Spicy and Savory Stir-Fried Kimchi with Tuna: A Golden Recipe
A Delicious Tuna Kimchi Stir-Fry Made with Well-Fermented Kimchi!
I noticed my ripe kimchi in the fridge, so I decided to stir-fry it with some savory tuna to make a fantastic side dish for rice. Its perfectly sour, sweet, and spicy flavor is so good, it’ll make you finish a bowl of rice in no time!
Main Ingredients- 2 heads of ripe kimchi
- 1 can of tuna (approx. 150g)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust according to kimchi’s sourness)
- 1 tsp MSG or similar umami enhancer (Dasida)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the 2 heads of ripe kimchi, drain them well, and then chop them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-1.5cm wide). Place all the chopped kimchi into a pot or a deep frying pan (wok).
Step 2
Prepare one can of tuna (approx. 150g) and open it. Don’t discard the oil from the tuna; pour all of it over the kimchi. This oil will add a rich, savory flavor to the stir-fried kimchi.
Step 3
Add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil (deulgireum) to the pan to further enhance the kimchi’s flavor. Then, pour in 1 cup (200ml) of water. Stir everything gently to combine. Now, bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 4
If the kimchi tastes too sour, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to mellow out the acidity. If the kimchi’s sourness is just right for your preference, you can omit the sugar. This step helps balance the flavors to your liking.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the kimchi becomes tender and the liquid has reduced to a saucy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 6
Once the kimchi has simmered and softened to your liking, add the prepared tuna. Gently break up the tuna chunks and mix them evenly with the kimchi.
Step 7
Add 1 teaspoon of MSG or a similar umami enhancer (like Dasida) to season the dish. This will add a complex layer of flavor, making the stir-fried kimchi even more delicious.
Step 8
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a fragrant finish and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds over the top. Your delicious tuna kimchi stir-fry is now complete! If you find it’s not salty enough, add a tiny pinch of salt to adjust the seasoning to your taste. This dish is also wonderful served over a bowl of hot rice.
