Spicy Stir-Fried Kimchi with Pork (Dubu Kimchi)
Easy Pork and Kimchi Stir-fry Recipe: A Flavorful Dubu Kimchi Meal!
This recipe shows you how to make delicious stir-fried kimchi with ground pork. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal served with tofu!
Stir-fried Kimchi
- 1/2 head aged kimchi (about 400-500g)
- 200g ground pork
- 250ml water
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 stalk green onion
- A little sesame oil
- A little sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing half a head of aged kimchi. If your kimchi head is large, it should be around 400-500g. This amount will fill a large frying pan generously.
Step 2
Instead of using a knife on a cutting board, use scissors to cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. This not only reduces washing up but also prevents the kimchi from clumping, allowing the seasoning to distribute more evenly for a better flavor.
Step 3
Place the cut kimchi into a frying pan and add 250ml of water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let the kimchi cook until tender and well-done. Just like when making kimchi stew, well-cooked kimchi for stir-frying becomes softer, loses its raw tang, and develops a deeper flavor.
Step 4
While the kimchi is cooking, it’s time to add the seasonings. While regular soy sauce can be used, today we’re using 1 tablespoon of ‘guk-ganjang’ (Korean soup soy sauce) for a clean yet deeply savory flavor.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (‘aekjeot’) to further enhance the kimchi’s umami. It adds a clean flavor without a fishy smell. Then, add a generous 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, an essential ingredient in Korean cooking. The pungent garlic aroma will elevate the overall fragrance of the stir-fried kimchi.
Step 6
Chop one green onion into manageable pieces and add it to the pan. Using the white parts primarily will bring out a natural sweetness as it cooks, helping to mellow the tartness of the aged kimchi and add a refreshing aroma. Cooking it together from the start allows the green onion’s flavor to infuse into the kimchi.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for color and a pleasant spiciness. Then, add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to gently balance the sourness of the aged kimchi and add a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the sugar amount based on how sour your kimchi is; if you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add a little more.
Step 8
Once the kimchi is sufficiently softened, it’s time to add 200g of ground pork. Adding pork will significantly enrich the flavor of the stir-fried kimchi, making it even more delicious with its savory notes. If you love pork, feel free to use up to 300g for an even richer taste.
Step 9
Now, simply stir-fry everything together until well combined. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the kimchi has reduced and the pork is cooked through. Slow cooking it this way makes the kimchi tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 10
Check if the liquid has mostly evaporated and the kimchi is tender and cooked. Taste it at this stage. If it’s too bland, you can add a little more soy sauce or fish sauce. If the kimchi still tastes too raw, you can add a bit more gochugaru. If the flavor is just right, you don’t need any more seasoning.
Step 11
Finally, drizzle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for an aromatic finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added nuttiness and gently toss everything together. Your mouth-watering pork and kimchi stir-fry is ready! Your kitchen will be filled with a delicious aroma.
Step 12
While this stir-fried kimchi is delicious on its own, pairing it with soft, boiled tofu creates the ultimate ‘Dubu Kimchi’ (Tofu with Stir-fried Kimchi). Serve the warm tofu topped generously with the flavorful stir-fried kimchi. It’s perfect as a side dish with rice or as a fantastic accompaniment to makgeolli (Korean rice wine)!
Step 13
Even less-than-ideal aged kimchi can be transformed into a delicious and foolproof stir-fried kimchi with this recipe. Give this simple yet incredibly flavorful pork and kimchi stir-fry a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
