Aromatic Perilla and Chili Relish
If you’re searching for that one secret ingredient to elevate your everyday meals from simple to spectacular, you’ve just found it. This Aromatic Perilla and Chili Relish is a vibrant, flavor-packed condiment that is unbelievably easy to make. In just twenty minutes, you can whip up a jar of this magic stuff using a simple stir-frying technique. The taste is a captivating dance of herbaceous, slightly minty perilla leaves, a savory punch from garlic, and a pleasant, warming heat from fresh chilies. It’s the kind of all-purpose relish that you’ll soon find yourself spooning onto everything—from noodles and rice to steamed buns and sandwiches. Don’t be intimidated by the unique ingredients; this recipe is incredibly straightforward and a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of savory condiments. What You’ll Need Here is the list of ingredients to create your own jar of flavor. I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions for those who might not have an Asian market nearby. Perilla Leaves: 200g (about 7 oz). These are the star of the show, known for their unique flavor that’s a mix of mint, basil, and anise. You can typically find them in Asian grocery stores, sometimes labeled as Shiso. If you absolutely cannot find them, a combination of Thai basil and a small amount of fresh mint can create a different but still delicious alternative. Garlic: 1 whole head, peeled. Long Green Chilies: 2-3, for a mild, fragrant heat. Jalapeños are a good substitute if you can’t find long green chilies. Small Red Chilies: 3-5, or to your personal taste. Thai or bird’s eye chilies work perfectly to add a fiery kick. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your love for spice! Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This is for savory saltiness, not to be confused with dark soy sauce….
