Delicious Stir-Fried White Kimchi with Perilla Oil: A Simple & Flavorful Side Dish
Savory Stir-Fried White Kimchi with Perilla Oil
Don’t throw away your white kimchi if it’s gotten a bit sour and its color has changed! Stir-frying it with fragrant perilla oil transforms it into a delicious side dish perfect for rice. It’s so easy to make, you can whip up a delightful meal even on busy days.
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head White Kimchi
- 3 Tbsp Perilla Oil (or Sesame Oil)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Scallions (chopped)
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before cutting the white kimchi, gently shake off any excess fermented paste from the leaves. Rinsing it once or twice under cold water will help moderate the sourness while retaining its pleasant tang, preventing it from becoming too acidic when stir-fried.
Step 2
Drain the rinsed white kimchi well. Chop it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 cm in length. Avoid chopping it too finely, as it might become mushy during the stir-frying process.
Step 3
Finely chop the scallions to a similar size as the white kimchi, around 1 to 1.5 cm. This will add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s begin stir-frying. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the 3 tablespoons of perilla oil. Once the fragrant aroma of the perilla oil starts to release, add all the chopped scallions to the pan.
Step 5
Sauté the scallions in the perilla oil for about 1-2 minutes, until their fragrance intensifies. This process of creating ‘scallion oil’ significantly deepens the umami flavor of the dish. When the scallions begin to turn slightly golden, get ready to add the next ingredient.
Step 6
Add the chopped white kimchi to the pan. Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of sugar. The sugar will help to gently balance the sourness of the white kimchi and enhance its overall flavor profile.
Step 7
Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the white kimchi, sugar, and scallion oil to meld together beautifully. The dish is ready when the white kimchi becomes tender and develops a slight sheen. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too soft.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added nutty flavor and texture. Give it a final mix, and your delicious stir-fried white kimchi is ready! Serve it over a bowl of hot rice for a delightful meal that will surely awaken your appetite.
