Move over, mint—there’s a new cooling herb in town! Discover the magic of Perilla Recipes this summer. Perilla, with its uniquely refreshing aroma, is the star of seasonal cuisine. While you might spot these vibrant leaves in markets, many food lovers wonder, ‘How do I use this amazing ingredient?’ Today, we’re sharing two foolproof perilla recipes—one sweet, one savory—that’ll make you fall in love with this versatile leaf.
Sweet & Zesty: Perilla Peach Ginger Delight
Imagine biting into juicy peaches kissed by perilla’s herbal sweetness, with a zing of ginger—this dessert is summer in a bowl.
Recipe Breakdown
1、Prep the Peaches
- Scrub 4 firm peaches with salt to remove fuzz, then rinse. Cut into wedges (no need to peel!).
- Toss with ½ tsp salt, let sit 30 mins to draw out excess water.
2、Perilla & Ginger Magic
- Thinly slice 200g perilla leaves (pro tip: double-purple leaves yield a vibrant pink syrup!).
- Julienne 60g young ginger. Massage with 2 tbsp sugar + 3 tbsp rice vinegar until fragrant.
3、Marinate & Chill
- Combine peaches, perilla-ginger mix, and 1 extra tbsp sugar. Seal and refrigerate for 8+ hours.
- Serve chilled as-is or with sparkling water for a fizzy twist! (Stays fresh 48 hours in the fridge.)
Savory & Spicy: Crispy Perilla Cucumber Stir-Fry
When perilla hits heat, its aroma explodes, wrapping crisp cucumbers in a cooling-yet-fiery embrace. 
Recipe Breakdown
1、Char the Cucumbers
- Sear thick slices of 2 cucumbers in 1 tbsp oil until golden (40 sec/side). Set aside.
2、Aromatics & Sauce
- Sauté 3 sliced garlic cloves + 2 chopped chilies in the same pan.
- Add cucumbers back with 1 tbsp fermented black beans (Douchi), ⅓ tsp each of soy sauce and oyster sauce, plus a pinch of salt.
3、Perilla Finish
- Toss in 3 shredded perilla leaves just before serving. The heat unlocks their cooling aftertaste—perfect against the chili kick!
Why Perilla Steals the Summer Show
Unlike bold herbs, perilla whispers its charm—enhancing dishes with a subtle, cooling depth. Whether in sweet syrups or savory woks, it’s the taste of sunshine and breezy evenings.
Ready to cook? Drop a comment with your favorite version! 👇
