Rice is the backbone of the Korean table. Because it’s eaten every day, even a tiny tweak can change both its nutrition and flavor. Lately, food lovers have been raving about adding kelp and perilla oil when they cook rice. Kelp brings mineral-rich ocean notes, while perilla oil contributes a warm, nutty aroma.
Adding these two ingredients deepens the rice’s flavor and turns an ordinary bowl into something more nourishing, with extra fiber and minerals. It’s a simple trick that yields rice that’s noticeably richer and more satisfying.
Why add kelp?
Kelp is a go-to for broths, but it’s a quiet hero for rice, too. Kelp is packed with minerals, and when cooked with rice it gently infuses the grains with umami. It releases flavor without long simmering, so it’s an easy, low-effort way to boost taste while you cook rice.
Why add perilla oil?
Perilla oil brings a pronounced, toasty scent—just a little added during cooking makes the pot smell amazing. That warm, nutty aroma turns plain rice into something cozy and craveable, even without elaborate sides. Perilla oil also helps tenderize the grains, giving the rice a softer, more pleasant texture.
The combo of kelp and perilla oil
Kelp brings savory umami while perilla oil adds toasty, nutty depth. Together they make rice taste more layered and luxurious—the aroma is irresistible and the texture softer, so a few simple side dishes are all you need for a satisfying meal. Try it with a splash of soy sauce and some toasted nori for a quick, delicious bowl.
How to make it
First, rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it for 20–30 minutes. Put the soaked rice in your rice cooker and add your usual amount of water. Then lay in one sheet of kelp about the size of your palm. Add about one teaspoon of perilla oil, then cook as you normally would. When the rice is done, you can remove the kelp, finely chop it, and stir it back into the pot if you like.
Simple, healthy rice with deep flavor
Kelp-and-perilla oil rice doesn’t require any special ingredients. Yet the umami and nutty aroma give it a far deeper flavor than plain rice.
Switching up a small part of your everyday rice can make meals feel more satisfying. Using kelp and perilla oil is an easy, stylish way to elevate a staple you already love.
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