Korean Soba Noodles (Deulgrieum Memil Guksu)

Korean soba noodles with perilla oil, also called Deulgireum Memil Guksu, is a savory and refreshing Korean noodle dish. It takes less than 15 minutes to cook and it’s perfect for a quick and easy pantry recipe. Perilla oil is made from toasted perilla seeds which is native to Eastern Asia. Similar to sesame oil, perilla oil has a distinct nutty aroma and taste and is commonly used in various Korean dishes. In comparison to other plant oils, perilla oil contains one of the highest amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that need to be obtained from dietary sources or supplements as the body can’t produce them on its own. As an essential fat for the human body, omega fatty acids provide numerous health benefits including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and improving cognitive function. Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as perilla oil may help in lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol which is important for improving overall cardiovascular health.Omega-3 fatty acids can also help maintain healthy skin by supporting the skin’s barrier function. In addition, buckwheat soba noodles offer many essential vitamins as well as minerals including manganese, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins. They are low in fat and high in dietary fibre, which can support digestive health and help control blood sugar levels. Even if you don’t have perilla oil at home, you can still make this recipe with sesame oil. However, I would definitely recommend you try perilla oil for its own taste! Feel free to add your choice of garnishes like vegetables or proteins, and enjoy!