Elegant Tofu Kimchi with Amazing Stir-Fried Pork and Kimchi
One-Pan Wonder: The Ultimate Tofu Kimchi and Stir-Fried Pork Kimchi Recipe
Introducing the perfect recipe for Tofu Kimchi and Stir-Fried Pork Kimchi, ideal as a hearty side dish for rice or a delightful appetizer for drinks. Follow this simple yet deeply flavorful method.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 head Well-fermented Kimchi (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 1 stalk Green Onion (white part preferred)
Amazing Seasoning- 2-3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (to balance kimchi’s sourness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for umami)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma and flavor)
- 2-3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (to balance kimchi’s sourness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (for umami)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma and flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a wide pan and add half of your chopped kimchi along with 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the kimchi softens. This will help mellow out any strong kimchi scent and enhance its savory notes.
Step 2
Once the kimchi is sautéed, add the gochugaru and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Continue to stir-fry for another 5 minutes, allowing the seasonings to fully incorporate into the kimchi and develop a rich color. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 3
Push the stir-fried kimchi to one side of the pan. Add the pork to the empty space. Mix the pork with the prepared seasonings (gochujang, minced garlic, soy sauce, cooking wine, plum extract, black pepper) and stir-fry quickly over high heat. It’s important to break up the pork as it cooks to prevent clumping.
Step 4
When the seasoned pork is about 80% cooked, mix it thoroughly with the stir-fried kimchi. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 5
Add the roughly chopped onion and diagonally sliced green onion to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the green onions become fragrant. Adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar at this stage will further balance the kimchi’s sourness and add a touch of sweetness.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of perilla oil around the edges of the pan to add an extra layer of aroma. Mix everything well and stir-fry for one more minute to finish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation and enhanced taste. A little sesame oil can also be added for extra fragrance.
Step 7
Boil the tofu in water for about 5 minutes. This step firms up the tofu and removes any raw taste, resulting in a cleaner flavor. After boiling, gently press out excess water using a kitchen towel or wrap. Then, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
Arrange the prepared tofu neatly on a serving plate. Spoon the delicious stir-fried pork and kimchi alongside the tofu. Your abundant and elegant Tofu Kimchi and stir-fried dish is now complete. Enjoy with a warm bowl of rice!
