Quick Tuna and Tofu Kimchi Stir-fry
Super Speedy Appetizer or Side Dish! Tuna, Tofu, and Kimchi
Here’s a super quick appetizer recipe: Tuna, Tofu, and Kimchi! We’ll skip boiling the tofu and use the microwave for faster preparation, plus canned tuna is convenient anytime, anywhere. This dish is perfect as a snack or even a side dish for your meals.
Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300g) firm tofu
- 1 can (approx. 150g) tuna, drained
- 1 heaping cup (approx. 150g) well-fermented (sour) kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum syrup)
- 2 Tbsp mirin or cooking wine
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the ingredients for your delicious Tuna, Tofu, and Kimchi dish! Ensure all ingredients are washed and prepped.
Step 2
Rinse the tofu under cool running water and then cut it into thick, bite-sized pieces (e.g., slice in half horizontally, then into three equal pieces vertically). To make it tender without boiling, place the tofu in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (or cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes), and microwave for 3 minutes.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion into strips, about 0.2cm thick. Open the can of tuna and carefully drain off all the oil. This will give you a cleaner and less greasy flavor.
Step 4
Squeeze out excess liquid from the chopped kimchi and place it in a pan. Add the kimchi, onion, gochujang, maesilcheong, mirin, gochugaru, and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together over medium heat, making sure it doesn’t burn. (Tip: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more gochugaru. If you prefer less heat, you can omit it or reduce the amount.)
Step 5
Once the kimchi starts to soften and wilt, add the drained tuna to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the tuna is heated through and well combined with the kimchi.
Step 6
Stir everything evenly to combine. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the remaining 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish. (Tip: Taste the dish before serving. If it’s not salty enough, add a tiny splash of soy sauce. If it lacks sweetness, a little more maesilcheong or a pinch of sugar can help. For a richer color, add a bit more gochugaru if desired.)
Step 7
Carefully drain any excess water from the microwaved tofu and arrange it on a serving plate. Top generously with the warm tuna and kimchi stir-fry. Your super quick and easy Tuna, Tofu, and Kimchi dish is now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying side!
