| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 20g | 2g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 6g | 0.2g |
As someone born and brought up in Boston and having deeply connected Irish roots, I find myself frequently travelling back to my family’s culinary history. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is a bit of a detour from what you might expect of me. The dish is termed Perilla Leaf Pancakes or Deulkkae-jeon, a delightful palette of delightful fruits folded into a pancake, a fusion that I’m sure you’ll absolutely enjoy.
A Meeting of Worlds
I’ve always had a fondness for experimenting with different flavours. When my fiancée Laura introduced me to these unique pancakes, it was a refreshing departure from the seafood characteristics of New England and the hearty Irish dishes I hold so dear. The Perilla Leaf Pancakes, infused with vivacity of finely chopped green onions, red chilli pepper, and yellow sweet bell pepper, offer a medley of flavors I eagerly share with you today.
Embracing Health and Flavor
These pancakes are more than just an explosion of taste. They’re a fantastic source of nutrients too. Perilla leaves, a staple in Asian cuisine, contain rosmarinic acid and luteolin which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The bell peppers, besides adding a splash of color, are packed with Vitamin C, perfect for boosting immunity. And for those of you who like a bit of heat, red chili peppers not only spice up the dish, but also can kickstart your metabolism, thanks to capsaicin. So while you’re savoring the Perilla Leaf Pancakes, know that you’re giving your body a healthful treat as well. (source)
The Perfect Companion
While the Perilla Leaf Pancakes can certainly boast a main course status, they’d also play nicely with other dishes, particularly those of Asian origin. Enjoy them alongside a steaming bowl of Authentic Wonton Soup or as the spicy counterpart to a cool Asian Noodle Salad. It’s also worth noting that these pancakes would pass as a terrific snack or appetizer when entertaining. The colors and the contrast in flavor make it a versatile addition to your catering plans.
So why do I love the Perilla Leaf Pancakes? This dish reminds me that food is a language of love that transcends boundaries and histories. As I take this culinary journey with you and my family, I am thrilled to explore and share the joys of my kitchen adventures. Here’s to creating meaningful ties, and extraordinary dishes that bring us all together.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bunch of fresh perilla leaves (around 12-15 leaves)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red chili pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow sweet bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Method
Step One
First, prepare the batter. Combine the eggs, water, salt, sugar, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously until you form a smooth batter.
Step Two
Next, add the finely chopped green onions, red chili pepper and yellow sweet bell pepper into the batter. Stir to mix them thoroughly with the batter and ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Three
Prepare the perilla leaves. Take each leaf and carefully spoon the batter onto one side, ensuring it is fully coated. Repeat this process until all leaves have been covered in batter.
Step Four
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the batter-coated perilla leaves in the pan with the batter side down. Let it cook, undisturbed, for about 3-4 minutes, until the batter begins to brown and crispen.
Step Five
Flip the perilla leaves over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once both sides are golden brown and crispy, remove the pancakes from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towel.
Step Six
Repeat the frying process for the remaining perilla leaves. Serve your Perilla Leaf Pancakes (Deulkkae-jeon) hot and enjoy their crispy, savory, and delicious taste.
