Rich & Savory Perilla Oil Stir-fried Kimchi (Mook-kimchi)
The Ultimate Fermented Kimchi Stir-fry Without Meat: A Baek Jong-won Style Recipe Bursting with Flavor!
Discover how to transform aged, fermented kimchi (mook-kimchi) into a deeply savory and aromatic stir-fry, infused with the rich fragrance of perilla oil. This recipe beautifully highlights the kimchi’s natural umami and the nutty notes of perilla oil, making it a delightful vegetable side dish even for those who prefer milder flavors, including children. Without complex seasonings, this dish becomes a star. We’ll guide you step-by-step through Baek Jong-won’s acclaimed recipe for perilla oil stir-fried mook-kimchi.
Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented aged kimchi (mook-kimchi)
- 8 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A pinch of soup soy sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the half stalk of green onion. Sautéing this with perilla oil will create a fragrant green onion oil, enhancing the nutty aroma of the perilla oil.
Step 2
Rinse off any excess chili paste from the kimchi, then squeeze out as much water as possible. This step helps to adjust the kimchi’s sourness and saltiness to a pleasant level for stir-frying.
Step 3
Now, cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them small, or slice them into thin strips as I have done here. Feel free to cut them to your preference; the taste will be delicious regardless.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a generous 8 tablespoons of perilla oil to the pan.
Step 5
Once the perilla oil is warm, add the chopped green onions and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté over medium heat until a light foam forms. This process infuses the oil with the aromatic flavors of garlic and green onion.
Step 6
When the mixture starts to bubble and foam slightly, add the prepared kimchi. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste the kimchi as it cooks; if it seems a bit bland, add a tiny bit of soup soy sauce to season. It’s crucial to adjust the seasoning based on your kimchi’s natural saltiness and your personal preference.
Step 7
After stir-frying the kimchi for a few minutes, add the 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Continue to cook for another minute or so. The sugar will balance the acidity of the kimchi and add a beautiful sheen to the dish.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle in some sesame seeds or crushed sesame seeds to your liking and give it a final mix. Your delicious perilla oil stir-fried kimchi is ready! This dish is just as satisfying as spicier kimchi stir-fries, offering a deep, nutty flavor. It’s a fantastic way to use up aged kimchi from your kimchi jar. Served over warm rice, it’s an absolute delight! This simple and easy recipe makes a wonderful staple side dish that can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed anytime. Enjoy this wonderfully clean and flavorful kimchi stir-fry!
