Stir-fried Aged Kimchi with Perilla Oil: Rich and Nutty Side Dish
Make a Savory Explosion with Aged Kimchi and Perilla Oil!
As the kimchi-making season approaches, it’s the perfect time to use up that aged kimchi stored in your refrigerator! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘Stir-fried Aged Kimchi with Perilla Oil’ that’s incredibly nutty and flavorful. When you rinse aged kimchi and stir-fry it in fragrant perilla oil, its sourness mellows beautifully, and the rich aroma of the perilla oil transforms it into the ultimate rice companion that will have you finishing your bowl in no time. While it’s great for fried rice or stews, this simple stir-fry truly lets you savor the charm of aged kimchi. It’s incredibly easy to make, so follow along now!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head aged kimchi (approx. 300-400g)
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (approx. 5g)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 stalk green onion (white part mainly)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the aged kimchi. Rinse the aged kimchi thoroughly under running water to remove any excess seasoning or impurities. Squeeze out as much water as possible by hand; this prevents the stir-fry from becoming too watery.
Step 2
Once squeezed, chop the aged kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 3-4 cm in length so it’s easy to stir-fry. Finely chop the green onion, focusing on the white parts.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the perilla oil. Add the chopped green onion and stir-fry until fragrant and slightly softened, creating ‘green onion oil’. Once the green onion starts to turn lightly golden, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. If your kimchi is quite sour, add the sugar to mellow out the acidity. Add the chopped aged kimchi to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the kimchi to soften and absorb the rich perilla oil flavor.
Step 4
Once the aged kimchi is tender and well-cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and mix well to finish. This dish is also delicious served over warm rice for a simple and satisfying meal!
