Perilla leaves

🔍 What is this?

It's the leaf from the perilla plant. It's kinda related to Japanese shiso, but its leaves are bigger, rounder, and smell different. Koreans absolutely love this aromatic veggie, but it's one of those key ingredients that's super hard to find outside of Korea.

👅 Taste and Scent

It has a unique smell, like a mix of mint, basil, and anise. Might seem a bit weird at first, but trust me, it's super addictive!

🍳 How to use it

Perfect for meat wraps (a must-have with lettuce!), perilla leaf pickles (jangajji), perilla leaf pancakes (jeon), or as an aromatic herb in stews and stir-fries. Seriously, a perilla leaf with your samgyeopsal is the ultimate Korean BBQ experience.

🛒 Where to buy & Substitute tips

Check the veggie section at your local Korean market. If you can't find it, shiso is a decent substitute, but its scent is a bit sharper. Wash 'em, wrap 'em in a paper towel, and they'll last about a week in the fridge.