Mild Kimchi Tuna Stir-fry
Easy and Delicious Kimchi Tuna Stir-fry: A Kid-Friendly Recipe!
Discover how to make a delicious Kimchi Tuna Stir-fry that’s not spicy, perfect for kids! This recipe uses simple ingredients and results in a flavorful dish that’s great as a main meal or a lunchbox side. It balances the tangy flavor of aged kimchi with the savory richness of tuna, making it a beloved dish for all ages.
Main Ingredients- 1 bowl of well-fermented kimchi (approx. 200g)
- 1 can of tuna (150g)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 bowl of water (approx. 100ml)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 bowl of water (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe focuses on a mild flavor profile, making it ideal for children. If you prefer a spicier taste, feel free to add minced Cheongyang chili peppers or a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for extra heat and depth of flavor. Adjust to your liking!
Step 2
Prepare about 1 bowl (using a soup bowl as a reference) of kimchi. You can finely chop it with a knife, but using scissors is a much quicker and easier way to get it into small pieces. I’ve cut it very finely for lunchboxes, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to leave the pieces larger.
Step 3
Use one can of tuna. Drain the oil slightly by placing the tuna in a sieve. Don’t drain it completely, as the oil adds flavor. Just let the excess liquid drain off a little. This retained oil will enhance the dish’s richness.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. The nutty aroma of the sesame oil will meld beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 5
Add the finely chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry it well. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the kimchi softens and develops a slightly browned color. Stir-frying helps to mellow the sourness of the kimchi and bring out its natural savory flavors.
Step 6
To balance the tanginess of the kimchi and add a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add an extra half tablespoon. For children, increasing the sugar slightly can make it even more appealing.
Step 7
Continue stir-frying the kimchi and sugar for a minute, then pour in about half a bowl of water (approx. 100ml). Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the liquid has reduced and thickened, coating the kimchi. Stir occasionally as it cooks down.
Step 8
Once the liquid has mostly reduced, add the thinly sliced green onions. The subtle sweetness and fresh aroma of the green onions will add another layer of flavor to the stir-fry.
Step 9
Finally, add the tuna (with the oil lightly drained) and quickly stir-fry everything together for about 1-2 minutes, just until the tuna is heated through and combined with the kimchi. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the tuna too much. Your delicious Kimchi Tuna Stir-fry is ready!
Step 10
This Kimchi Tuna Stir-fry was a hit with the kids because it’s not spicy! I usually make kimchi into stews, but this stir-fry version using our aged kimchi is a delightful change. I’ll definitely be making this more often. It’s perfect as a side dish with rice or even as a simple appetizer!
