Hearty Pork & Tofu Kimchi
Guaranteed Delicious! Make Your Own Tofu Kimchi – Perfect for Dinner, Snacks, or Special Occasions
Tired of plain tofu kimchi? Meat lovers, rejoice! This recipe is packed with flavorful pork, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side, a hearty snack, or even a showstopper for parties.
Main Ingredients- 300g Sliced Pork Leg (leaner cut, for a lighter taste)
- 400g Slightly Fermented Kimchi (not too sour, for better flavor balance)
- 1 block or 1/2 block Tofu (adjust quantity to your preference)
- 50cc Water (helps prevent burning and keeps pork tender)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Sugar (balances the kimchi’s sourness and adds umami)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine) (removes pork’s odor and enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (a secret ingredient for deep savory notes)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (adds a nutty aroma for a perfect finish)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (balances the kimchi’s sourness and adds umami)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine) (removes pork’s odor and enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (a secret ingredient for deep savory notes)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (adds a nutty aroma for a perfect finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the kimchi. Chop the slightly fermented kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the kimchi juice; mix it with the seasoning ingredients and gently toss everything together. This step allows the kimchi to absorb the flavors deeply.
Step 2
Next, prepare the tofu. Bring enough water to cover the tofu to a rolling boil in a pot. Carefully add the tofu and let it simmer for about 10 minutes without stirring. This gently heats the tofu, helping it hold its shape. (The key is to add tofu to already boiling water, not cold water.)
Step 3
While the tofu is heating, let’s make the ‘pork kimchi’! Heat a pan over high heat and add the sliced pork. Stir-fry until the pork is about 50% cooked. Then, pour in 50cc of water and continue to cook, ensuring the pork is tender and cooked through. Adding water helps prevent burning and keeps the pork moist.
Step 4
Once the pork is over 90% cooked, add the seasoned kimchi to the pan. Stir-fry everything together over high heat, allowing the kimchi’s moisture to evaporate and the flavors to meld beautifully with the pork.
Step 5
A tip for knowing when the pork is perfectly cooked: continue stir-frying until most of the liquid has evaporated and you can smell a slightly toasty, savory aroma. It shouldn’t be burnt, but rather achieve a similar fragrant depth you’d experience with grilled pork belly and kimchi at a restaurant. Cooking until just before burning enhances the flavor profile.
Step 6
By the time the pork kimchi is ready, your tofu should be perfectly heated. Cut the warmed tofu into your desired pieces and arrange them attractively on a serving plate. The stage is now set for a harmonious blend of soft tofu and spicy kimchi.
Step 7
Finally, to enhance the visual appeal, sprinkle about 3-4 pinches of sesame seeds over the finished tofu kimchi. This adds not only a lovely garnish but also a subtle nutty fragrance.
Step 8
Your delicious and hearty pork-filled tofu kimchi is now complete! It boasts a mouthwatering appearance that’s sure to impress.
Step 9
Now it’s time to enjoy this fantastic dish with a refreshing glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine)! We hope you try this recipe and enjoy every bite. Watching recipe videos truly inspires us! Thank you!
