Savory Stir-Fried Aged Kimchi Recipe
Delicious Stir-Fried Aged Kimchi
As the kimchi-making season arrives and your kimchi refrigerator is full of aged kimchi, this stir-fried aged kimchi (Mugeunji Bokkeum) is a perfect side dish to make. It’s incredibly delicious and a great way to use up that perfectly fermented kimchi. Let’s make this simple yet deeply flavorful side dish!
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 head of aged kimchi (approx. 700-800g)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (generously)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with this recipe for delicious stir-fried aged kimchi, bursting with a refreshing and deep flavor. Use your perfectly fermented kimchi to create a wonderful side dish.
Step 2
Rinse the aged kimchi thoroughly under running water. If you want to reduce the strong sourness or fermented smell characteristic of aged kimchi, after rinsing, soak it in water with about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for 10-20 minutes. This step helps to mellow out the sharp tanginess of the kimchi.
Step 3
Drain the kimchi well in a colander. Then, tear it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm long) with your hands or chop it with a knife. Tearing it by hand allows the seasoning to penetrate better, making it tastier.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the aged kimchi and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. This process helps to evaporate excess moisture and enhance the kimchi’s flavor. Once the kimchi looks somewhat translucent, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and continue to stir-fry for another minute to infuse the garlic aroma.
Step 5
Now, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to soften the kimchi’s sourness and stir-fry until well combined. The sugar will melt and further enhance the kimchi’s flavor. After stir-frying the sugar, pour in about 1 cup (200ml) of water. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Simmering it this way will make the kimchi tender and allow the flavors to meld deeply.
Step 6
While the kimchi is tenderizing, finely chop the green onion. Separate the white and green parts if desired, and then slice them thinly. Add the chopped green onion to the pan and stir-fry together for another 1-2 minutes. The sweetness of the green onion will add another layer of deliciousness.
Step 7
Finally, generously sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the kimchi and stir-fry lightly one more time to combine. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds adds to the appetizing finish.
Step 8
Your delicious stir-fried aged kimchi, made quickly from your kimchi refrigerator stash, is now complete! Serve it over warm rice as a hearty meal, or enjoy it as a versatile side dish. You can create wonderful dishes even with leftover aged kimchi!
