100 Shiso Recipes - Cook with Confidence with This New Culinary Craze (2024)

Have you been hearing all the commotion about Shiso leaves lately?

What are they anyway?

Perilla frutescensvar.crispa, also calledshiso(/ˈʃiːsoʊ/,[1]from Japaneseシソ) is a variety of speciesPerilla frutescensof the genusPerilla, belonging to the mint family,Lamiaceae. Shiso is aperennialplant that may be cultivated as anannualin temperate climates. The plant occurs in red (purple-leaved) and green-leavedforms. There are also frilly, ruffled-leaved forms calledchirimenjisoand forms that are red only on top, calledkatamenjiso.

Source – Wikipedia

It is a hard flavor to describe but many consider the taste to be similar to that of mint, although the appearance represents closely to basil. It has sometimes been described as minty, other times as having hints of cinnamon, and some people describe it to have citrusy tones.

The best way to find out what Shiso tastes like is to buy some fresh shiso and try it out in one of the delicious recipes listed below. Shiso tastes great as an addition to co*cktails, in Asian-style food, and works wonderfully as a garnish for a variety of meals! So let’s start cooking!

100 Shiso Recipes - Cook with Confidence with This New Culinary Craze (1)

100 Shiso Recipes to Build you Culinary Confidence

1. Marinated Japanese Mushrooms

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I am mushroom-obsessed, so, I just had to try these Japenese-style mushrooms topped with chopped shiso and mitsuba.

2. Miso Yaki Onigiri

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Shiso works as an amazing garnish for lots of different dishes, like this Miso Yaki Onigiri, meaningMiso Glazed Grilled Rice Balls.

3. Sweet Potato and Harissa Soup

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A delicious and comforting soup that is loaded with flavorand packed with nutrients. It uses micro-shiso leaves to add flavor and to make it look great!

4. Tsukane

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Perfect for your next BBQ! These Japenese Chicken Meatball Skewers are drizzled with a sweet soy sauce and have the fresh taste of shiso inside.

5. Korean Perilla Leaf Kimchi

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A Korean dish that uses shiso leaves (or perilla leaves) as the main meal. They are topped with an array of herbs, spices, and flavor!

6. Corn and Shiso Fritters

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These Corn and Shiso Fritters are a delicious snack that is crunchy yet soft and perfect for serving as an appetizer during game day.

7. Vegetable Shiso Tempura Rolls

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Onions and carrots wrapped in robust shiso leaves and battered with tempura. Enjoy them with ketchup, soy sauce, or just on their own!

8. Shiso and Hibiscus Tea Iced Latte

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Okay, just the look of this drink is making my mouth water! It’s so beautiful! The perfect summer pick-me-up drink!

9. Agedashi Tofu

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A tofu that melts in your mouth and excites your taste buds… Yes, please! Grated ginger and chopped shiso leaves add extra flavor.

10. Shiso Leaf Meatballs

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Because of the citrusy, minty, and subtle spiciness of the shiso leaves, they pair wonderfully with meat. Try adding shiso leaves to your meatballs next time!

11. Green Rice

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Without even knowing what’s in this dish, it just already looks good for you. If you’re curious as to what is in it though, check out the post here.

12. Mini California Sushi Cones

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Cute little sushi cones with the delicious ingredients of a California roll. Crab meat, cucumber, kewpie mayo, and of course… Soshi leaves!

13. Watermelon Shiso Salad

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Oh, yes! This salad looks amazing! Juicy watermelon, with minty shiso leaves, and a light sesame dressing. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.

14. Peach, Hazelnut, Shiso Crisp

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*Drool…* I am a sucker for a fancy dessert and this one is definitely calling my name! Served with a gluten + dairy free ginger ice cream!

15. Ume Shiso Pasta

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Simple ingredients that create a wonderful flavor and a hearty meal. Try this Ume Shiso Pasta tonight!

16. Shiso Pesto

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A great recipe for homemade pesto using shiso leaves for an exotic twist in a classic sauce. Fresh, minty, and tasty.

17. Sugar Snap Zucchini Rice Bowl

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A refreshing salad with lots of tasty and healthy ingredients. Sugar snap peas for crunch, shiso leaves for flavor and drizzled with a light sesame oil dressing.

18. Tomato Toast

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This tomato toast looks divine, and it tastes so too! It’s served with a macadamia nut ricotta, shiso, and black lava salt. Wow!

19. Grape, Kale, Edamame Bean Salad

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Sauteed grapes, autumn kale, and edamame beans, and shiso leaves. A burst of flavor comes with each bite of this delectable salad.

20. Mung Bean Leek Burger

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These vegan burgers are also gluten-free and come with a gluten-free bun recipe! The patties are made of mung beans, quinoa, and a whole bunch of other nutritious ingredients.

21. Pork Belly Shiso Yaki

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Ever tried pork belly? Well, why not give it a shot with this unique salt and peppered Pork Belly and Shiso recipe!

22. Scallop Crudo

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A fancy-looking meal with a unique texture and intense flavor. It’s served with yuzu and shiso oils and a pink peppercorn.

23. Mahi Mahi

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This mahi-mahi is crusted with crunchy sesame seeds, soaked in a soy shiso ginger butter sauce, and served on rice.

