Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Kimchi (Bokkeum Kimchi)
A Rice-Thief Bokkeum Kimchi: Spicy, Sweet, and Delicious!
Have leftover aged kimchi that’s lost its appeal? Don’t throw it away! Transform it into a mouthwatering spicy and sweet stir-fried kimchi that will reignite your appetite. This recipe is perfect for reviving less-than-ideal kimchi and turning it into a fantastic side dish that’s a true ‘rice thief’. Give this magical bokkeum kimchi a try!
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 head of aged kimchi
- 3 stalks of scallions
Seasoning Mix (Tablespoon measurement)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, if your kimchi is too sour or has lost its flavor, it’s best to cut it with kitchen shears directly into a bowl rather than on a cutting board. This prevents kimchi juice from splashing and making cleanup difficult. Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Wash the scallions thoroughly and finely chop them. These will be added at the end to garnish and add a fresh, pungent flavor to the stir-fried kimchi.
Step 3
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the cut kimchi and begin stir-frying. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the pan.
Step 4
Stir-fried kimchi requires a bit of time to develop its characteristic flavor and texture. Instead of high heat, stir-fry over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the kimchi becomes tender. The appeal of bokkeum kimchi lies in its slightly softened, almost mushy texture, rather than a crisp bite.
Step 5
After about 10 minutes of stir-frying, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes. Once the kimchi has softened considerably, add 1 tablespoon of sugar for sweetness, 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru for a spicy kick, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for aroma and richness. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the kimchi.
Step 6
If you desire a glossier, more appealing finish, you can drizzle in some corn syrup (oligo-dang) at this stage. Continue to stir-fry for about 5 more minutes after adding the seasonings, allowing them to meld beautifully with the kimchi.
Step 7
Finally, add the chopped scallions and give it a quick stir-fry. I personally like to lightly cook the scallions so they retain a bit of their crispness and fresh flavor. If you prefer a milder onion taste or like your scallions fully cooked, feel free to stir-fry them for a longer period.
Step 8
Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious and addictive spicy and sweet stir-fried kimchi is now ready to be enjoyed with a hot bowl of rice!
