Microwave Stir-Fried Kimchi
No-Stove, Sweet & Tangy Stir-Fried Kimchi Recipe
While many love traditional kimchi, stir-fried kimchi holds a special place in our hearts! Do you always have to use the stovetop to make it? This microwave recipe offers a quick and easy alternative to delicious stir-fried kimchi. Perfect for using up leftover napa cabbage kimchi, it’s ready in minutes with minimal effort and no gas stove needed.
Main Ingredients
- Napa Cabbage Kimchi (about 1 bowl of rice portion) 1/4 head
Seasoning
- Soy Sauce 1 tsp
- Oligosaccharide 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 tsp
- Soy Sauce 1 tsp
- Oligosaccharide 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredient: napa cabbage kimchi. Cut about 1 bowl of rice worth of kimchi (approximately 1/4 head) into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them not too large will help the seasonings absorb well and result in a tender texture when cooked.
Step 2
Get a microwave-safe container or bowl. Ensure it’s large enough to hold all the chopped kimchi. If it has a lid, have it ready. If not, consider preparing plastic wrap for covering later.
Step 3
Place the cut kimchi into the prepared microwave-safe container. Now, it’s time to add the flavorings. Start by adding 2 teaspoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This will add spiciness and give the kimchi a vibrant color.
Step 4
Next, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. The fragrance of sesame oil will elevate the overall taste of the stir-fried kimchi.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to bring in some umami. While kimchi itself is seasoned, a little soy sauce helps balance the flavors and adds depth.
Step 6
Finally, add 1 teaspoon of oligosaccharide for sweetness. Oligosaccharide also adds a nice sheen and perfects the sweet and tangy balance. You can substitute this with sugar or corn syrup if needed.
Step 7
Mix everything well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the kimchi. Use chopsticks or a spatula to gently mix along the kimchi strands. This prevents clumping and ensures consistent flavor. Mix gently to avoid tearing the kimchi.
Step 8
Cover the seasoned kimchi for microwave cooking. To prevent splattering and minimize moisture loss, cover it with clean plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. If using a lid, you might want to leave it slightly ajar. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes.
Step 9
Place the prepared kimchi in the microwave and heat for a total of 4 minutes. For more even cooking, you can pause midway to stir the kimchi. After 4 minutes, you’ll have delicious stir-fried kimchi ready without using any heat! It’s best enjoyed warm.
