Bacon Dubu Kimchi: A Flavorful Twist
Elevate Your Dubu Kimchi with Savory Bacon!
Tired of the same old Dubu Kimchi? This recipe adds a delicious twist using crispy bacon, enhancing the umami and adding a wonderful depth of flavor. The combination of savory bacon, tangy kimchi, and soft tofu creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a quick meal, a side dish, or even as a delicious appetizer with drinks!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented kimchi, chopped
- 1 block (about 14oz or 400g) tofu
- 5 strips of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 stalk of green onion, chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, seeded and chopped (for color)
- 1 green chili pepper, seeded and chopped (for a touch of heat)
Seasoning & Garnish- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (Korean sesame oil)
- A pinch of black sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (Korean sesame oil)
- A pinch of black sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional, adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the block of tofu in half and carefully place it in boiling water. Blanch for about 2-3 minutes. This process firms up the tofu, removes any raw taste, and gives it a wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 2
Gently remove the blanched tofu from the water and let it drain. Slice the tofu into flat, bite-sized pieces. It’s best to slice it while it’s still warm to prevent it from breaking. After slicing, lightly pat the tofu pieces with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This step helps prevent oil splattering when stir-frying and results in a cleaner dish.
Step 3
Chop the well-fermented kimchi into pieces about 1-1.5 cm wide. If the kimchi is very sour or spicy, you can give it a quick rinse under cold water beforehand to adjust the flavor. Ensuring it’s chopped into manageable pieces makes it easier to eat.
Step 4
Cut the bacon strips into pieces roughly the same length as your chopped kimchi. This ensures a good balance of flavors and makes for attractive plating. Since bacon releases its own fat, you won’t need to add much extra oil.
Step 5
Finely chop the green onion, using both the white and green parts. The fresh aroma of the green onion will greatly enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Step 6
Peel and thinly slice the onion. The natural sweetness of the onion will complement the tanginess of the kimchi beautifully.
Step 7
Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until it softens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. If the kimchi is too sour for your liking, you can add a little more sugar in this step.
Step 8
Once the kimchi is softened, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Now, add the cut bacon and continue to stir-fry until the bacon is cooked and blends well with the kimchi. The combination of bacon fat and kimchi creates an incredible depth of savory flavor. (If you prefer more heat, you can add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru here.)
Step 9
When the bacon is nicely cooked and everything is well combined, add the sliced onion and chopped green onion. Stir-fry until the onions become translucent and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vegetables’ fresh crunch.
Step 10
Once all the ingredients are cooked through and nicely mixed, toss in the chopped red and green chili peppers. Stir-fry briefly for about 30 seconds. The chilies add a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh spice.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle in some black sesame seeds and give it a final stir. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds adds a wonderful finishing touch and balances the dish.
Step 12
Arrange the sliced tofu attractively on a serving plate. Spoon the delicious bacon kimchi stir-fry alongside the tofu. The visual presentation of the soft tofu and the vibrant kimchi creates an appealing contrast.
Step 13
Garnish the tofu with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds to complete this delightful Bacon Dubu Kimchi. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice or alongside your favorite Korean makgeolli (rice wine)!
