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 an aromatic herb commonly used in Japanese dishes such as sushi, salads, tempura, noodles, etc. It has a unique fragrance and flavor loved by the Japanese. Shiso (しそ, 紫蘇) is the most popular culinary herb used in Japanese cuisine and is considered one of its seven main flavorings.

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What is the difference between shiso and perilla? ›

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.

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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? ›

Shiso is an herb commonly used to garnish sushi and other Japanese dishes.

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What flavors go with shiso? ›

“Shiso® Green has some typical roasted, nutty notes linking very well to (shell)fish, rice, beef. The floral, rose and peach notes of Shiso® Green make a perfect match to citrus, Cointreau and Gin.”

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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". The alias "wild coleus" or "summer coleus" probably describe ornamental varieties.

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What can I do with too much shiso? ›

Ways to Use Shiso

Fresh as a garnish with sushi or sashimi, and wrapped around balls of rice or meat. Try it with tofu. Surprisingly good slivered in pasta and noodle dishes. Try making shiso pesto too!

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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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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.

What is the best variety of shiso? ›

There are two varieties of shiso leaves that are red and green, both having a distinct taste and aroma. However, the most commonly used in cooking is the green shiso leaf.

Can you freeze shiso leaves? ›

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.

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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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How long do shiso leaves last? ›

To store the leaves, wrap the unwashed leaves in a moistened paper towel or a sealed plastic bag and keep in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for no more than four days.

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What is the shelf life of shiso leaves? ›

Shelf Life:

Up to five days fresh. Shiso leaves pair very well with soy based sauces and dressings. In Japan they are a traditional accompaniment to raw fish (particularly sashimi), used in salads, or fried as tempura. Shiso leaves can also be pickled (how to quick pickle).

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? ›

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.