Mellow Kimchi Stir-fry with Perilla Oil: A Savory and Sweet Delight
Bursting with Savory Aroma: Sweet and Tangy Mellow Kimchi Stir-fry
This dish features mellow kimchi, aged for a deep, rich flavor, stir-fried with fragrant perilla oil to create a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. It’s a perfect side dish for rice, a wonderful accompaniment to drinks, and an incredibly easy recipe for anyone to follow.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of Napa Cabbage Kimchi (aged/mellow kimchi)
- 500ml Anchovy Broth (or water)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently rinse the mellow kimchi under running water to wash away excess seasoning. Be careful not to wash too vigorously, as this can diminish the kimchi’s flavor. Squeeze the rinsed kimchi firmly with your hands to remove excess water. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery and ensures a delicious stir-fry.
Step 2
Once prepared, chop the mellow kimchi into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into larger chunks for a heartier texture, or mince them finely for a more integrated flavor. Smaller pieces tend to absorb the seasonings better, making the dish even tastier.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic in a pan over medium-low heat. Sauté them until the nutty aroma of the perilla oil is released and the garlic becomes fragrant. It’s important to manage the heat to prevent burning.
Step 4
Add the chopped mellow kimchi to the pan with the fragrant garlic and perilla oil, and stir-fry together. Once the kimchi has softened slightly, pour in 500ml of anchovy broth. If you don’t have anchovy broth, water can be used. When using water, consider adding 0.5 tablespoon of Dashida (seasoning powder) to enhance the umami flavor.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar. The sourness of mellow kimchi can vary, so adjust the sugar amount according to your preference. If the kimchi is very sour, add a little more sugar; otherwise, add an appropriate amount to achieve a balanced sweet and tangy taste.
Step 6
Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, allowing the kimchi to meld with the seasonings. Cook until the kimchi becomes tender and the liquid has reduced to a glaze. Stirring regularly is key to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 7
Your delicious Mellow Kimchi Stir-fry with Perilla Oil, featuring a harmonious blend of tangy kimchi, nutty perilla oil, and a touch of sweetness, is now ready! Serve it over hot rice for a delightful rice bowl, or enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite beverages. Enjoy your meal today!
