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완성된 Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds - 부드러운 깻잎순을 들기름과 볶은 통들깨로 무쳐 향긋한

Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perill

* 이미지는 AI가 생성한 참고 이미지로, 실제 조리 결과물과 다를 수 있습니다.

📺 YouTube⏱ 약 2분✍️ Editor Reviewed
✍️ I Love Recipe Editorial Team··Updated: Jul 4, 2026

This recipe for Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul (kkaennip-sun namul) features freshly picked perilla leaf sprouts generously mixed with roasted whole perilla seeds, creating a fragrant dish with a delightful popping texture. We've added a deep umami flavor using guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce) instead of doenjang (fermented soybean paste).

📝 Editor's Notes

We're excited to introduce 'Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds,' a recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes, combining freshly picked perilla leaf sprouts and savory whole perilla seeds.

This namul side dish, rich in fiber from the perilla leaf sprouts and seasoned with deep umami guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce), boasts a delightful popping texture and savory aroma from the abundant whole perilla seeds.

It's an excellent spring delicacy to mix with warm rice, perfect for stimulating your appetite.

Especially on days when you crave fragrant vegetables and a healthy meal, this dish is a perfect choice.

🛒 Ingredient Tips

Choose perilla leaf sprouts with tender, not too thick or tough stems, and fresh, vibrant green leaves.

Avoid leaves that are wilted or yellowing.

While their peak season is from spring to early summer, you can find fresh perilla leaf sprouts year-round thanks to greenhouse cultivation.

For the whole perilla seeds, wash and dry them thoroughly, then lightly roast them in a dry pan to enhance their savory aroma and achieve that distinct popping texture.

Be careful not to over-roast, as they can burn and become bitter.

For the guk-ganjang, it's important to select a product that is not overly salty but offers a rich umami flavor.

🔄 Substitution Guide

If perilla leaf sprouts are unavailable, you can substitute them with other fragrant namul-type vegetables.

For instance, chamnamul (pignut namul) or chwinamul (Aster scaber namul) can offer a similar aromatic profile.

However, chamnamul is softer than perilla leaf sprouts, so reduce the blanching time to about 1 minute.

Chwinamul has a fibrous texture similar to perilla leaf sprouts, so the blanching time can remain comparable.

You can also use ground perilla seeds (deulkkae-garu) instead of whole perilla seeds, but you might lose the unique popping texture and distinct savory flavor.

If using ground perilla seeds, use a slightly smaller amount and add it at the very end of the mixing process.

If guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce) is not available, you can use regular soy sauce with a pinch of salt to season, though the deep, unique flavor of guk-ganjang may be less prominent.

🥘 Ingredients

Perilla leaf sprouts (kkaennip-sun)
to taste
Water
to taste
Salt
to taste
Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
2-3tbsp
Perilla oil (deulgireum)
to taste
Whole perilla seeds (tong-deulkkae)
to taste

👨‍🍳 Cooking Points

The key to this namul is properly blanching the perilla leaf sprouts and ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.

First, perilla leaf sprouts are more fibrous than spinach, so blanch them sufficiently for 1-2 minutes to achieve a tender, not chewy, texture.

Add salt to boiling water, then add the perilla leaf sprouts and stir to blanch them evenly.

Second, after blanching, rinse the perilla leaf sprouts in cold water a couple of times and squeeze out as much water as possible.

Too much water will dilute the seasoning and result in a bland taste.

Third, when seasoning, vigorously mix and fluff the perilla leaf sprouts with your hands to prevent them from clumping together, ensuring the seasoning is absorbed evenly and the flavors are balanced.

Seasoning it to be slightly saltier than preferred initially will ensure the taste is just right when it's served.

👨‍🍳 Directions

1

Wash the perilla leaf sprouts (kkaennip-sun) once and set aside. Bring water to a boil for blanching the vegetables. (Blanch the perilla leaf sprouts for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the toughness of the stems.)

2

Once the water boils, add salt, then add the perilla leaf sprouts. Perilla leaf sprouts are fibrous, so you don't need to remove them as quickly as spinach. Stir to cook evenly, cover for about 15 seconds, then continue boiling for 1-2 minutes. They are done when the stems are not too tough when pressed with your fingers.

3

Rinse the blanched perilla leaf sprouts in cold water a couple of times. Squeeze out all excess water thoroughly with your hands.

4

Place the perilla leaf sprouts in a wide bowl and fluff them well to prevent the leaves from sticking together.

5

Add 2-3 tbsp of guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce). Vigorously mix the sprouts with your hands, squeezing and fluffing repeatedly. Taste and adjust the seasoning to be slightly saltier than desired for serving.

6

Drizzle with perilla oil (deulgireum) and mix, then add a generous amount of roasted whole perilla seeds (tong-deulkkae) at the end and mix to finish.

💡 Tips

Unlike spinach, perilla leaf sprouts are fibrous and can be tough, so blanching them sufficiently for 1-2 minutes is key for a good texture.

When seasoning the blanched perilla leaf sprouts, make sure to fluff them well so they don't stick together. This helps the seasoning to be absorbed evenly.

Season the namul to be slightly saltier than preferred initially. This ensures the flavor is just right when served later.

