| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 207 | 20g | 3g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 0g | 0g | 1g |
Light yet robust, fresh yet flavorful – that’s how I would describe the Perilla Oil Salad Dressing. I was inspired by New York City’s ever-evolving culinary landscape to create this recipe. NYC, to me, is not just where I was born and raised, it has also shaped my palate and influences my recipes in big and small ways. In this city, unexpected blends of flavors become everyday indulgences, which has always reminded me of a salad – a wonderful blend of diverse ingredients, all harmonizing into one delectable delight.
Unveiling The Charm of Perilla Oil
A lesser-known highlight of this recipe is the Perilla oil, an East Asian treasure with enormous health benefits and subtle, distinct flavor. This nutty, somewhat spicy oil is brimming with Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health, and it’s also an excellent source of antioxidants. When you’re whisking up this dressing you’re not just creating a tasty way to dress your salad, you’re also embracing a healthier lifestyle. You can read more about its benefits here.
Giving It a New York Twist
Of course, being a New Yorker, I couldn’t resist adding a little drama of my own. The kick of crushed red pepper flakes, the tang of fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, all waltzing beautifully with the melody of honey and garlic, is my New York standing ovation to East meets West. Just like being on stage, you have to hit the right notes to get the perfect performance, and this dressing achieves just that.
Inspired by Korean cooking, this dressing shares similarities with the Korean Perilla leaf salad (kkaennip-muchim). But it really shines when you pair it with a simple mixed greens salad or a grilled protein of your choice. This dressing adds an interesting spin on your conventional salad and serves as a perfect condiment for a BBQ or picnic. However, the best part about the Perilla Oil Salad Dressing is that it is versatile and can transform any plain dish into a gourmet delight.
From my eclectic city to your table, this Perilla Oil Salad Dressing is more than just about taste – it’s about embracing different cultures, exploring your taste buds, and cherishing the joy of creating something truly unique. Here is a bit more information on the origin of Perilla leaves and their use in gastronomy.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup perilla oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This includes 1/2 cup of perilla oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Three
Slowly pour in the perilla oil, while continuously stirring, to create an emulsion. If you add the oil too quickly, the ingredients may not mix properly so take your time with this step.
Step Four
Season your salad dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more but you cannot remove salt or pepper once it’s added, so start with a small amount and adjust if necessary.
Step Five
Once your perilla oil salad dressing is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, it can be served immediately. Alternatively, you can keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until needed. Enjoy this dressing on your favorite salads!
