Hearty and Delicious Dubu Kimchi
The Ultimate Dubu Kimchi Recipe: Spicy Stir-fried Kimchi with Pork and Soft Tofu
Here’s a Dubu Kimchi recipe that’s perfect as a main side dish or a delightful accompaniment to drinks. Ripe, aged kimchi stir-fried generously with pork creates a satisfying meal when enjoyed with soft tofu. It’s also a ‘rice thief’ that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time! Today, we’re using tender pork belly for its rich flavor, but you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or neck for equally delicious results. The tofu requires no special seasoning; simply warm it up. You can blanch it in boiling water or, for ultimate convenience, microwave it briefly for a perfectly warm and soft texture. This recipe involves sautéing scallions in oil to create a fragrant base, stir-frying pork and kimchi until sizzling, and then finishing with a touch of soy sauce. Thanks to the deep flavor of the aged kimchi, anyone can easily achieve a delicious stir-fried kimchi. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this fantastic main dish, which is even tastier than Jeyuk Bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) thanks to the generous amount of pork.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Tofu
- 1/4 head Ripe Aged Kimchi
- 300g Pork Belly (or pork shoulder, neck, etc.)
- 1 stalk Scallion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For a rich and satisfying flavor in our Dubu Kimchi, we’re using 300g of tender pork belly. Gently pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess blood, which helps minimize any gamey odors for a cleaner taste.
Step 2
To infuse a wonderful aroma, thinly slice one scallion. Sautéed scallions release a natural sweetness and fragrant flavor into the oil, enhancing the dish.
Step 3
The key to delicious stir-fried kimchi is well-fermented, aged kimchi. Use about 1/4 head. Using very sour kimchi will add a deep, savory complexity.
Step 4
Chop the prepared aged kimchi into bite-sized pieces. If cut too large, it may take longer to cook. For a pleasant texture, it’s recommended to cut them into pieces that are easy to eat in one bite, or slightly thicker.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the sliced scallions and stir-fry until golden brown and fragrant, creating a flavorful scallion oil. This step significantly boosts the dish’s aroma.
Step 6
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the pork to the pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry until the pork is about 80% cooked. Cooking pork over medium-high heat helps to seal in the juices, keeping it tender.
Step 7
When the pork is partially cooked, add the chopped kimchi to the pan along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir-fry well. The sugar helps to mellow the tanginess of the aged kimchi and enhances its savory notes.
Step 8
To make the stir-fried kimchi visually appealing and add a touch of spice, add 1-2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), depending on your preference. Stir-fry thoroughly to allow the chili flakes to meld with the kimchi.
Step 9
Now that the stir-fried kimchi looks beautiful and has a good color, it’s time to add the seasoning to balance the flavors. Add the ingredients that will complete the deliciousness of the stir-fried kimchi and cook well.
Step 10
Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or anchovy sauce), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of mirin (or cooking wine) to the pan. Stir these ingredients together with the kimchi and pork.
Step 11
Continue to stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the seasoning ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed over the kimchi and pork. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 12
Turn off the heat. Finally, add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Toss gently to finish. Sesame oil adds a final rich fragrance to the dish.
Step 13
You can either blanch the tofu in boiling water or, for a quicker method, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 2 minutes until warm. Microwaving is a fast and easy way to warm up the tofu perfectly.
Step 14
Once the tofu is warm, cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into squares or even round slices for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Step 15
Now, let’s assemble the Dubu Kimchi beautifully! Place a generous portion of the stir-fried kimchi in the center of a serving plate. Arrange the warmed, sliced tofu in a circle around the kimchi for an attractive presentation. This dish, rich in protein from the tofu and packed with flavor, is also an excellent option for a diet meal. Eating it without rice, topped with stir-fried kimchi and pork on the tofu, is incredibly delicious. Even when served with rice, the tofu helps you manage your carbohydrate intake. If you’re looking for ways to use up your aged kimchi as the kimchi-making season approaches, try this Dubu Kimchi recipe with any pork you have on hand for a wonderful meal!
