This delightful shiso recipe brings a burst of fresh, herbal flavor to your table. The combination of shiso leaves with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Perfect for those looking to explore new and exciting flavors in their cooking.
Shiso leaves might not be a common ingredient in every household, but they are worth seeking out for their unique taste. Look for them in the produce section of Asian supermarkets or specialty stores. They have a distinct, slightly minty flavor that adds a refreshing twist to dishes. If you can't find shiso, you might substitute with fresh basil or mint, though the flavor will be different.

Ingredients for Shiso Recipe
Shiso: Fresh shiso leaves are the star of this dish, providing a unique, slightly minty flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the dish.
Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and aroma.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, savory note.
Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing shiso leaves, make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. This will ensure a clean and fresh taste. Additionally, when heating the sesame oil in the pan, be careful not to let it smoke, as this can impart a bitter flavor to the dish. Sauté the minced garlic just until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute, to avoid burning it and creating a harsh taste. When adding the soy sauce and sugar, stir continuously to ensure they are evenly distributed and the sugar dissolves completely, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
fresh shiso - Substitute with basil: Basil has a similar aromatic quality and can provide a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
fresh shiso - Substitute with mint: Mint offers a refreshing and slightly spicy note that can mimic the unique taste of shiso.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar umami flavor profile to soy sauce.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, making it a good substitute for soy sauce.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of sesame oil, though it will lack the nutty flavor. Adding a small amount of toasted sesame seeds can help replicate the taste.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a mild nutty flavor that can serve as a good alternative to sesame oil.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic, though it will be less pungent. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note that can enhance the overall flavor.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that can be a good alternative to sugar.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the shiso leaves to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
- Transfer the cooled shiso leaves to an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The cool environment will keep the shiso leaves fresh.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Lay the shiso leaves flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once the shiso leaves are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to use, thaw the shiso leaves in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to preserve their delicate flavor.
- Avoid microwaving the shiso leaves as it can alter their texture and taste.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of sesame oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shiso leaves.
- Stir occasionally until the leaves are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover shiso leaves in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stir gently and microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds if needed.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the leftover shiso leaves in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Place the leftover shiso leaves in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Carefully remove the leaves from the steamer and serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pan: Used to heat the sesame oil and cook the shiso leaves.
Spatula: Essential for stirring the ingredients and ensuring even cooking.
Knife: Needed to mince the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to mince the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar accurately.
Bowl: Useful for washing and drying the shiso leaves.
Paper towels: Helps in drying the shiso leaves after washing.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar before you start cooking.
Use a non-stick pan: This ensures the shiso leaves cook evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup faster.
Batch wash leaves: Wash and dry all shiso leaves at once to save time during preparation.
Preheat the pan: Heat the sesame oil while you prepare other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Quick sauté: Sauté the garlic until just fragrant to avoid burning and speed up the cooking.

Shiso Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 leaves Shiso fresh
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- 1. Wash and dry the shiso leaves.
- 2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- 3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- 4. Add shiso leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- 5. Add soy sauce and sugar, stir well.
- 6. Serve warm as a side dish.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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