Korean Shepherd's Purse Tofu Stir-fry
Naengi-dubu-bokkeum is a spring-seasonal Korean stir-fry that pairs shepherd's purse - a wild herb with a distinctive earthy bitterness - with cubed firm tofu in perilla oil and soy sauce. The tofu is pan-seared until golden to build a crust, then set aside while onion and garlic cook in the same pan before soy sauces go in. The tofu returns along with the cleaned, trimmed shepherd's purse, which needs only two minutes of gentle tossing to wilt without losing its herbal bite. A final drizzle of perilla oil and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds layer nuttiness over the herb's green, slightly bitter fragrance.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Pat tofu dry, cut into 1.5 cm cubes, and rest in paper towels for 5 minutes.
- 2
Wash shepherd's purse well, trim, and cut into 4 cm pieces.
- 3
Heat half the perilla oil and sear tofu for 3 minutes until lightly golden; set aside.
- 4
In the same pan, stir-fry onion and garlic for 1 minute, then add soy sauces.
- 5
Add tofu and shepherd's purse, tossing for 2 minutes until just wilted.
- 6
Finish with remaining perilla oil and sesame seeds.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips
Nutrition (per serving)
More Recipes

Korean Thistle Greens & Mackerel Stir-fry
Gondre godeungeo bokkeum combines pan-seared mackerel with blanched gondre thistle greens in a gochujang and soy sauce stir-fry. The mackerel is first marinated in ginger juice to reduce fishiness, then seared on both sides for a firm, golden crust that holds up during final tossing. Gondre is pre-seasoned with perilla oil and garlic to draw out its herbal fragrance before joining the pan. The gochujang-soy sauce brings both heat and depth, unifying the fish's rich umami with the greens' earthy notes. Squeezing excess moisture from the gondre before cooking ensures the sauce stays concentrated and clings to each ingredient.

Korean Perilla Leaf Tofu Stir-fry
Kkaennip dubu bokkeum is a side dish of firm tofu cubes pan-fried until golden, then seasoned with soy sauce, onion, and garlic before being tossed with chiffonaded perilla leaves and ground perilla seeds at the end. The tofu develops a lightly crisp shell that absorbs the soy seasoning while the interior stays soft. Perilla leaves contribute a distinctive herbal fragrance, and the ground perilla seeds add a nutty depth that elevates the dish beyond a basic tofu stir-fry. A final touch of sesame oil brightens the aroma.

Korean Aster Greens Beef Stir-fry
This stir-fry pairs fragrant chwi-namul greens with thinly sliced bulgogi-cut beef, merging the wild greens' herbal bitterness with the meat's umami. The beef is pre-seasoned with soy sauce and cooking wine, and as it cooks the seasoning naturally transfers into the greens. Onion softens during cooking and adds sweetness that tempers the overall saltiness. A finishing drizzle of perilla oil brings a nutty aroma, and whole sesame seeds provide small bursts of texture. It works as a hearty side that adds protein to an otherwise vegetable-focused table.

Korean Perilla Sprout & Tofu Soybean Paste Stir-fry
Kkaetsun dubu doenjang bokkeum pairs pan-seared firm tofu with perilla sprouts in a doenjang-based sauce made by dissolving the fermented soybean paste with water, garlic, and onion. The doenjang coats the golden tofu surfaces with a salty, earthy glaze, while perilla sprouts - softer than mature perilla leaves - release a subtle sesame-like fragrance as they wilt. The contrast between crisp tofu edges and tender greens defines the dish's texture. A half Cheongyang chili adds a light sting that lifts the heaviness of the fermented paste.

Korean Shepherd's Purse Kimchi
Naengi kimchi is a seasonal Korean side dish where shepherd's purse - an early-spring wild herb - is blanched for just twenty seconds in salted boiling water to remove bitterness without killing its distinctive herbal fragrance. The cooled, squeezed greens are dressed in a paste of gochugaru, anchovy fish sauce, minced garlic, and sweet rice paste, which provides enough viscosity to coat each stem evenly. The fish sauce's fermented depth meets the herb's green, earthy character to build a layered flavor that neither ingredient achieves alone. Sesame seeds scattered on top add a quiet toasted crunch. Resting the kimchi in the refrigerator for at least two hours lets the seasoning settle and deepen before serving.

Korean King Oyster Mushroom Stir-fry with Perilla
This stir-fry combines 250 grams of julienned king oyster mushrooms with onion, cooked rapidly over high heat in a blend of perilla oil and cooking oil to prevent the mushrooms from releasing too much water. Garlic is sauteed for 20 seconds first to infuse the oil, followed by onion for one minute to draw out its natural sweetness. The mushrooms then go in for a quick two-minute toss before soup soy sauce and a splash of water are added to create a light braising liquid. One and a half tablespoons of ground perilla seeds are stirred in during the final minute, thickening the sauce into a creamy coating without becoming pasty. Scallion is added off heat for a finishing touch of color and freshness.