Introduction

Deulgireum (들기름) is Korean perilla oil, pressed from the seeds of the perilla plant (deulkkae). It is one of the two great Korean finishing oils, alongside chamgireum (sesame oil), and it has a distinctive nutty, grassy aroma that many Koreans love.

Perilla oil has become a trend in recent years thanks to deulgireum makguksu, simple buckwheat noodles dressed with perilla oil, soy sauce and seaweed.

Deulgireum at a Glance

What it is

• An aromatic oil pressed from toasted perilla seeds

Main ingredients

• 100% perilla seeds

Taste

• Nutty and toasty with a fresh, slightly herbal, grassy note

Main uses

• Seasoned vegetables (namul), perilla oil noodles, brushing gim, soups, bibimbap

What is Deulgireum Made Of?

Deulgireum is made by roasting perilla seeds and pressing out the oil. The perilla plant (Perilla frutescens) is the same plant that gives Korean perilla leaves (kkaennip); its small seeds are also ground into deulkkaegaru (perilla seed powder). Perilla oil is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid).

• Roasted perilla oil – the standard, dark-golden, strongly aromatic type
• Cold-pressed (raw) perilla oil – lighter in color and flavor
• Blended oils – perilla mixed with other oils; check the label for the percentage

What Does Deulgireum Taste Like?

Perilla oil is nutty like sesame oil but less sweet and more earthy, with a grassy, almost minty freshness. It coats noodles and vegetables in a rich, savory way. Because the flavor is delicate and the oil oxidizes easily, it is usually added at the end of cooking or used raw rather than for high-heat frying.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Deulgireum

Deulgireum Makguksu

Cold buckwheat noodles tossed with perilla oil, soy sauce and a mountain of crushed seaweed and perilla seeds.

Namul (Seasoned Vegetables)

Dried radish greens, bracken or eggplant are often stir-fried or dressed with perilla oil.

Deulgireum Gim

Sheets of gim brushed with perilla oil, salted and toasted, a classic way to make seasoned seaweed.

Miyeok-guk

Some families sauté the seaweed in perilla oil instead of sesame oil for a deeper, nuttier soup.

Easy Perilla Oil Noodles Recipe (Deulgireum Makguksu, Serves 2)

Ingredients

• 2 servings (about 7 oz / 200 g) dried buckwheat noodles (memil guksu or soba)
• 2 sheets roasted gim, crushed (or a handful of seasoned seaweed flakes)
• 2 tbsp toasted perilla seed powder or toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced cucumber or green onion (optional)

Sauce (per 2 servings)

• 3 tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar or rice syrup
• 1 tbsp water or cold noodle broth (optional, to loosen)

Instructions

1. Mix the sauce. Stir together the soy sauce, sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Keep the perilla oil separate for now.
2. Cook the noodles. Boil the buckwheat noodles according to the package, usually 4–5 minutes. Stir at the start so they do not stick.
3. Rinse. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold running water, rubbing gently to remove surface starch, until fully chilled. Drain very well.
4. Dress. Divide the noodles into bowls. Pour over the soy mixture, then drizzle 1½ tbsp perilla oil over each bowl.
5. Top and toss. Pile on the crushed gim and perilla seed powder (and cucumber if using). Mix thoroughly at the table and eat right away.

Tip: Use generous amounts of seaweed and perilla seeds; they soak up the oil and make every strand savory.

Where to Buy Deulgireum

Perilla oil is sold in glass or plastic bottles at Korean grocery stores, usually next to sesame oil. Look for “perilla oil” or “perilla seed oil” and check that it is 100% perilla.

United States

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Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=korean+perilla+oil

H-Mart
https://www.hmart.com/search?type=product&q=perilla oil

Canada

Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=korean+perilla+oil

Europe

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=korean+perilla+oil

How to Store Deulgireum

Perilla oil is high in omega-3 fats, which makes it go rancid faster than sesame oil. After opening, close it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator, and try to use it within a few months. If it smells sharp, paint-like or bitter, it has spoiled and should be thrown away.

Deulgireum FAQ

What is the difference between perilla oil and sesame oil?

They come from different seeds. Sesame oil is sweeter and toastier; perilla oil is earthier and grassier. Perilla oil also spoils faster and should be refrigerated.

Can I cook with perilla oil?

Yes, for gentle sautéing such as namul or seaweed soup. It is not ideal for deep frying or very high heat, which damages its flavor.

Is perilla oil the same as shiso oil?

Shiso and Korean perilla are varieties of the same species, Perilla frutescens, so the seed oils are closely related. Korean perilla oil is typically made from roasted seeds and has a stronger nutty taste.

Can I use sesame oil instead for makguksu?

Yes. The noodles will still taste good, just sweeter and less earthy than the original.

Conclusion

Deulgireum is Korea’s nutty, grassy perilla oil, perfect for finishing vegetables, seaweed and noodles. Keep it in the fridge, use it generously in deulgireum makguksu, and try it alongside other Korean noodles like naengmyeon to discover a whole new side of Korean flavor.