Shiso is the herb you and I both need
What's the story
Shiso, aka perilla, is a culinary powerhouse that elevates dishes with its unique minty, basil-like flavor profile.
Hailing from Asia, it's quickly becoming a global sensation for its health benefits and taste.
Read on to discover five creative ways to use shiso in your vegan meals, adding a burst of flavor and nutrition to your dishes.
Hydration
Shiso-infused water for a refreshing twist
Upgrade your everyday water intake by infusing it with shiso leaves.
Just pop a few leaves into a pitcher of water and let it steep for an hour or overnight in the fridge.
You'll get a delicately flavored water that's not only refreshing but also good for digestion.
This is a super easy way to incorporate the herb's benefits into your diet without even turning on the stove.
Pesto
Vibrant shiso pesto: A vegan delight
Vegan pesto with a twist: Replace the basil in traditional pesto with fragrant shiso leaves for a vegan-friendly and aromatic alternative.
Simply blend shiso leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, nutritional yeast (a vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese), and olive oil until creamy.
Use this pesto as a spread on sandwiches or a sauce for pasta dishes. It adds a pop of fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with other ingredients.
Dressing
Shiso salad dressing: Light and flavorful
Whisk together finely chopped shiso leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a light and flavorful salad dressing.
This dressing pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or grain-based salads like quinoa or farro.
Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a perfect choice for summer meals or alongside grilled vegetables.
Snack
Crispy shiso leaves: A unique snack
If you're craving a unique snack that's both crunchy and full of flavor, crispy shiso leaves might be your new favorite treat.
Simply dip whole shiso leaves in a thin batter of flour and water, then fry until golden and crispy.
A sprinkle of sea salt while they're still hot seals the deal.
They're a great side dish or garnish for soups and salads.
Syrup
Sweet shiso syrup: An exotic dessert companion
Finally, elevate your desserts with homemade shiso syrup. Simmer sugar water with a handful of shiso leaves until it thickens into syrup, then strain out the leaves before using.
Drizzle it over fresh fruit salads or use it to sweeten iced teas and lemonades. This exotic touch pairs beautifully with summer flavors.