ensures the seasoning will distribute evenly and enhance the flavor.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the stir-fry seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Once the garlic starts to gently bubble and release its aroma, proceed to the next step.
Step 5
Add the squeezed perilla leaves to the pan and stir-fry. Using both hands can make it easier to gently loosen and stir the leaves as they cook, preventing them from clumping. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the leaves are wilted.
Step 6
For seasoning, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of tuna extract, mixing well. Then, add 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a touch of sweetness and the prepared chopped green onion. To prevent sticking or burning, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This step is key to achieving tender perilla leaves.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of perilla oil for a lovely aroma and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Your delicious stir-fried perilla leaves, a dish that beckons you for more, is complete! It’s especially wonderful served warm right after cooking.
