“Wait, bamboo shoots can taste this good?”
That’s what I thought too—until I tried this stir-fry made with perilla seed powder and tender bamboo.
If you’ve only seen them at deli counters or in takeout, you might assume they’re hard to cook with. But trust me, if you’ve got pre-boiled ones on hand, just a few simple steps can turn them into a nutty, nourishing side dish that pairs well with anything.
Today’s recipe—Stir-Fried Bamboo with Perilla Seeds—brings together satisfying crunch and the earthy richness of perilla powder. It’s more than just a side dish… it’s a rice thief.
And while this ingredient used to be available only in spring, now you can find it year-round—making it a perfect go-to for a healthy, quick, and flavorful banchan.
🎥 Watch the cooking video below for an easy visual guide!
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 200g (about 1 handful) pre-boiled bamboo shoots
- 1/2 carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- A bit of green onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp tuna sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy-based seasoning sauce
- 3 tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1–2 tbsp water (optional, for moisture)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
How to Make It
1. Prep the ingredients
Rinse the bamboo shoots under running water and squeeze out excess moisture.
Julienne the carrot, slice the onion, and cut the green onion on a bias.
2. Start with aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the carrots and sauté until slightly softened.
3. Add season
Toss in the bamboo shoots and lightly season with salt.
Then add the onions and stir-fry to enhance both texture and sweetness.
4. Umami boost
Pour in 1 tbsp each of tuna sauce and soy sauce.
Continue cooking over medium heat, letting the flavors soak in.
5. Perilla finish
Sprinkle in 3 tbsp of perilla seed powder and mix well.
If it gets too dry, add 1–2 tbsp of water to keep it moist.
Finally, toss in the green onions, turn off the heat, and drizzle with sesame oil to finish.
Why Bamboo Shoots Are Good for You
Bamboo shoots are high in protein and low in fat—perfect for clean eating and weight management.
They’re rich in insoluble fiber, which helps improve gut health and reduce constipation.
Thanks to their high potassium content, they can also help flush out excess sodium and support blood pressure regulation.
In Korean traditional medicine, bamboo shoots have long been considered a natural detoxifier that cools the body.
What’s So Special About Perilla Seed Powder?
Perilla seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
They’re also a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin E—great for your bones and skin.
When toasted or cooked, perilla seed powder releases an incredible nutty aroma that takes simple ingredients to the next level.
And when paired with bamboo shoots? It’s a match made in Korean kitchen heaven.
Other Easy Recipes from Ssuang’s Kitchen
- 🥔 Creamy Potato & Broccoli Salad – a kid favorite(감자브로콜리 샐러드)
- 🍚 Crab Stick Cabbage Rice Bowl – done in 10 minutes(양배추 덮밥)
- 🍆 Pan-Seared Eggplant – soft and savory(가지관자구이)
Ssuang’s Daily Bite
Bamboo shoots used to feel like a mystery ingredient to me—but now, the moment I spot them at the store, I immediately think,
“Let’s stir-fry them with perilla powder!”
They go so well with common veggies like carrots and onions, which means less waste and a perfect fit for my “clean out the fridge” philosophy.
So how about it?
Give this crunchy, nutty bamboo shoot stir-fry a try today—you might be surprised how easy (and addictive) it is. 😉
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