24. Red Snapper

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Shiso pairs delightfully with seafood and that include red snapper. The recipe is simple, healthy, tasty, and also happens to be paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

25. Cold Pasta with Olives and Shiso

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An elegant cold pasta recipe that has juicy confit tomatoes, olives, and of course shiso! Perfect for a picnic! (Use Google Translate to read instructions)

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100 Shiso Recipes - Cook with Confidence with This New Culinary Craze (2024)

FAQs

What does shiso pair well with? ›

The herb pairs well with fatty fish like salmon, yellowtail, and tuna, and can be enjoyed by wrapping a whole leaf around a piece of sashimi and dipping it in soy sauce. Shiso also complements vegetables and fruits. Julienned shiso leaves are often mixed with salads to add a fresh, citrusy flavor.

What is shiso used for in cooking? ›

Shiso is extremely versatile.

Raw leaves are delicious tossed into salads or used wherever you might add savory green herbs. Or you can cook them up like tender spinach — steamed, sautéed or tempura-fried.

How to preserve shiso leaves in oil? ›

Whiz up the leaves until chopped, and add the oil to make a puree. Add a few drops of lemon juice, and a little salt (1/4 tsp. or so per 2 cups of basil). I freeze this spread thinly in plastic zip bags. To use, just break or cut off as much as you need.

What is red shiso used for? ›

Shiso is a member of the mint family. With its large, jagged leaves, bright color, and refreshing flavor, it can be eaten fresh, pickled, or deep-fried, and it frequently makes appearances in sushi dishes and sashimi plates. While the green leaves are suited for eating, the red leaves are used in pickling.

What flavors go with shiso? ›

“The bright herbal flavor the shiso leaf lends is very complimentary to tart citrus flavors like lemon, lime and passion fruit.” In the Shiso Highball, Park simply garnishes the classic whiskey soda combo with a leaf to enhance the aromatics, and in the Taketsuru Smash, he muddles red and green shiso leaves and ...

Does shiso repel bugs? ›

Since shiso naturally repels insects as it a part of the mint family, it does not attract any and will not cause harm to other plants near it in this regard. However, shiso may be apt to get Downey mildew. For this reason, it is important to ensure that it has ample space in the garden and is not overwatered.

What is the English name for shiso leaf? ›

This is shiso also known as perilla leaf in English. Shiso is an aromatic leaf, related to the mint and basil family. Although it's commonly recognizing as a garnish in sushi dishes, shiso can also be found in other East Asian cuisines such as Korean and Vietnamese.

How long does shiso last? ›

Fresh shiso leaves need to be kept in the refrigerator in the crisper. They dry out easily, so when you're working with them, it helps to keep them covered with a damp cloth or paper towel. Fresh shisho can last a few days but use as soon as possible for best results.

What does shiso taste like? ›

SHISO, an herb long used in Japanese cooking, is starting to show up in restaurants of all kinds whose chefs are captivated by its strong flavor. It has a mysterious, bright taste that reminds people of mint, basil, tarragon, cilantro, cinnamon, anise or the smell of a mountain meadow after a rainstorm.

Can I freeze shiso? ›

Shred the shiso leaves and place them on the bottom half of a piece of paper towel. Fold over the top half of the paper towel to wrap the shiso leaves. Fold the paper towel with the shiso inside a few times, put it in a freezer bag and freeze it. The frozen shiso leaves are hard and crunchy.

How to clean shiso? ›

Cleaning shiso or other greens: Clip unblemished leaves (small and large) from the stems, drop them into a very large pot of cold water. Stir the leaves for a minute, then let the water calm. The suspended leaves allow sand to precipitate to the bottom. Carefully lift the leaves out to drain in a colander.

Can I dry shiso? ›

With the used red shiso leaves, all you need to do is to dry them! There are two ways to do it. The first option is for everyone. I bought this mesh hanging dry net on Amazon when I made Umeboshi and it was also useful for drying the red shiso leaves.

What do Japanese use shiso for? ›

Considered as one of the seven main flavorings in Japan, it is commonly used with raw fish dishes (sushi, sashimi, etc). Traditionally grown in other Asian countries as well, it is also widely popular in Korea and China and used in their cuisines as well. There are different types of shiso leaves found in Japan.

What is the common name for shiso? ›

In English, it is sometimes called the "beefsteak plant", because purple-leaf varieties resemble the blood-red color of meat. Other common names include "perilla mint", "Chinese basil", and "wild basil".

What is the difference between Japanese shiso and Korean shiso? ›

Perilla is actually the term for a number of different species of plants in the mint family. The Japanese use shiso, which is smaller and mintier than the broad, rounded perilla leaves favored by the Koreans. The flavor of perilla, grassy with notes of anise or licorice, is pleasing like any other herb.

What would you be served in a Japanese restaurant if you ordered shiso? ›

If you ordered "Shiso" in a Japanese restaurant, you would be served Japanese Mint. Shiso is a herb commonly used in Japanese cuisine, known for its refreshing and mint-like flavor. It is often used as a garnish or added to dishes for its aromatic qualities.

What is the flavor profile of shiso? ›

It has a mysterious, bright taste that reminds people of mint, basil, tarragon, cilantro, cinnamon, anise or the smell of a mountain meadow after a rainstorm. And like cilantro, not everyone likes it.

What is shiso leaf good for? ›

The herb's anti-inflammatory characteristics are used to treat everything from asthma, arthritis, and eczema. It has also been used as a herbal treatment in Japan for generations. Shiso leaves are a fantastic, healthful addition to salads, soups, and stews since they are rich in calcium and iron.

Are perilla and shiso the same thing? ›

Shiso and perilla are the spicy Asian cousins of mint. They are different varieties of Perilla frutescens.

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