Delicious Stir-Fried Kimchi with Tuna
Savor the Tangy & Sweet: Easy Stir-Fried Aged Kimchi and Tuna Recipe for Lunchboxes
A simple and delicious recipe for stir-fried aged kimchi with tuna, perfect for busy days or as a side dish for lunchboxes. The tangy kimchi combined with savory tuna creates a delightful balance of flavors that pairs wonderfully with rice. Ideal for beating summer appetites!
Ingredients
- 1/4 head of well-fermented aged kimchi (or about 2 cups), chopped
- 1 can of tuna (150g)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1-2 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tsp perilla oil (sesame oil with perilla seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the aged kimchi, the star of this dish! If your kimchi is very sour, you can rinse it briefly under running water and squeeze out the excess moisture before chopping. I prefer to use it as is to fully capture its original tanginess. Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm in length. For the thicker stem parts, chop them finer to ensure a softer texture after cooking.
Step 2
Add 2-3 teaspoons of fragrant perilla oil to the pan. The unique aroma of perilla oil will add a deeper, richer flavor to your stir-fried kimchi.
Step 3
Place the chopped aged kimchi into the pan and stir-fry over medium-low heat. It’s important to cook until the kimchi wilts and becomes slightly juicy. If you have some kimchi juice, you can add a little to enhance the savory flavor.
Step 4
Once the kimchi starts to look slightly translucent, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir-fry together. Cook for about 1 minute more, allowing the garlic aroma to meld with the kimchi, mellowing its sharpness while leaving its fragrance.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient: canned tuna. You can add the entire can, including the oil. The tuna oil is packed with umami flavor and will enhance the taste of the stir-fried kimchi. If you find the oil excessive or prefer a less rich taste, you can drain some of the oil before adding the tuna.
Step 6
To balance the sourness of the aged kimchi and add a touch of sweetness, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar based on how sour your kimchi is and your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more.
Step 7
Finally, add the roughly chopped green onions and stir to combine all the ingredients. The sweetness and aroma of the green onions will add another layer of deliciousness. Continue to stir-fry until the sourness of the kimchi is somewhat subdued and a mild sweetness is noticeable.
Step 8
Maintain medium-low heat and continue to stir-fry until the seasonings are evenly distributed and the liquid has reduced. Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a little sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma.
Step 9
This stir-fried kimchi with tuna is an excellent choice for summer lunchboxes! It’s an addictive dish that will make you want to finish your entire bowl of rice. It’s delicious mixed with warm rice or simply enjoyed as a side dish. Be sure to give this recipe a try!
