Spicy & Sweet Kimchi Tomato Stir-fry
Transform Your Leftover Kimchi! A Delicious ‘Kimchi Tomato Stir-fry’ Recipe
The key to a delicious kimchi stir-fry is delicious kimchi itself! However, when using kimchi that’s not quite at its peak flavor, adding sugar often results in a dish that’s still lacking. That’s where a secret ingredient comes in: whole tomatoes! Stir-frying your aged kimchi with whole tomatoes creates a surprisingly fantastic flavor, blending the deep taste of aged kimchi with the refreshing tang of tomatoes. If you have some less-than-perfect kimchi hanging around, try this recipe to make a wonderful ‘Kimchi Tomato Stir-fry’! It’s incredibly delicious and a perfect side dish for rice. ^^
Ingredients- 200g well-fermented kimchi (aged kimchi recommended)
- 100g canned whole tomatoes
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- A little corn syrup (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your main ingredients: 200g of aged kimchi and 100g of canned whole tomatoes. If using aged kimchi, lightly squeeze out excess kimchi juice and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm) for easier stir-frying.
Step 2
Lightly oil a pan and add the cut kimchi. Stir-fry over medium heat. Use chopsticks or a spatula to gently toss the kimchi so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Continue stir-frying for about 5-6 minutes until the kimchi becomes slightly golden and releases a sweet aroma. This step removes any raw smell and enhances the kimchi’s flavor.
Step 3
Once the kimchi is sufficiently stir-fried, add 0.5 Tbsp of sugar and stir well for about 1 minute. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the kimchi and adds a depth of flavor. Then, add the prepared whole tomatoes, including their juice, to the pan.
Step 4
After adding the whole tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This allows the moisture from the tomatoes and the kimchi to meld together, creating a moist stir-fry. Since whole tomatoes are quite juicy, you won’t need to add any extra water.
Step 5
After 2-3 minutes, lift the lid to reveal your perfectly cooked ‘Kimchi Tomato Stir-fry,’ moist and blended beautifully. Isn’t it simple? ^^ If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can drizzle about 0.5 Tbsp of corn syrup just before turning off the heat for extra gloss and sweetness. (I personally prefer it without, but feel free to add it according to your preference!)
