Asian-inspired pesto pasta using fragrant perilla leaves, pine nuts, and garlic, served with fresh kalguksu noodles. This dish is a unique twist on traditional pesto, perfect for those looking to try something new and healthy.
1: Wash your perilla leaves and dry well.
2: Roughly chop and add into a food processor along with the pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Process until it has broken down into a fine texture, scraping down the sides in between as needed.
3: With the motor still running, slowly stream in your oil. Once all the oil has been used, continue to process for another 30 seconds until well combined.
4: Taste, season if needed, and transfer into a jar.
5: Bring a pot of water to the boil and cook your noodles. About 1 minute before they're done, drain. Also set aside some of the cooking liquid to use.
6: Add a portion of noodles to a pan along with some pesto (approx. 3 tbsp) and a splash of the noodle cooking liquid (start with 1/3-1/2 cup and add more as needed). Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook until sauce has thickened.
7: Transfer to a plate and garnish with fresh perilla and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