Generously adding whole perilla seeds provides a delightful popping texture when chewed and a richer aroma compared to ground perilla seeds. (To prepare whole perilla seeds, wash and dry them, then lightly roast them in a dry pan.)

📦 Storage & Reuse

The finished perilla leaf sprout namul can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days while maintaining its freshness.

It is most delicious when consumed as soon as possible.

Freezing is generally not recommended as it can soften the texture of the namul.

However, if you have a large quantity, you can portion it out and freeze.

After thawing, you can lightly stir-fry it before serving.

Leftover perilla leaf sprout namul is also great for making bibimbap by mixing it with warm rice, kimchi (fermented napa cabbage), and gochujang (Korean chili paste), or it can be used as a filling for rice balls.

To reheat, simply microwave briefly or stir-fry lightly in a pan.

🥢 Who This Is For

This perilla leaf sprout namul is highly recommended for anyone looking for a fragrant and healthy side dish.

Even children who are typically reluctant to eat vegetables might enjoy it thanks to the savory whole perilla seeds.

You can enjoy it as bibimbap by adding it to warm rice with a fried egg, or serve it alongside meat dishes as a refreshing counterpoint to richness.

Paired with a clear doenjang-guk (fermented soybean paste soup) or sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), it completes a wholesome and satisfying meal.

🔥 Nutrition Info

This perilla leaf sprout namul is estimated to be approximately 120-150 kcal per serving.

You can expect about 3-5g of protein, 8-10g of fat (primarily from perilla oil and whole perilla seeds), and 5-7g of carbohydrates.

Perilla leaf sprouts are rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, with a high beta-carotene content that supports eye health and boosts immunity.

Whole perilla seeds are abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health, and high in dietary fiber, contributing to gut health.

Overall, it is a healthy side dish with a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What ingredients do I need for Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds?
Main ingredients include Perilla leaf sprouts (kkaennip-sun), Water, Salt, Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce), Perilla oil (deulgireum). Choose perilla leaf sprouts with tender, not too thick or tough stems, and fresh, vibrant green leaves. Avoid leaves that are wilted or yellowing. While their peak season is from spring to early summer, you can find fresh perilla leaf sprouts year-round thanks to greenhouse cultivation. For the whole perilla seeds, wash and dry them thoroughly, then lightly roast them in a dry pan to enhance their savory aroma and achieve that distinct popping texture. Be careful not to over-roast, as they can burn and become bitter. For the guk-ganjang, it's important to select a product that is not overly salty but offers a rich umami flavor.
Q. What are the key tips for making Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds?
The key to this namul is properly blanching the perilla leaf sprouts and ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. First, perilla leaf sprouts are more fibrous than spinach, so blanch them sufficiently for 1-2 minutes to achieve a tender, not chewy, texture. Add salt to boiling water, then add the perilla leaf sprouts and stir to blanch them evenly. Second, after blanching, rinse the perilla leaf sprouts in cold water a couple of times and squeeze out as much water as possible. Too much water will dilute the seasoning and result in a bland taste. Third, when seasoning, vigorously mix and fluff the perilla leaf sprouts with your hands to prevent them from clumping together, ensuring the seasoning is absorbed evenly and the flavors are balanced. Seasoning it to be slightly saltier than preferred initially will ensure the taste is just right when it's served.
Q. How should I store leftover Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds?
The finished perilla leaf sprout namul can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days while maintaining its freshness. It is most delicious when consumed as soon as possible. Freezing is generally not recommended as it can soften the texture of the namul. However, if you have a large quantity, you can portion it out and freeze. After thawing, you can lightly stir-fry it before serving. Leftover perilla leaf sprout namul is also great for making bibimbap by mixing it with warm rice, kimchi (fermented napa cabbage), and gochujang (Korean chili paste), or it can be used as a filling for rice balls. To reheat, simply microwave briefly or stir-fry lightly in a pan.
Q. How many calories are in Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds?
This perilla leaf sprout namul is estimated to be approximately 120-150 kcal per serving. You can expect about 3-5g of protein, 8-10g of fat (primarily from perilla oil and whole perilla seeds), and 5-7g of carbohydrates. Perilla leaf sprouts are rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, with a high beta-carotene content that supports eye health and boosts immunity. Whole perilla seeds are abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health, and high in dietary fiber, contributing to gut health. Overall, it is a healthy side dish with a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Q. Can I substitute ingredients in Fragrant Perilla Leaf Sprout Namul with Popping Whole Perilla Seeds?
If perilla leaf sprouts are unavailable, you can substitute them with other fragrant namul-type vegetables. For instance, chamnamul (pignut namul) or chwinamul (Aster scaber namul) can offer a similar aromatic profile. However, chamnamul is softer than perilla leaf sprouts, so reduce the blanching time to about 1 minute. Chwinamul has a fibrous texture similar to perilla leaf sprouts, so the blanching time can remain comparable. You can also use ground perilla seeds (deulkkae-garu) instead of whole perilla seeds, but you might lose the unique popping texture and distinct savory flavor. If using ground perilla seeds, use a slightly smaller amount and add it at the very end of the mixing process. If guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce) is not available, you can use regular soy sauce with a pinch of salt to season, though the deep, unique flavor of guk-ganjang may be less prominent.

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