Warm Tofu with Spicy Stir-Fried Kimchi
Easy Tofu Kimchi Recipe: The Perfect Harmony of Rice-Stealing Stir-Fried Kimchi and Soft Tofu!
Tofu, often enjoyed in stews or braises, takes on a delightful new form as ‘Tofu Kimchi,’ paired with spicy and sweet stir-fried kimchi. The exquisite combination of silky tofu and flavorful, savory kimchi is a magical dish that will have you devouring a bowl of rice in no time.
Essential Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300-400g) soft or regular tofu
- 1/6 head (approx. 200-250g) well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm wide). Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry. Once the kimchi starts to become translucent, add 1 cup (200ml) of water. This step prevents the kimchi from sticking or burning to the pan and makes it more moist and delicious.
Step 2
As the kimchi begins to bubble and simmer in the pan, add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru. Stir gently to combine with the kimchi. Adjust the sugar amount depending on how sour your kimchi is, and feel free to add more gochugaru if you prefer it spicier. If the mixture seems too dry while cooking, add a little more water intermittently to prevent burning. It’s important to let the kimchi simmer briskly.
Step 3
Continue to stir-fry the kimchi over medium-low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated. As the sauce thickens, the kimchi’s flavor will become more concentrated and develop a deeper taste. Finally, add a tiny pinch of salt (taste and adjust as needed) and stir-fry briefly to finish. This creates a delicious stir-fried kimchi. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
Step 4
Prepare 1 block of tofu. There are two simple ways to warm the tofu. First, place the tofu in a pot, cover it with water, and bring it to a gentle boil until heated through. Second, place the tofu in a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 2 minutes for a quick warm tofu. Either method will result in soft, warm tofu.
Step 5
Cut the warmed tofu into desired serving pieces (usually 3-4 portions per block) and arrange them neatly on a plate. Place the warm stir-fried kimchi alongside the tofu. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds generously over the top for an aromatic finish and visual appeal. Your beautiful Tofu Kimchi dish is now complete. Enjoy this delightful combination of warm tofu and spicy, sweet stir-fried kimchi!
