Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu
Delicious Pan-Fried Tofu
Pan-Fried Tofu with Stir-Fried Pork Neck
I’ve made a delicious stir-fry with well-fermented kimchi and pork. The rich flavor of the aged kimchi and the savory pork create a wonderful dish perfect as a side for rice or as a snack. Served with golden-brown pan-fried tofu, it makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. If you’re craving aged kimchi but want something new, definitely try this recipe for pan-fried tofu and pork stir-fry!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu
- 1/2 head aged kimchi
- 150g pork neck or shoulder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water. Then, cut it into approximately 1.5cm thick, bite-sized pieces. Removing moisture before frying helps the tofu hold its shape and achieve a nice texture.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Place the cut tofu pieces in the pan. Fry one side until it turns a golden-brown color. Pan-frying the exterior makes the tofu delightfully crispy.
Step 3
Once the bottom side of the tofu is a tempting brown, flip each piece over and fry the other side until golden brown as well. Ensure all sides are evenly browned for a delicious appearance.
Step 4
Cut the pork neck or shoulder into appropriate-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients listed in the recipe (minced garlic, sugar, gochugaru, pepper, etc.) and mix well to marinate. Marinating the pork will infuse it with deeper flavors.
Step 5
Preheat a separate pan over medium heat and add the marinated pork. Stir-fry the pork, ensuring it doesn’t burn, until it’s mostly cooked and has changed color. This is when you’ll add the next ingredients.
Step 6
Chop the aged kimchi into manageable, bite-sized pieces. If the pieces are too large, they can be difficult to eat. Gently squeeze out some of the kimchi juice before chopping. (If your aged kimchi is very sour, you can lightly rinse it before chopping.)
Step 7
Slice the onion into thin strips and thinly slice the green onion diagonally. Add these prepared vegetables to the pan with the cooking pork. The vegetables will release their natural sweetness and aroma, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
Step 8
Add 2 teaspoons of gochugaru to the stir-frying kimchi, vegetables, and pork, and stir well. Taste and add another teaspoon if you prefer it spicier. (Adjust the amount of gochugaru to your preference.) If you find it’s not sweet enough, adding sugar or corn syrup will add a pleasant sweetness. This step helps balance the sourness of the kimchi and the richness of the pork.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of perilla oil and stir-fry everything together once more. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will elevate the dish’s taste. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. Arrange the stir-fried kimchi and pork attractively on a plate, and serve alongside the golden-brown pan-fried tofu for a complete and delicious meal.
