Crispy Fried Tofu with Stir-fried Aged Kimchi: A Delightful Dubu Kimchi
Golden Fried Tofu Paired with Spicy, Sweet, and Sour Stir-fried Aged Kimchi: The Ultimate Dubu Kimchi Recipe
Experience the incredible duo of crispy fried tofu and flavor-packed aged kimchi stir-fry! This Dubu Kimchi recipe brings a restaurant-quality dish right into your home. The contrast of textures and the rich, complex flavors make it an irresistible treat.
Key Ingredients for Tofu and Kimchi Stir-fry- 1 block of firm tofu (approx. 300-400g)
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 1/4 head of aged kimchi (approx. 200-250g), preferably 3-year-aged
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the tofu. Cut the block of tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick (e.g., into quarters or sixths). Gently pat the surface of the tofu dry with paper towels; this helps prevent oil splattering and ensures a crispier fry.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan. The oil should be deep enough to submerge about half of the tofu pieces. Preheat the oil until small bubbles form around a chopstick inserted into it (around 170°C or 340°F).
Step 3
Carefully place the cut tofu into the preheated oil. Fry the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. This ‘deep-fry until golden and crisp’ method creates a wonderful contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Step 4
Once perfectly fried, transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining the crispiness of the tofu.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious kimchi stir-fry. Remove the tough core from the aged kimchi, then finely chop the kimchi leaves and stems. If your kimchi is very sour, you can lightly rinse it under water and squeeze out the excess moisture before chopping.
Step 6
Heat a little oil in a pan and add the chopped aged kimchi. Stir-fry until the kimchi softens slightly. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar, and stir-fry quickly. The sugar helps to mellow the kimchi’s tartness and enhances its savory flavor. Continue to stir-fry until the kimchi is tender and glossy.
Step 7
Beautifully plate your Dubu Kimchi. Arrange the crispy fried tofu on one side of a serving plate and the flavorful stir-fried aged kimchi on the other. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty aroma and visual appeal.
Step 8
Enjoy your homemade Dubu Kimchi, featuring the perfect harmony of crispy fried tofu and the zesty, sweet, and spicy aged kimchi stir-fry! It’s a fantastic dish to serve as a satisfying meal with warm rice or as an excellent appetizer alongside a cold glass of makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
