Colorful Zucchini, Tuna, and Kimchi Fried Rice
Quick and Nutritious Zucchini, Tuna, and Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe Using Aged Kimchi
Experience a delightful harmony of fresh zucchini, savory aged kimchi, and rich tuna in this irresistibly delicious Zucchini, Tuna, and Kimchi Fried Rice. Perfect for a one-bowl meal, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up fresh zucchini that’s starting to wilt. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. The deep flavor of aged kimchi, the tender texture of zucchini, and the savory richness of tuna come together to create a taste that everyone will love. Make your mealtime special with this simple yet fulfilling fried rice!
Main Ingredients- 1 Zucchini
- 1/5 head of Aged Kimchi (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 stalk of Green Onion (or 1 stalk)
- 1 can of Tuna (150g)
- 2 bowls of Cooked Rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly, trim the ends, and finely mince it into about 0.5cm pieces. It’s best not to chop them too small, so they don’t become overly mushy when stir-fried.
Step 2
Thinly slice the green onion, including both the white and green parts. This will help release its fragrant aroma during cooking.
Step 3
Gently shake out excess brine from the aged kimchi, remove as much of the kimchi paste as possible, and then finely mince it into about 0.5cm pieces. Using slightly sour kimchi will enhance the umami flavor of the fried rice.
Step 4
Now, let’s start cooking! Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced green onions and stir-fry slowly, being careful not to burn them, to create fragrant green onion oil. The key is to cook until a rich, sweet aroma is released from the green onions.
Step 5
Once the green onion oil is fragrant, add the minced zucchini and stir-fry together. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the zucchini becomes translucent and tender.
Step 6
When the zucchini has softened, add the minced aged kimchi and stir-fry. Continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the kimchi’s sourness mellows and its savory flavor develops.
Step 7
After the kimchi has been sautéed sufficiently, add 2 teaspoons of sugar. This will help balance the sourness of the kimchi and harmonize the overall flavors. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the saltiness and sourness of your aged kimchi.
Step 8
Now it’s time to add the tuna. The tuna oil adds flavor, so if it’s not excessively oily, you can add it along with the tuna. If there’s too much oil, gently press it out with a paper towel before adding. Stir gently and cook for about 1 minute after adding the tuna.
Step 9
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir-fry for another 2 minutes to allow all the ingredients to meld together. Use the soy sauce to season and ensure the flavors are well-combined.
Step 10
Now for the star of fried rice – the rice! Add 2 bowls of warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to gently break apart any clumps of rice and stir-fry until it’s evenly mixed with the other ingredients. It’s important to stir-fry thoroughly so that each grain of rice is coated with the seasoning. Taste the rice, and if it needs more flavor, add just a tiny bit more soy sauce.
Step 11
Let’s make a fried egg to accompany the fried rice! Lightly oil a pan and cook the eggs over low heat to your desired doneness – sunny-side up or over-easy. Cooking the egg sunny-side up over low heat will help it maintain its shape and result in a beautiful golden-yellow color when placed on top of the fried rice.
Step 12
Voila! Your delicious Zucchini, Tuna, and Kimchi Fried Rice is ready. Top it with a perfectly cooked fried egg for an even more appetizing meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!
