Perfect Harmony! Spicy & Sweet Tofu Kimchi Recipe
The Ultimate Duo: Well-fermented Kimchi and Soft Tofu
Kimchi that’s perfectly aged is delicious on its own, but when stir-fried with pork, its flavor intensifies! It’s a great side dish for rice, but if you’re looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, pairing it with tofu creates a satisfying and healthy meal. I made this because our kimchi is just at its peak deliciousness right now. Get ready for a delightful Tofu Kimchi that you can enjoy even without rice.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of well-fermented kimchi
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 100g ground pork (optional)
- 1 block of firm tofu
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and briefly blanch them in boiling water to prepare. This removes any unwanted odor from the tofu and gives it a firmer texture. Slice the onion thinly; it adds sweetness and depth to the stir-fried kimchi. Get it ready!
Step 2
Heat a pan with a little cooking oil. Add the ground pork and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink. Next, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Once the onions soften, add the chopped kimchi and minced garlic, and stir-fry until the sharp tang of the kimchi mellows out.
Step 3
Now, add the sugar and vinegar to enhance the savory and tangy flavors of the stir-fried kimchi. Adding a little vinegar can further enhance the kimchi’s aroma and add a refreshing taste. A famous kimchi stew restaurant uses this trick, so be sure to try it!
Step 4
After stir-frying the kimchi and seasonings well, pour in 2 cups (400ml) of water and let it simmer until the kimchi becomes tender. Once the sauce has slightly reduced and the kimchi is soft, turn off the heat just before adding 3 tablespoons of perilla oil for a fragrant finish. Your delicious perilla oil-infused stir-fried kimchi is ready! Serve it with the warm blanched tofu and enjoy!