Hello there, fellow foodies! We’re off on an adventurous excursion to the heart of Korean food today. I’m going to introduce you to Perilla oil, also known as Deulgireum(들기름), one of Korea’s most fragrant and nutritional powerhouses. But the big question is, is perilla oil good for you? Let us investigate.
What is Perilla Oil?
Perilla oil is made from the seeds of the perilla plant, which belongs to the mint family. Its earthy, slightly minty flavor is prized in Korean cuisine, where it is used most often in stews, soups, and marinades. It is distinguished from more regularly used oils by its characteristic nutty, slightly bitter flavor.
Perilla oil vs Sesame oil
When we compare perilla oil to another Asian staple, sesame oil, we see significant variances. While sesame oil is recognized for its rich, strong flavor, perilla oil gives meals a more subtle, earthy flavor.
The actual distinction is in their nutritional content. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for our health, is abundant in perilla oil. Though sesame oil provides health benefits such as being a strong source of antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory qualities, it lacks the omega-3 fatty acid content of perilla oil.
Is Perilla Oil Healthy?
The answer is unequivocally yes! Because of its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, perilla oil has several health benefits. Regular consumption of this oil can help boost heart health, reduce inflammation, and may even help with mental health by reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Furthermore, the oil is high in rosmarinic acid and luteolin, both of which are potent antioxidants that help your body fight off damaging free radicals.
The Smoke Point
Perilla oil has a comparatively low smoke point when compared to other cooking oils, at around 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). This means that it is not good for high-heat cooking methods such as frying or sautéing, but it is ideal for dressing, sauces, and low-heat cooking.
The BTS Connection: Jungkook’s Love for Perilla Oil Makguksu
If you’re a fan of the international K-pop sensation BTS, you may be aware that one of the band’s members, Jungkook, is a great fan of perilla oil. Jungkook’s passion for perilla oil extends to his unique take on a traditional Korean meal, Makguksu.
Makguksu is a cool buckwheat noodle meal with various veggies and a spicy sauce that is ideal for the hot summer months. The inclusion of perilla oil distinguishes Jungkook’s Makguksu.
In contrast to the conventional recipe, Jungkook’s Makguksu is drizzled with perilla oil, which adds a distinct nutty and somewhat minty flavor that improves the entire taste. On one of the band’s variety show programs, he stated that he enjoys foods cooked with perilla oil, and his rendition of Makguksu is a prime example.
This inventive usage of perilla oil not only demonstrates its adaptability in Korean cuisine, but also urges ARMYs (BTS fans) all across the world to try out this unusual ingredient in their own cooking. So, whether you’re a home cook trying to try new flavors or a BTS fan looking to emulate Jungkook’s unique twist on Makguksu, don’t forget to include that special drizzle of perilla oil.
BTS Jungkook’s Buldak Mayo Perilla Oil Makguksu Recipe
- Make a sauce by combining 4 tablespoons of perilla oil, 2 tablespoons of cham sauce, 1 tablespoon of buldak mayo sauce, and 1 egg yolk (remove the chalaza).
Adding 1/4 of a minced onion, 1 spoon of red pepper powder, and 1/4 spoon of minced garlic will make it even tastier. - Boil as much memil (buckwheat) noodles as you want to eat. Rinse the noodles thoroughly in cold water to remove the starch. (Please squeeze out as much water as possible. If there is too much water, it will dilute the taste. You should fully savor the sauce!)
- Pour the sauce onto the noodles to taste.
- Sprinkle some roasted seaweed flakes and ground toasted sesame seeds on top, and you’re done!
TIP: If you need to make more servings, simply double the quantities while maintaining the ratio of the ingredients.
Useful grocery shopping TIP from Jungkook: Always buy 100% cold-pressed perilla oil. Choose buckwheat noodles that contain at least 30% buckwheat.
Conclusion
Overall, perilla oil is more than a cooking oil. With its high omega-3 content and antioxidants, it’s a source of warmth and comfort, and its distinct flavor can be found in many traditional Korean cuisines. So, whether you’re a home cook trying to try new flavors or a BTS fan eager to test Jungkook’s favorite, give perilla oil a try. Good luck in the kitchen!
