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 calledchirimen–jisoand forms that are red only on top, calledkatamen–jiso.

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 to Build you Culinary Confidence

1. Marinated Japanese Mushrooms

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

2. Miso Yaki Onigiri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Watermelon Shiso Salad

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

*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

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

16. Shiso Pesto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24. Red Snapper

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

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.

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What is shiso used for in cooking? ›

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.

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What is the difference between shiso and perilla? ›

Shiso (perilla leaf) has green perilla (青紫蘇) with green leaves and red perilla (赤紫蘇) with reddish-purple leaves. Shiso is originally reddish purple in color, and green perilla is a variant of red perilla. The red color of red perilla is due to the pigment shisonin, a type of anthocyanin.

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What is shiso leaf good for? ›

Shiso leaves are rich in calcium and iron, and are used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma, colds, flu and other respiratory ailments. How to Prepare: Shiso has a unique flavor: pungent and grassy, it contains strong flavors of spearmint, basil, anise and cinnamon.

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What do Japanese use shiso for? ›

Also known as Perilla Leaf or Beefsteak Plant in English, Shiso is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking and is closely related to mint. Considered as one of the seven main flavorings in Japan, it is commonly used with raw fish dishes (sushi, sashimi, etc).

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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.

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What is the English name for shiso leaf? ›

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".

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How long does shiso last? ›

To make the preserved shiso leaves you only need healthy leaves and good quality sea salt. The recipe, if I can call it recipe, is very simple and you can keep the preserve for nearly forever in the fridge.

What does shiso taste like? ›

What Does It Taste Like? Shiso leaves have a fresh, citrusy flavor with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and mint. They have a somewhat astringent flavor and bitter finish, particularly the red shiso leaves. The texture is similar to fresh mint leaves, while dried shiso has a more subdued flavor.

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Is shiso toxic to dogs? ›

NOTE: Shiso leaves are toxic to cows, dogs and other livestock. However, the perilla red and purple forms are used in pickling to give your Japanese sour plum pickle a violet tinge. Even more interesting, the baby leaves make a superb garnish.

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What is another name for shiso? ›

The green or red leaves go by many names, including shiso, beefsteak leaf, sesame leaf, wild sesame and kkaennip (with spelling variations).

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Why is shiso called beefsteak? ›

In America it is called Chinese basil and perilla mint, but as Japanese cuisine becomes more popular here, more are calling it shiso. Because it originally came to America as an ornamental, it is sometimes called summer coleus. It's called beefsteak plant because the darkest varieties are as red as steak.

Can you eat shiso leaves raw? ›

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.

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Why is my shiso bitter? ›

The latter variety is milder in flavor, though some tasters found it extremely bitter (the purple color is due to a compound called anthocyanin to which some people are more sensitive than others; it is thought to be the cause of the leaf's bitter taste).

Does shiso tea have caffeine? ›

This non-caffeinated blend is full of savory umami that will ease you right into dreamland.

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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.

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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.

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Is shiso a herb or spice? ›

Shiso leaves are an aromatic herb from the same botanical family as mint that traditionally accompanies sushi and sashimi.

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Does shiso taste like cumin? ›

A member of the mint family, shiso can taste grassy with hints of citrus and herbal notes of cumin, clove, basil and mint. Its complex flavour makes the herb a culinary chameleon that pairs well with various dishes.

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