Delicious Dubu Kimchi: The Ultimate Stir-Fried Kimchi Recipe
A Flavorful Stir-Fried Aged Kimchi Recipe! The Best Way to Make Dubu Kimchi
Enjoy this mouthwatering Dubu Kimchi recipe, featuring perfectly stir-fried aged kimchi served with soft tofu. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or a simple, satisfying meal. Learn how to transform simple ingredients into a culinary delight!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of aged kimchi (approx. 400-500g)
- 1 block of tofu (approx. 800g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tofu, a key component of this dish. Take out one large block of tofu (approx. 800g) from its packaging and place it on a sieve or colander to drain. This process allows excess water to escape, resulting in firmer, tastier fried tofu.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the aged kimchi, which will define the flavor of our stir-fry. Gently wipe half a head of aged kimchi with a clean kitchen towel. Then, shake off some of the excess kimchi juice and place the kimchi into a wok or a wide pan.
Step 3
It’s time to cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Use kitchen scissors to chop the kimchi, including the tough stem parts. Don’t discard the stems; they will become tender and add a great texture when stir-fried!
Step 4
Add a generous amount of olive oil to the kimchi to enhance its flavor. Pour 12 tablespoons of olive oil over the kimchi and mix gently with your hands or a spatula until the oil is evenly distributed.
Step 5
Place the wok over medium heat and begin stir-frying the kimchi. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and to release any pungent kimchi aroma.
Step 6
Once the kimchi is slightly softened, spread it out evenly in the pan. This allows the kimchi to cook more uniformly and to gently ‘simmer’ or ‘sear’ in its own juices, becoming tender.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the sourness of the kimchi and enhance its savory flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sour your kimchi is. Sugar not only mellows the acidity but also adds a pleasant sweetness, making it a perfect side dish for rice.
Step 8
After adding the sugar, stir-fry the kimchi again to distribute it evenly. Cook for another minute until the sugar is well dissolved into the kimchi.
Step 9
Spread the kimchi out in the pan once more and let it simmer gently over low heat. This step is crucial for tenderizing the kimchi stems and allowing the flavors to meld deeply.
Step 10
Stir the kimchi to mix well. At this stage, you’ll notice the olive oil and kimchi juices reducing, concentrating the flavors. Continue cooking until the mixture has a desirable consistency.
Step 11
Spread the kimchi out in the pan again and let it sear until lightly browned. Repeating this process of spreading, searing, and stirring will deepen the kimchi’s flavor.
Step 12
Repeat this process 3-4 times. The key is to alternate between spreading the kimchi out to simmer and then stirring it to cook evenly. This ensures the thick kimchi stems become completely tender and the olive oil is fully absorbed, resulting in a richer and more delicious stir-fried kimchi.
Step 13
Now, let’s prepare the tofu that will accompany our stir-fried kimchi. Check the tofu that has been draining and discard any excess water that has accumulated.
Step 14
Cut the block of tofu in half lengthwise, then slice it into pieces about 0.5 to 1 cm thick. Be careful not to slice them too thinly, as they might break apart during cooking.
Step 15
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Fry the sliced tofu until golden brown on both sides. Arrange the perfectly stir-fried kimchi and the golden-brown fried tofu together on a serving plate. Your delicious Dubu Kimchi is ready!
Step 16
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Dubu Kimchi!
