Spicy and Sweet Kimchi Pork Stir-fry
How to Make Kimchi Pork Stir-fry (Perfect for Dubu Kimchi Too!)
A delightful combination of pork and kimchi, beloved by Koreans! Introducing our Kimchi Pork Stir-fry, made with well-fermented aged kimchi and tender pork shoulder, stir-fried to a perfect spicy and sweet flavor. Ever wondered about the difference between Jeyuk Bokkeum and Duruchigi? Jeyuk Bokkeum typically involves stir-frying pork with various seasonings, while Duruchigi is cooked with a slightly more soupy consistency, incorporating more vegetables. This recipe focuses on a drier stir-fry, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s perfect served over freshly steamed rice or enjoyed with warm, pan-fried tofu. We even include tips on adjusting the spice level for kids! Experience the deep flavor of aged kimchi harmonizing with the rich taste of pork in this Kimchi Pork Stir-fry, a satisfying meal for any time, especially when you’re craving something delicious.
Main Ingredients- Aged Kimchi 1/2 head
- Pork Shoulder 300g
- Onion 1/2
- Firm Tofu 1 block
- Green Onion 1 stalk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, before cutting the kimchi, let’s marinate the pork shoulder. Add 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin), and a pinch of salt to the 300g of pork. This simple marinade will tenderize the meat and remove any porky odors.
Step 2
Next, prepare the kimchi. We’re using aged kimchi from last year’s batch. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm wide. Using well-fermented kimchi will add a deeper flavor to the stir-fry. We’re using about half a head.
Step 3
Now, let’s prep the vegetables to stir-fry with the kimchi. Slice half an onion into strips and cut 1 green onion into diagonal pieces. If you like it spicy, you can add some chopped chili peppers here, but if you’re serving this to children, it’s best to omit them.
Step 4
Heat about 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat.
Step 5
Once the pan is heated, add the chopped kimchi and begin to stir-fry it. The kimchi will release its moisture, creating a nice, moist base.
Step 6
To mellow out the sourness of the kimchi, add 1 Tbsp of sugar and stir-fry it together. The sugar helps to balance the tanginess, making it more savory and delicious.
Step 7
After stir-frying the kimchi and sugar for about 1-2 minutes until well combined, add the marinated pork. Break up any clumps of pork with your spatula and stir-fry everything together.
Step 8
As the pork and kimchi start to cook, add all the seasoning ingredients for the Kimchi Pork Stir-fry. These are: 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin), 1-2 Tbsp gochugaru (adjust to your spice preference), and 3-5 Tbsp of kimchi juice. The kimchi juice is key to adding authentic flavor and depth.
Step 9
Stir everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Continue to stir-fry until the kimchi and pork are fully cooked. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the seasoning from burning.
Step 10
When the kimchi and pork are about 80% cooked, add the prepared onions and green onions. Stir-fry together for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 11
If you want an extra kick, now is the time to add chopped chili peppers. However, if you’re cooking for children, like we are, you’d skip this step and focus on keeping the overall spice level mild.
Step 12
Once all ingredients are cooked, reduce the heat slightly. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of oligodang (or corn syrup) and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and give it a final quick stir to finish. This adds a lovely sheen and nutty aroma to your Kimchi Pork Stir-fry.
Step 13
Now, let’s prepare the tofu, which pairs wonderfully with the Kimchi Pork Stir-fry. Cut the firm tofu into desired pieces. You can warm it up gently, but pan-frying it until golden brown on both sides adds a delightful crispiness and nutty flavor. We prefer the pan-fried method at our house.
Step 14
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan and arrange the tofu pieces evenly.
Step 15
Lightly sprinkle the tofu with salt and pepper. Then, pan-fry over medium-low heat until golden brown on each side. This will give you a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
Step 16
With the perfectly pan-fried tofu and the delicious spicy and sweet Kimchi Pork Stir-fry ready, a wonderful ‘Kimchi Pork Stir-fry & Dubu Kimchi’ meal is complete!
Step 17
There’s quite a bit of pork in this Kimchi Pork Stir-fry, so it leans more towards that than Dubu Kimchi, but serving it with warm, savory tofu makes it absolutely perfect. The aged kimchi brings such a deep, rich flavor that you don’t need to over-season. It’s truly delicious!
Step 18
Because the kimchi was so well-fermented, it provided an incredible depth of flavor without needing excessive seasoning. The combination of the kimchi’s natural savoriness and the pork’s richness was simply fantastic. The aged kimchi’s natural umami is the star!
Step 19
By adjusting the spice level, even my third-grader, the eldest child, could enjoy this dish as a side. It’s so rewarding when you find dishes that the whole family can share as they grow. We hope you enjoy a delicious meal with this Kimchi Pork Stir-fry that everyone can savor!
