A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
Broad oval leaves with pointed tips, coarse toothed edges and visible veins. Leaves may be green, purple, or green above and purple beneath.
In the kitchen
Used for its aroma in cooking; some Changsha-style spicy crayfish preparations add perilla leaves to the broth. It is an optional recipe ingredient, not universal to the dish.
This entry covers the leaves, not perilla seeds or oil. Leaf color and aroma vary by type. Perilla is distinct from basil; it should not be replaced by a similar-looking ingredient identity.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有紫苏叶吗？
Does this dish contain Perilla leaves?
A few dishes to explore
These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.
