Shiso, also known as Japanese basil, is a vibrant herb with a unique, slightly peppery, and subtly anise-like flavor. Its striking purple or green leaves add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of fresh taste to a wide array of dishes, from salads and spring rolls to pasta sauces and even desserts. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, shiso's versatility makes it a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire. It's surprisingly easy to incorporate into everyday meals, elevating simple dishes to something truly special.
This article will guide you through four simple yet delicious shiso recipes, perfect for showcasing this remarkable herb's potential. From the refreshing crunch of shiso spring rolls to the savory depth of a shiso-infused pasta dish, we'll explore the diverse culinary applications of shiso, leaving you eager to experiment with its unique flavor profile. Ready to discover how to use shiso in your cooking? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- frying pan
- small pot
- paper towel
- bowl
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Crispy Shiso Spring Rolls
- Cut shiso sheets in half (use 3 sheets for 6 rolls), bacon, and cheese into small rectangles.
- Place ½ shiso leaf, cheese, and bacon on a spring roll skin half. Roll, securing the ends.
- In a pan with a small amount of oil, fry until golden brown on both sides.
Step 2. Savory Shiso Salmon Pasta
- Wash and pat dry shiso leaves, finely slice them, and dice onion. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Pan-fry salmon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook spaghetti, drain, and add to the pan with sautéed onions, cooked salmon, seasonings (bouillon, soy sauce, sugar), and butter.
- Stir in shredded shiso and sesame seeds. Sprinkle black pepper.
Step 3. Refreshing Shiso Tomato Salad
- Wash and finely slice shiso. Dice tomatoes.
- Combine shiso, tomatoes, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds and lemon juice in a bowl.
Step 4. Umami Shiso Miso Sauce
- Wash and finely slice shiso leaves. In a small pot, heat sesame oil, add grated ginger and garlic, then miso paste, mirin, and sugar. Simmer until thickened, then stir in shiso and dried bonito shavings.
Read more: Kinpira Gobo Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Japanese Side Dish
Tips
- Don't overheat the oil when frying the spring rolls, or they will burn quickly.
- Add butter to the pasta after removing from heat to preserve its flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I buy fresh shiso?
Most Asian grocery stores carry fresh shiso. Some well-stocked supermarkets with international sections may also have it. You can sometimes find it at farmers' markets.
2. Can I substitute shiso with another herb?
While shiso's unique flavor is hard to replicate exactly, Thai basil or perilla leaves offer similar aromatic notes and can be used as a partial substitute, but the taste will differ.
With these four easy recipes, you've unlocked the potential of shiso, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to your cooking. Experiment with these recipes as a starting point, letting your creativity guide you to even more delicious shiso creations. Enjoy the unique and vibrant flavors this amazing herb has to offer!