Kim Soo-mi’s Savory Stir-Fried Aged Kimchi (Muk-eunji Bokkeum)
Deliciously Savory Aged Kimchi Stir-Fry Recipe Inspired by Kim Soo-mi
Aged kimchi (muk-eunji) can often become a challenge to use up during the summer months. Instead of discarding it, try this wonderful recipe! While some people enjoy aging their kimchi for extended periods, I prefer to cook and consume it within a year. Very old kimchi can sometimes develop a bitter taste or a pungent smell, making it difficult to cook with. There are many dishes you can make with aged kimchi, but today I’m sharing a recipe inspired by Kim Soo-mi’s aged kimchi stew, transformed into a flavorful stir-fry. When kimchi is made well and ages properly, it develops a deep, delicious flavor without any off-putting smells, making it a comforting staple in the kimchi refrigerator. Today, we’ll be using this wonderful aged kimchi to create a delicious stir-fried dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 head aged kimchi (muk-eunji)
- 2 Tbsp dried anchovies (for broth)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-gireum)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly rinse the aged kimchi under running water to remove excess chili powder and seasoning. If the kimchi is too sour, soaking it in cold water for a while can help balance the flavor. The crisp texture of the aged kimchi is truly delightful! You can either cut the rinsed kimchi into bite-sized pieces or cook it whole for a more rustic presentation and flavor.
Step 2
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the aged kimchi and stir-fry until it softens slightly. Once coated with oil, add enough water to cover the kimchi. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process helps to mellow out any strong flavors and tenderize the kimchi.
Step 3
After simmering for about 20 minutes, the aged kimchi should be tender and look delicious. Add 2 tablespoons of dried anchovies. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ensuring everything is well combined. The anchovies will add a wonderful savory and refreshing depth to the dish.
Step 4
Continue to simmer over low heat for about 20 more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. You can serve it with a bit of sauce, like a stew, or reduce it further to a drier stir-fry. Finish by drizzling in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and sprinkling 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds. This simple yet deeply flavorful aged kimchi stir-fry is a perfect side dish for any meal!
