Comforting Mushroom Perilla Seed Soup (버섯들깨탕)

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Mushroom Perilla Seed Soup (버섯들깨탕), a beloved Korean dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing meal. This creamy, subtly nutty soup boasts a rich umami flavor derived from the earthy mushrooms and the fragrant perilla seeds, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The simple yet elegant preparation allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, making it a truly satisfying and wholesome experience. Beyond its deliciousness, this soup is packed with nutrients, offering a boost of vitamins and minerals to support your well-being.

This recipe offers a straightforward approach to crafting this delightful soup, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. Ready to experience the magic of Mushroom Perilla Seed Soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a comforting bowl of culinary goodness.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Scissors

Ingredients

  • Perilla seed powder (들깨가루): 8 tablespoons
  • Beech mushrooms (팽이버섯)
  • Shimeji mushrooms (만가닥)
  • Shiitake mushrooms (표고버섯)
  • Korean rice cakes (떡): 1/2 cup
  • Chili pepper (청양고추)
  • Mild chili pepper (홍고추): 1/2
  • Spring onion (파): forearm length piece
  • Water: 3 1/4 cups
  • Anchovy kelp broth (멸치 다시마 팩): 1 pack
  • Soup soy sauce (국간장): 1 tablespoon
  • Potato starch (감자전분): 1/2 tablespoon
  • Water for starch slurry: 3 tablespoons
  • Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Base

  • Chop mushrooms, rice cakes, and vegetables. Mix potato starch and water for a slurry.
Prepare the ingredients: Chop mushrooms, rice cakes, and vegetables. Mix potato starch and water for a slurry.
Prepare the Base

Step 2. Simmer the Broth and Vegetables

  • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add anchovy kelp broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add mushrooms and rice cakes to the boiling broth. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add anchovy kelp broth and simmer for 10 minutes.Add mushrooms and rice cakes to the boiling broth. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Broth and Vegetables

Step 3. Season and Flavor

  • Add soup soy sauce, perilla seed powder, and spring onions. Mix well.
  • Season with salt to taste.
Add soup soy sauce, perilla seed powder, and spring onions. Mix well.Season with salt to taste.
Season and Flavor

Step 4. Thicken and Finish

  • Stir in the potato starch slurry to thicken the soup slightly.
Stir in the potato starch slurry to thicken the soup slightly.
Thicken and Finish

Read more: Authentic Korean Yukgaejang: Spicy Beef Stew Recipe

Tips

  • Store perilla seed powder in the freezer to maintain freshness.
  • Use a mix of mushroom types for added flavor and texture.
  • Use only half of the mild chili pepper to avoid an overly spicy soup.
  • Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute other mushrooms for the ones listed?

Yes! Shiitake, oyster, or cremini mushrooms work well as substitutes. Choose mushrooms with a similar earthy flavor profile.

2. What if I don't have perilla seeds (들깨)?

While perilla seeds are key to the authentic flavor, you can substitute sesame seeds for a similar nutty taste, though the flavor will be different. Toasted sesame oil can also add some of that nutty aroma.

3. How can I make this soup vegan?

Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Check that any other ingredients you use, such as soy sauce, are also vegan-friendly.


Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade Mushroom Perilla Seed Soup; it's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor every delicious spoonful!