Delicious and Satisfying Tuna Kimchi Stir-Fry Recipe
Perfect for When You Lack Appetite! Super Simple Tuna Kimchi Stir-Fry Using Leftover Kimchi
This magical side dish is ready in a flash using leftover aged kimchi from holidays or feasts and a can of tuna, which is a pantry staple! The harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and salty flavors is truly a rice thief. Rekindle your appetite with this universally loved recipe!
Main Ingredients- 2 cans tuna (150g each), drained
- 300g aged kimchi (well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi), excess brine squeezed out
- 1/2 large green onion (approx. 50g)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp kelp soy sauce or regular soy sauce (adjust based on kimchi’s saltiness)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness and your preference)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp kelp soy sauce or regular soy sauce (adjust based on kimchi’s saltiness)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness and your preference)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully open the tuna cans and drain out as much oil as possible using a sieve or a spoon. This enhances the tuna’s natural flavor while removing excess oil for a cleaner taste.
Step 2
For the aged kimchi, if it’s very sour, you can lightly rinse it under water before using. Squeeze out any excess brine, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kimchi into the pan you will be using for stir-frying.
Step 3
Finely chop the green onion. If you don’t have green onion, you can skip this step, but it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.
Step 4
Add the drained tuna on top of the chopped kimchi. Distribute it evenly. The kimchi and tuna will blend together to create a delicious harmony.
Step 5
Now, add all the seasoning ingredients (except for the sesame seeds): soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil. It’s crucial to adjust the amount of seasoning based on the kimchi’s sourness and saltiness, as well as your personal taste. For example, if your kimchi is very sour, add a little more sugar. If it’s too salty, omit or reduce the soy sauce. Stir everything together well over high heat and stir-fry for about 7-8 minutes. This process allows the kimchi’s moisture to evaporate and the flavors to meld deeply into the ingredients.
Step 6
Finally, add the chopped green onion and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The crisp texture and fragrance of the green onion will add another layer of flavor. Just stir-fry until the green onion is slightly softened.
Step 7
Turn off the heat and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the finished tuna kimchi stir-fry. This dish makes a fantastic meal when served with warm rice!