Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Kimchi: The Ultimate Recipe
Mouthwatering Stir-Fried Kimchi Recipe: Simple & Delicious Korean Fermented Cabbage
Got some aged, sour kimchi lying around? Transform it into a delectable stir-fried side dish that perfectly balances spicy and sweet flavors, guaranteed to make you crave another bowl of rice. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make delicious stir-fried kimchi in no time!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented sour kimchi (approx. 300g)
- 1 stalk of green onion (white parts mainly)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your aromatics. Finely chop the white parts of the green onion and measure out the minced garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the chopped green onion and minced garlic, and sauté slowly until fragrant and the oil is infused with their aroma, creating a delicious ‘scallion oil’. Once the green onion starts to turn lightly golden, proceed to the next step.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the star ingredient: the sour kimchi. If the kimchi leaves are large, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces directly in the pan with scissors, or julienne them beforehand for easier cooking. Add the prepared kimchi to the pan with the fragrant scallion oil. Stir-fry over medium heat until the kimchi softens and becomes tender. To prevent sticking and ensure tender kimchi, it’s helpful to add 2-3 tablespoons of water while stir-frying. If you prefer a softer, stewed texture, you can add a bit more water and cover the pan to let it simmer gently.
Step 3
Once the kimchi has softened nicely, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or fish sauce to enhance the savory flavor. The amount of soy sauce can be adjusted based on the saltiness and sourness of your kimchi. Taste as you go to ensure it’s not too salty.
Step 4
To balance the strong sourness of the aged kimchi, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. If the kimchi is particularly tangy, consider adding an extra tablespoon of corn syrup (or honey) to further sweeten it. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and corn syrup to your personal preference for sweetness.
Step 5
When the kimchi is fully cooked and well-combined with the seasonings, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish. The rich fragrance of sesame oil will elevate the overall flavor of your stir-fried kimchi.
Step 6
This finished stir-fried kimchi offers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet flavors, making it an incredibly appealing side dish! While it might have a slight tang initially, the sweetness mellows it out, creating a perfect accompaniment to rice. Your family is sure to love how delicious it is!
Step 7
And there you have it – a super simple yet incredibly flavorful stir-fried kimchi recipe using aged kimchi! Make a wonderful meal with your leftover kimchi. Making stir-fried kimchi is no longer a challenge, right? Enjoy your delicious creation!