Flavorful Pork Belly Kimchi Stir-fry with Tofu: A Delicious Combination
Pork Belly Kimchi Tofu Stir-fry: Revitalize Leftover Kimchi and Tofu into a Delicious Meal
Do you often find yourself with leftover tofu from a 1+1 deal, unsure of what to do with it? This recipe transforms it, along with your fridge’s kimchi, into a delightful ‘Pork Belly Kimchi Tofu Stir-fry’! The rich flavor of pork belly, the crispiness of stir-fried kimchi, and the tenderness of tofu create a dish that’s incredibly satisfying and perfect with rice. Here’s a special recipe for a simple yet impressive meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300-400g)
- 200g Pork Belly (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups well-fermented Kimchi (chopped)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
Seasoning & Garnish
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Water (for blanching tofu)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Water (for blanching tofu)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tofu. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the whole block of tofu and blanch for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to remove any raw smell from the tofu and gives it a firmer, more pleasant texture. Gently remove the blanched tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm thick squares. Set the cut tofu aside on a sieve to drain excess water.
Step 2
Now, let’s start the stir-fry! Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the thinly sliced pork belly. Cook slowly until the pork belly renders its delicious fat. Once a good amount of fat has been released, add the sliced garlic and stir-fry together to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook until it’s lightly golden brown.
Step 3
When the pork belly and garlic are partially cooked, add the chopped, well-fermented kimchi to the pan and stir-fry together. Continue to cook until the kimchi becomes slightly tender and its flavors meld with the savory pork belly. To balance the sourness of the kimchi and enhance its umami, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir-fry well.
Step 4
Once the kimchi is sufficiently stir-fried, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a vibrant color and extra flavor. Finally, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of perilla oil for a nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until well combined. You’ll start to smell the wonderful, nutty fragrance of the perilla oil.
Step 5
Arrange the delicious pork belly kimchi stir-fry on a serving plate. Place the blanched tofu pieces attractively on top. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty flavor. Your wonderful Pork Belly Kimchi Tofu Stir-fry is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve with a bowl of warm rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
