Bacon and Tofu Kimchi Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Side Dish with Perilla Oil
How to Make Bacon Tofu Kimchi: A Delicious Kimchi Dish Stir-Fried with Perilla Oil
Today, I made Bacon and Tofu Kimchi!
Ingredients
- Bacon 160g
- Aged Kimchi (Sikhimchi) 1/4 head
- Tofu 1 block
- Green Onion 1 stalk
- Perilla Oil 2 Tbsp
- Mirin (Rice Wine) 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1/2 Tbsp
- Water 1/2 cup
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm wide. Slice the green onion diagonally. Prepping ingredients this way makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Lightly shake off any excess liquid from the aged kimchi, then finely chop it into pieces about 1-2cm wide. Avoid chopping it too finely, as this can affect the texture. You want distinct pieces.
Step 3
Preheat a pan over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. Once the pan is warm, add the sliced green onions first and stir-fry them until they become lightly golden and fragrant over medium-low heat. This step creates a flavorful base. Next, add the chopped bacon and stir-fry together.
Step 4
Once the bacon starts to release its fat and turns golden brown, add all the chopped kimchi. Stir-fry until the kimchi softens and wilts. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the pan.
Step 5
When the kimchi has softened and is well combined with the bacon, add 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1/2 tablespoon of oligosaccharide, and 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru. Stir everything evenly. Finally, pour in 1/2 cup of water (using a standard Korean paper cup as a measure) and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6
You can adjust the consistency of the stir-fry to your preference. If you like it saucier, simmer for a shorter time. If you prefer a thicker, drier texture, cook it a bit longer. For a final touch, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds for both visual appeal and added flavor.
Step 7
Gently warm the tofu by placing it in hot water. It’s better to heat the tofu in a separate pot of water over gentle heat rather than adding it directly to the hot kimchi pan, as this can prevent the tofu from breaking. Once warmed, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the tofu nicely on a plate alongside the bacon kimchi stir-fry to complete this hearty meal.
Step 8
The finished Bacon and Tofu Kimchi is a wonderful side dish. The nutty aroma of perilla oil, the savory saltiness of the bacon, and the tangy flavor of kimchi create a perfect harmony. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to traditional Korean alcoholic beverages like makgeolli.
Step 9
This delicious Bacon and Tofu Kimchi is a great dish for the whole family to enjoy. Give it a try! Enjoy your meal today.
